English 
German 
Speed Limits and Control
- 1/29If driving a truck in urban areas
Trucks over 3.5 t must not exceed 50 km/h in built-up areas to protect pedestrians and other road users.
When driving on rural roads
Speed for trucks over 3.5 t depends on signage and road type, with 70 km/h as the default and up to 80 km/h where permitted.
If driving on Austrian motorways
Trucks over 3.5 t must not exceed 80 km/h on the Autobahn, regardless of general higher limits for cars.
When driving on Austrian expressways
Schnellstraße limits for trucks over 3.5 t are normally 70 km/h, rising to 80 km/h where signed.
If road signs show lower limits
Posted limits always override general speed rules and must be followed exactly.
When visibility is reduced by fog
Drive at a speed allowing safe stopping within visible distance to avoid collisions.
If roads are wet from rain
Reduce speed to maintain traction and avoid aquaplaning, even if limits allow higher speeds.
When driving on icy or snowy roads
Maintain a slow, steady speed to keep control and allow longer stopping distances.
If carrying a heavy load
Heavier loads increase braking distances and reduce stability, requiring slower speeds.
When carrying an unstable load
Unbalanced cargo can shift and affect control, so drive significantly below the posted limit.
If approaching a school zone
Reduce speed near schools to protect children crossing or walking nearby.
When entering a pedestrian zone
Drive at very low speed, giving absolute priority to pedestrians.
If approaching a construction site
Follow temporary speed restrictions to protect workers and maintain safety in narrow lanes.
When approaching a danger zone
Danger zones such as sharp bends or steep descents require reduced speed for control.
If descending a steep hill
Maintain safe speed to prevent brake overheating and loss of control.
When overtaking on rural roads
Ensure you can complete the manoeuvre without exceeding the truck speed limit.
If wind is strong
Lower speed helps counteract the effects of crosswinds on high-sided trucks.
When using a tachograph
Tachographs monitor compliance with speed and hours rules; misuse is an offence.
If passing through speed camera zones
Speed cameras enforce truck limits and record violations automatically.
When entering a tunnel
Obey posted tunnel speeds, which may be lower than general road limits for safety.
If road surface is damaged
Potholes, gravel, or uneven surfaces require slower speeds to prevent loss of control.
When towing with a truck
Combinations may have additional restrictions depending on weight and length.
If approaching a sharp bend
Lower speed ensures stability and prevents rollover risk in large vehicles.
When traffic is dense
Avoid sudden acceleration or braking to reduce risk of collisions in heavy traffic.
If following another vehicle closely
Maintain at least double the normal gap for safe stopping at truck speeds.
When approaching a level crossing
Ensure speed allows you to stop safely if warning lights or barriers activate.
If merging onto a motorway
Match speed to traffic flow but do not exceed truck maximum speed limits.
When exiting a motorway
Reduce speed early to safely negotiate curves and merge with lower-speed roads.
If speed limit is unclear
When in doubt, follow the most restrictive speed applicable for trucks over 3.5 t.