Autobahn

}}</ref> In a traffic jam, drivers must form a rescue lane (''Rettungsgasse'' {{IPA|de|ˈʁɛtʊŋsˌɡasə||De-Rettungsgasse.ogg}}) to allow emergency services to reach the scene of a crash. This emergency corridor is to be created on the dividing line between the two leftmost lanes;<ref>{{cite web |title=StVO&nbsp;– Einzelnorm |url=http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stvo_2013/__11.html |access-date=2014-03-21 |publisher=Gesetze-im-internet.de}}</ref> following the guiding principle of ''if on the left, drive left, else drive right'', vehicles may cross into another lane if need be.

}}</ref> In a traffic jam, drivers must form a rescue lane (''Rettungsgasse'' {{IPA|de|ˈʁɛtʊŋsˌɡasə||De-Rettungsgasse.ogg}}) to allow emergency services to reach the scene of a crash. This emergency corridor is to be created on the dividing line between the two leftmost lanes;<ref>{{cite web |title=StVO&nbsp;– Einzelnorm |url=http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stvo_2013/__11.html |access-date=2014-03-21 |publisher=Gesetze-im-internet.de}}</ref> following the guiding principle of ''if on the left, drive left, else drive right'', vehicles may cross into another lane if need be.

* It is unlawful to stop for any reason on the autobahn, except for emergencies and when unavoidable, like traffic jams or being involved in a collision. This includes stopping on emergency lanes. Running out of fuel is considered an avoidable occurrence, as by law there are petrol stations directly on the autobahn approximately every {{convert|50|-|55|km|abbr=on|mi}}. Drivers may face fines and up to six months' suspension, should it come to a stop that was deemed unnecessary by the police. In some cases (if there is a direct danger to life and limb or property e.g. cars and highway infrastructure) it may also be considered a crime and the driver could receive a prison sentence (up to 5 years).<!--§ 18 (8) highway code and § 315b criminal code-->

* It is unlawful to stop for any reason on the autobahn, except for emergencies and when unavoidable, like traffic jams or being involved in a collision. This includes stopping on emergency lanes. Running out of fuel is considered an avoidable occurrence, as by law there are petrol stations directly on the autobahn approximately every {{convert|50|-|55|km|abbr=on|mi}}. Drivers may face fines and up to six months' suspension, should it come to a stop that was deemed unnecessary by the police. In some cases (if there is a direct danger to life and limb or property e.g. cars and highway infrastructure) it may also be considered a crime and the driver could receive a prison sentence (up to 5 years).<!--§ 18 (8) highway code and § 315b criminal code-->

* Overtaking on the right (undertaking) is strictly forbidden, except when stuck in traffic jams. Up to a speed of {{convert|60|km/h|4=0|abbr=on}}, if the left lane is crowded or driving slowly, it is permitted to pass cars on the right side if the speed difference is not greater than {{convert|20|km/h|4=0|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Rechts Überholen auf der Autobahn – Überholverbot 2020 |url=https://www.bussgeldkatalog.org/rechts-ueberholen-autobahn/#gibt_es_ausnahmen_zum_rechtsueberholen_auf_der_autobahn |access-date=2020-03-22}}</ref> or the vehicle on the left lane is stationary.<ref>{{cite web |title=Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO) § 7 Benutzung von Fahrstreifen durch Kraftfahrzeuge |url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stvo_2013/__7.html |access-date=2019-08-25}}</ref> This is not referred to as overtaking, but driving past. Even if the car overtaken is illegally occupying the left-hand lane, it is not an acceptable excuse; in such cases, the police will routinely stop and fine both drivers. However, exceptions can and have sometimes been made.

* Overtaking on the right (undertaking) is strictly forbidden, except when stuck in traffic jams. Up to a speed of {{convert|60|km/h|4=0|abbr=on}}, if the left lane is crowded or driving slowly, it is permitted to pass cars on the right side if the speed difference is not greater than {{convert|20|km/h|4=0|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Rechts Überholen auf der Autobahn – Überholverbot 2020 |url=https://www.bussgeldkatalog.org/rechts-ueberholen-autobahn/#gibt_es_ausnahmen_zum_rechtsueberholen_auf_der_autobahn |access-date=2020-03-22}}</ref> or the vehicle on the left lane is stationary.<ref>{{cite web |title=Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO) § 7 Benutzung von Fahrstreifen durch Kraftfahrzeuge |url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stvo_2013/__7.html |access-date=2019-08-25}}</ref> This is not referred to as overtaking, but driving past because of the limited speed differential. Even if the car overtaken is illegally occupying the left-hand lane, it is not an acceptable excuse; in such cases, the police will routinely stop and fine both drivers. However, exceptions can and have sometimes been made.

==In popular culture==

==In popular culture==