Traffic laws and enforcement

The German autobahn network is patrolled by unmarked police cars and motorcycles equipped with video cameras; this allows the enforcement of laws (tailgating, for example) which are often viewed in other countries as difficult to prove in court. Notable laws include the following:

· Autobahns in Austria and Germany may only be used by powered vehicles that are designed to achieve a maximum speed exceeding 60 km/h (Switzerland: 80 km/h).

· The right lane must be used when it is free and the left lane is generally intended for passing maneuvers only; drivers using the left lane for prolonged periods of time when the other lanes are free may be fined by Autobahn police.

· Overtaking on the right (Undertaking) is forbidden, except in traffic jams where it may be practiced with caution. The fact that the car overtaken is illegally occupying the left-hand lane is not an acceptable excuse; in such cases the police will routinely stop and fine both drivers.

· In a case of a traffic jam, the drivers must form an emergency lane to guarantee that emergency services can reach the scene of the accident. This lane has to be formed between the left lane and the lane next to the left lane.

· It is unlawful for a driver to stop their vehicle on the road for any reason except in an emergency and/or situations where stopping is unavoidable, such as being in a traffic jam or being involved in a collision. This includes stopping on emergency lanes. Running out of fuel is considered preventable and is consequently fined. In some cases, it can also be deemed a crime, and the driver can be given a prison sentence.

· The distance between vehicles (in meters) should be at least half the speed (in km/h) at all times (e.g. at least 60 meters at 120 km/h). This corresponds to a “lead time” of just under 2 seconds. As a reference: the white-and-black reflection posts to the right have a distance of 50 m to each other. Again, the fact that the car in front is illegally occupying the left-hand lane when the right-hand lane is free does not excuse following too closely.

Fines for tailgating were increased in May 2006. At speeds over 100 km/h, keeping less than 30 percent of the recommended distance now results in a suspension of ones driver's license for one to three months.

· Due to legal regulations it is allowed to honk and flash headlights in order to indicate the intention of overtaking, but a proper distance to the vehicle in front must be maintained. Driving at insufficient distances--even when flashing ones headlights--is illegal.

· The tires must be approved for the vehicle’s top speed (winter tires (mud- and snow-tires) for lower speeds (i.e. cheaper than high-speed tires) are allowed, but the driver must have a sticker in the cockpit reminding of the maximum speed).