ÖAMTC study: 70% of Austrians: Inside are for the current speed limit!

In the midst of tense coalition negotiations, voices will be voices that demand an increase in the speed limit to 150 km/h on motorways and expressways. The ÖAMTC indicates that a majority of the Austrian population, namely over 70 percent, considers the current limit of 130 km/h as appropriate. Only 10 percent plead for a further lowering, while 20 percent want to drive faster. This stable acceptance has been shown in repeated surveys since 2019, with similar results between 130 and 133 km/h in an open question in the last survey in October 2024.

Bernhard Wiesinger, the head of the ÖAMTC interest representation, emphasizes that politics has to tackle more important topics instead of dealing with well-accepted speed limits. He demands more serenity in the discussion about speed limits: "Over two thirds of the Austrians: Inside, the top speed currently permitted."

Germany and the speed limits

While Austria relies on a general speed limit of 130 km/h, Germany remains an exception on the world map. According to Läderdaten.info there are no speed limits in Germany on about 30 percent of motorways, but there is still a speed speed of 130 km/h. The country is known for its well -developed roads, which enable to drive without permanent restrictions. In a global comparison, however, the speed limit is between 100 and 120 km/h.

The discussion about speed limits is not only limited to Austria and Germany; There are only a few countries worldwide that allow motorways without a speed limit. A comparison of the speed regulations shows that countries such as the USA and many European neighbors usually have much more restrictive speed limits than Germany. But while the political and Austria are different, the general interest in speed limits in both countries shows that drivers strive for clear guidelines that ensure security and efficiency in road traffic.