Car speed limits in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Passenger cars may do 50 km/h in built-up areas and 100 km/h on other roads outside them. There is no general limit on motorways, where 130 km/h is recommended.

RuleWhat applies
Built-up areasPassenger car on public roads50 km/h [1]
Outside built-up areas (single carriageway)Passenger car on public roads100 km/h [1]
Outside built-up areas (dual carriageway or expressway)Passenger car on public roads100 km/h [1]
MotorwaysPassenger car on public roadsNo general limit. 130 km/h is recommended. [2]

Notes

  • This 100 km/h limit does not apply on motorways (Autobahnen). It applies to cars and other vehicles up to 3.5 t.
  • The 100 km/h limit also applies on dual carriageways outside motorways. 130 km/h is recommended there, but only where no limit sign is posted.
  • The 130 km/h figure is a recommendation, not a limit. Local signs can set a maximum.

Sources

  1. Bundesministerium der Justiz / Bundesamt für Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): § 3 StVO 2013 - Einzelnorm (Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung, § 3 Geschwindigkeit) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundesministerium der Justiz / Bundesamt für Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): Verordnung über eine allgemeine Richtgeschwindigkeit auf Autobahnen und ähnlichen Straßen (Autobahn-Richtgeschwindigkeits-V), § 1 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.