Speed ​​limit: How long does a speed limit apply?

Created: 10/24/2022, 4:30 p.m

By: Sebastian Oppenheimer

There are countless speed limit signs in Germany - but does a speed limit really end at the next junction or intersection?

Many foreigners are particularly impressed by one thing about Germany: the autobahn.

After all, there you can drive as fast as you want - and as is well known, that is hardly possible in any other country in the world.

And so, not too long ago, a Czech millionaire in his Bugatti Chiron was actually thundering down a section of the A2 motorway at 417 km/h.

In reality, however, things usually look a little different.

A speed limit has long been in force on many sections of the Autobahn in Germany.

But how long does such a speed limit apply?

Speed ​​limit: How long does a speed limit apply?

There are many myths about traffic rules - and that seems to be the case when it comes to the validity of speed limits.

Because many motorists are of the opinion that a speed limit ends at the next intersection - or in the case of a motorway at the next slip road.

But that's just a rumor, as the ADAC lawyers explain.

A speed limit only ends with the cancellation sign – or in town at the town limit sign.

Because the prohibition signs are not repeated after every junction, a driver who is unfamiliar with the area cannot be accused of speeding or overtaking if he does not pass a traffic sign after turning.

How long does a speed limit apply?

Many motorists have a misconception on this question.

(Iconic image) © Olaf Döring/Imago

Validity of speed limits: special case danger zone

The situation is different, for example, at hazardous areas such as construction sites or schools.

As Stefan Ehl, motor vehicle expert from the expert organization KÜS, explains, the speed limit in these cases ends without a lifting sign if the danger point has obviously passed.

The speed limit also ends automatically if, according to the signs, the restriction only applies to a certain distance.

Drivers can see this from a small additional sign with a meter and two arrows.

Traffic Signs: Do you know the meaning of these traffic signs?

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What a lot of people don't know either: Even if there is no speed limit on a stretch of motorway, speeders can face trouble.

The driver of an Audi RS6 Avant was recently found guilty after an accident in which a mobile home suddenly switched to the left lane - primarily because he had clearly exceeded the recommended speed.

And even a reckless driving style can, under certain circumstances, constitute a “single racer” or “single race” – and thus lead to a penalty even without a motorway speed limit.