From 100 to 140 km/h: Motorway Rules by Country (2026)
Sort car limits, truck limits, minimum-speed rules and required kit across 50+ countries, from 100 km/h in the Netherlands to the unposted German Autobahn.
Motorway car limits run from 100 km/h in the Netherlands to 140 km/h in Poland and Bulgaria, with no general limit on about 70% of Germany's Autobahn; trucks are usually held to 80-90 km/h.
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Motorway limits are the rule foreign drivers get wrong most often, because the number changes at almost every border. This table sets car limits, truck limits, minimum-speed rules and mandatory equipment side by side for more than 50 countries, so you can sort and compare rather than guess: 100 km/h in the Netherlands and Israel at the low end, 140 km/h in Poland and Bulgaria at the top, 70 mph in Britain, and roughly 70% of the German Autobahn with no general limit at all. Trucks sit lower nearly everywhere, usually 80-90 km/h.
Frequently Asked Questions
Germany's Autobahn has no general speed limit on approximately 70% of its network. Where limits are posted, they are typically 120–130 km/h. Poland and Bulgaria allow 140 km/h on some motorway sections. Most other European countries cap at 120–130 km/h.
France has a motorway speed limit of 130 km/h in dry conditions, reduced to 110 km/h in rain. The limit drops to 110 km/h when visibility is below 50 metres. Novice drivers (less than 2 years of licence) are limited to 110 km/h.
Yes, on sections without posted limits (which represent about 70% of the network). However, 130 km/h is the recommended advisory speed (Richtgeschwindigkeit). If you have an accident above 130 km/h, you may bear partial liability even if not at fault. Posted speed limits (120 or 130 km/h) are legally binding.
Most countries don't have an explicit minimum speed limit but require vehicles to maintain a speed appropriate for the road. Germany and some other countries require vehicles to be capable of at least 60 km/h to use the Autobahn. Tractors and heavy slow vehicles are typically banned from motorways entirely.
Yes. In almost all countries, trucks and coaches face lower speed limits than cars. Common truck motorway limits: 80 km/h (UK, Italy, Spain), 90 km/h (Germany, France, Netherlands), 100 km/h (some countries). These limits vary by vehicle weight and type.