Autobahn Etiquette
Tips On Driving On Europe's Motorways

They may be slightly different in each language… autobahns, autostradas, autostrasses, but they link European countries together. And the way Europeans drive on them is something they do have in common.

There is no need to feel intimidated about driving on the Autobahns, but American drivers especially need to know European driving etiquette.

Europeans use the fast lanes to pass slower moving traffic only. If you're driving on the Autobahns, observe Autobahn etiquette and do the same. It's illegal to pass on the right, and European drivers don't. If someone is coming up behind you. Pull over!!!

The traffic pattern looks a bit like a big game of leap-frog, but it's far more efficient and easier to deal with than having several lanes clogged up with slow drivers.

If you are anywhere outside of the slow lane, you really do need to keep an eye on your rearview mirror… some of those drivers do drive FAST. They may not have been there a few seconds ago, but they'll close on you faster than you can imagine and expect you to move.

Despite rumors to the contrary, there are speed limits posted on parts of the Autobahns in Germany. In places where there are sharp curves or areas where heavy traffic is typical, posted limits may be between 50 mph (80 km/h) and 80 mph (130 km/h). The rest of the Autobahn seems to be pretty much a free-for-all, with a suggested speed of 80 mph.

On heavily traveled parts of the Autobahns, you may see lighted speed signs over the roadway. If speed signs are lit above your lane, it means that speed limits are enforced. The lights will flash the speed limit to remind you if you are exceeding the limit. It may even be different in each lane!

Even driving the Autobahns has its aggravations. There is lots of road construction and not just in countries trying to come up to German standards. You have to watch diversions and lane merging, but even when you run into this, it's less aggravating because of Autobahn etiquette. When lanes merge, cars from the two merging lanes take turns filing neatly into a single stack. It seems like most Americans have become more selfish and territorial to the point of ignoring or even blocking drivers trying to merge when they are required to.

We think driving is a great way to get out of the cities and see a little of the European countryside. Learn a little Autobahn etiquette and the whole trip will be a more fun.

Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it!   Judy and Mark

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