Richtgeschwindigkeit

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Zeichen 380 (sign 380): Richtgeschwindigkeit (initiation)
in this case: 80 km/h (50 mph)

Zeichen 381 (sign 381): Richtgeschwindigkeit (End)

The Richtgeschwindigkeit (German for reference speed) is a legal term in Germany describing the advisory speed limit for roads without a mandatory speed limit that should not be exceeded even with fine road, traffic, view and weather conditions.

Exceeding the target speed is neither a felony nor a misdemeanour. However, an increased liability in the case of an accident may result from driving faster than the recommended speed, due to an increased danger of operating the vehicle.

In Germany, the Autobahnrichtgeschwindigkeitsverordnung (directive on reference speed on motorways), introduced in 1974, recommends a speed of no more than 130 km/h (81 mph) for autobahns and roads similar to autobahns (lanes separated by a median or at least two lanes per direction), provided there are no traffic signs posting a lower speed limit present.

Additionally, a different Richtgeschwindigkeit may be posted by the traffic signs number 380 and 381, according to §42 StVO, as seen above.