Motorway Rules by Country 2026 — Speed Limits, Truck Limits & Key Differences
Compare motorway speed limits, truck restrictions, minimum speed requirements and key driving rules across 50+ countries. Sort and filter to find differences.
Motorway speed limits range from 100 km/h (Netherlands, Israel) to unlimited (Germany Autobahn sections). The UK uses 70 mph (112 km/h). Trucks face separate limits in almost every country — typically 80–90 km/h. Most European countries require a warning triangle and reflective vest. Germany's Autobahn has no general speed limit on ~70% of its network.
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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.