Autobahn Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Bundesautobahnen
The German Autobahn sign with route markers for Bundesautobahnen 1, 3 & 5
A map of the German Bundesautobahnen network
System information
Maintained by Bundesministerium für Verkehr und digitale Infrastruktur
Length	12,996 km (2017) (8,075 mi)
Highway names
Autobahns:	Bundesautobahn X (BAB X or A X)

The Autobahn is a special system of roads in Germany. These roads are like big motorways where cars can often drive very fast. Many parts of the Autobahn are famous because they have no official speed limits. This means drivers can go as fast as they safely can.

Autobahns are built for smooth and fast travel. They have at least two lanes for cars going in each direction. A barrier or wide grassy area separates the traffic going opposite ways. Sometimes, there are even more lanes for one direction. There might also be an extra lane for cars that break down. Drivers are usually expected to stay in the right-most lane. They only move to a left lane when they need to pass slower cars or trucks.

What is the Autobahn?
- Driving on the Autobahn
  - Speed Limits and Safety
  - How Autobahns are Organized
- Paying to Drive
Images for kids
See also

What is the Autobahn?

The Autobahn is Germany's main network of national highways. It helps people and goods travel quickly across the country. These roads are designed to be very safe and efficient for high-speed driving.

Driving on the Autobahn

Driving on the Autobahn is a unique experience. It's different from driving on regular roads in many countries. Drivers need to be very aware of their surroundings. This is especially true because of the varying speeds of vehicles.

Speed Limits and Safety

While many parts of the Autobahn have no speed limit, there is a suggested speed. This recommendation is 130 km (80.8 mi) per hour. If a driver goes faster than 130 km/h and causes an accident, they might be held responsible. German traffic law says you should only drive as fast as the road conditions allow. This means you must consider weather, traffic, and how well you can see.

Safety is very important on the Autobahn. Studies have looked at how speed limits affect accidents. The German Road Safety Council found that sections without speed limits have more deaths. They reported about 25% more deaths compared to sections with a speed limit. Another study by Der Spiegel suggested that setting a speed limit everywhere could save about 140 lives each year.

How Autobahns are Organized

The Autobahn system is well-organized. If you need help, there are emergency telephones every 2 kilometres (1.2 miles). These phones let you quickly call for assistance.

Junctions are where Autobahns connect. A junction where one Autobahn ends is called a Dreieck (Triangle). A junction where two Autobahns cross is called a Kreuz (Cross). When an Autobahn connects to a normal road, it's called an Anschlussstelle. All the junctions on an Autobahn are numbered in order. This helps drivers know where they are and find their way.

Paying to Drive

Driving on the German Autobahn is free for most cars. However, large trucks have to pay a fee. Trucks weighing 12.5 tons or more pay a toll. This toll is about twelve cents (-,€12) for every kilometre they drive. This money helps maintain the roads.