Whether you're planning a business trip, a holiday, or are driving across Europe - understanding Germany’s speed limits is very important.
While parts of the German motorway network are famous for having no upper speed limit, there are still clear rules in place that drivers must follow.
Standard Speed Limits in Germany
Germany uses kilometres per hour (km/h) rather than miles per hour (mph), so speed readings will look different to UK drivers.
Here are the most common limits:
| Road Type | Speed Limit for Cars |
|---|---|
| Town/City Areas | 50 km/h (approx. 31 mph) |
| Open Roads | 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph) |
| Autobahn (motorway) | No general limit (see below) |
| Residential zones | 30 km/h (approx. 18 mph) |
| Vehicles towing trailers | 80–100 km/h depending on the road type |
There may be regional variations and additional restrictions to vehicles which use snow chains. So always adhere to the limits as dictated by the local signs. The above should only be considered as a general overview.
