The German autobahns are well-known for being some of the few public roads in the world without speed limit. Certainly, speed limits do exists at heavily-trafficked and other danger stretches, like sections under construction or in need of repair. In general an advisory speed limit of 80mph (130kph) is given, whilst it it is set between 56mph (90kph) and 75mph (120kph) for the above mentioned parts.

On average, about three quarters of the total length of the German autobahn network has no speed limit, about one quarter has a permanent limit, and the remaining parts have a temporary limit for a number of reasons.

Being the third-longest in the world behind the road networks of the United States and the People's Republic of China Germany's autobahn network has a total length of about 12,200 km (in 2005).

Many sections of Germany's autobahns contain three lanes in addition to an emergency lane while others still only have two lanes and no emergency lane. A combination of the two types of autobahn can be found on the A9 autobahn (Munich-Berlin). Leaving from Munich, the autobahn starts off as a modern, five lane in each direction with an emergency lane autobahn.

In contrast to the Autobahn in urban areas the speed limit lies between 31mph (50kph) to 18mph (30kph) in some residental and central areas. Outside built up areas one is allowed to drive up to 62mph (100kph). Exceeding the limit can cost you your licence and a hefty fine.