Germany’s autobahns are a bucket list item for gearheads…and if it isn’t, it should be. The legend is true for the most part. There are sections of the roadways where speeds are solely at the discretion of the driver, who, according to German viewpoints, should be capable of controlling their vehicle, knowledgeable of how to operate it safely while at speed, and slavishly obedient to the “stay to the right except to pass” rule. Otherwise, go as fast as your…um…testicular fortitude allows. Be that 85 MPH as a sensible commuter or 200-plus miles per hour as one of the highway’s absolute screamers, flying down the left lane. When the best we get is the 85 MPH limit on one stretch of tollway in Texas and a few western states that allow 80 miles an hour on specified sections of roadway, a vacation to Germany and a shot at the roads that have enticed with the promise of letting you open the taps to your heart’s content starts to look pretty good.
Well, if you’ve considered the options, you might want to book your flight and borrowed car ASAP, because according to a draft proposal that was spotted by Reuters, a committee that is looking towards the future of transportation has taken aim at the unrestricted Autobahns. The plans, if they were to progress to law, would include the removal of diesel tax breaks, a hike on fuel taxes, quotas for electric and hybrid cars, and a motorway speed limit of 130 K/PH (just over 80 MPH). The draft is expected to finalize the report by March and, if everything goes to plan, will be included in a potential climate change law that the German government is looking to create later on in the year.
What car would you choose to make one last blast across down the road in?
(Courtesy: Autoblog)
The arrogance of pencil-necked, dickless beaurocrats. That man can change the climate. What hogwash…
Not being a jerkbutt today, I would like to know what percentage the auto has on air quality? Maybe you could do a story on that?
Found myself unexpectedly in Germany once–went to rent a car for Autobahn
It was VERY expensive so I wound up with the cheapest unit a VW Golf–Ok at about 125-130 MPH it was still fun but very soon it was out of fuel –so pull over refuel and soon us young lads were broke so —if you are going– take a wad of $$$ if you want a fast Mercedes or some fast unit and you better stay in the right lane
One note–they do not slow down for rain–you see rain up ahead–you slow down–they do not
The big black spots are where cars burnt–they are common
Germany should expect protests to happen just like France experienced if this climate changed law is passed.
A ‘ 95 BMW 540i. BTW having spent time in Germany, they take the environment seriously, so it would not surprise me if this passes.
Actually, they do slow down in the rain. “80 km/hr Bei Nasse” (When Wet) signs are common.
Most traffic runs in tha 140-160 km/ hr range, even on the unlimited sections af the autobahn, but slower traffic is common.
Trucks have lower limits.
Lane discipline is exceptional, by our standards.
Multi car high speed crashes, with the expected results, are common, too. As noted, the burn scars on the highway are a common reminder….
One more victim of leftist social engineering. I hope the EU implodes
I think they have bigger problems there than this climate bullshit. It’s all a ruse to keep a thumb on people.