A German driver has been slapped with a hefty fine for speeding on the famous Autobahn – despite the fact that the stretch of road had no official speed limit.
The motorist was caught driving at 132 km/h (82 mph) in wet conditions, which police deemed dangerously fast given the weather. While many sections of Germany’s Autobahn are unrestricted, drivers can still be penalised for driving at speeds considered inappropriate for road or weather conditions.
Why Was the Driver Fined?
German traffic laws allow authorities to issue fines if a driver’s speed is considered reckless, even in unrestricted zones. In this case, heavy rain made the road slippery, and the driver’s speed was judged to be unsafe.
"Just because there’s no speed limit doesn’t mean you can drive as fast as you want in any situation," a police spokesperson explained.
How Much Was the Fine?
The driver was fined €100 (£85) and received a penalty point on their licence. While this may seem lenient compared to fines in other countries, German authorities take road safety seriously, especially in hazardous conditions.
Autobahn Speed Rules Explained
Key facts about Autobahn speeding:
- Around 70% of the Autobahn has no permanent speed limit.
- Drivers must still adjust speed for traffic, weather, and visibility.
- Excessive speed in poor conditions can lead to fines or licence penalties.
So next time you hit the Autobahn, remember: no speed limit doesn’t mean no rules!
