1. On the autobahns and multi-laned roads in all Europe and especially Germany and Austria, always drive in the righthand (slow) lanes unless passing. When passing, first check rear and side view mirrors for anyone coming up fast in the passing lane before pulling out, then, as soon as safe, return to righthand lane(s).
Drivers in these countries travel at high speeds 90-120+ MPH and tailgate recklessly if you are in the fast lane in front of them. It is an ego thing. Most autobahns have virtually no speed limits, although most recommend 130KPH as top limit. Where there are posted limits, most drivers slow and adhere to the posted limit. (The fastest driven cars are small, red, VWs, driven by younger drivers. Second fastest are small VWs of other colors, driven by younger drivers; it is an economic + ego thing)
Another thing to be alert to is the practice of passing at high speed on the left only to then cut in front to make the next exit (Ausfahrt). Passing on the right and a right turns on red lights are not allowed. There are few instances where you can turn right on red, however there will always be a signal or sign denoting this.
On most highways and through most autobahn tunnels the limit is 100KPH or less and is always posted.
Speed limit through towns and villages generally 50 or 60 KPH and is rigidly enforced. In some villages the local police like to wait at the bottom of a hill around a corner with a radar gun to fatten up the village coffers.
Saturdays, in the resort areas, are changeover days for rental units, so traffic is thick leaving these areas in the AM and towards these areas in PM. Sundays are best driving days as all trucks except those with perishable goods are banned from autobahn travel.
(To convert KPH to MPH multiply KPH by .6 100KPH=60MPH, 125KPH=75MPH and 150KPH=90MPH)
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