Driving on the Autobahn

Lane discipline

• Keep right: move back to the right immediately after overtaking.
• Overtaking on the right is illegal – even if someone is slow in the left lane.
• Lorries are banned from overtaking on many sections (sign with a red lorry).
• Indicate before every lane change and check your blind spot – cars approach from behind at high speed.

Speed limits and signs

Round white signs with a red border show maximum speeds; electronic gantries adjust them to traffic and weather. A sign with black diagonal stripes ends a limit. Blue signs with numbers are junction numbers (“Ausfahrt” = exit). Some limits apply only in the wet, shown with a supplementary plate.

Zip merging and emergency corridors

When a lane ends, merge alternately at the end of the lane – there is no need to move over early. In a jam or slow traffic, immediately form an emergency corridor: the far-left lane moves left, all other lanes move right.

Service areas and fuel

Service areas (Raststätten) on the motorway are open around the clock but expensive. Toilets there usually cost €1 (Sanifair) in exchange for a voucher. Autohöfe sit just off an exit and, according to price comparisons, are around 20–25% cheaper on average for snacks and drinks; fuel is often cheaper there too.

Breakdowns and accidents

1. Switch on hazard lights and pull onto the hard shoulder.
2. Put on the hi-vis vest and get everyone behind the crash barrier.
3. Place the warning triangle about 150–200 m behind the car.
4. Call the rental company’s breakdown line (number on the agreement); dial 112 if anyone is hurt.