How exciting would it be to spend a day with the German Autobahn police?

Have you ever fantasized about driving a fast BMW on the famous German Autobahn without getting pulled over by the police? DW reporter Meggin Leigh did just that during a ridealong with high-ranking Autobahn officers - and it turned into a pretty wild ride!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:41 Autobahn police officers and their equipment
01:44 Accident on the highway
03:08 Vehicle check
03:55 Meggin takes an alcohol test
04:53 Speeding and speed limits
06:14 Outro
#Autobahn #Police #GermanHighway
--------------------------------------------
CREDITS
Report: Meggin Leigh
Camera: Florian Mettke
Edit: Robert Fiedler
Supervising Editor: Mirja Viehweger
Thumbnail photograph Autobahn: © picture alliance/dpa | Christian Charisiu
--------------------------------------------
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[@MelodyMan69]

"Everyone braked, one person didn't" Love the simple approach of Germans !

[@tjlovesrachel]

Maybe they forgot about downshifting

[@vk118e]

Hahah. Trust me Germans are not that simple.

[@MelodyMan69]

@@vk118e I know. I was born there. 🇦🇺

[@Iousy]

That’s more so the translators interpretation, German to English is not a 1:1 translation

[@stybgy2010]

👍😄

[@TheZombaslaya]

I'm from the US, I've tried the Autobahn out, and I have to say I felt safer doing 110mph there than I do going 75 back home.

[@globalautobahn1132]

Me and my screen name approve of this message😂

[@brettstowell4029]

Same. I comfortably run right around 180kph on the Autobahn. Then I return to the Midwest. *sigh*

[@stevenweiss2148]

Me too

[@daktarioskarvannederhosen2568]

well, germany is a civilised country.

[@hammer-r]

Yup, they are trained better (intense driver school) the mechanics of the cars are in better shape ( inspections) and they seem to have a higher respect for their fellow drivers. Something that’s really lacking here. I love driving there.

[@johnjackson8401]

On the Autobahn, the Germans are disciplined to go in left lane only to pass and after passing, immediately go back into the right lane. If drivers see high beams are flashed in rear view mirror from behind in Germany while in the left lane, the drivers know instinctively to immediately get over to the right lane because the vehicle from behind is at very high speed. Here in the United States are interstate highways full of left lane hogs who slow traffic and cause accidents.

[@dotarsojat7725]

Explains the SLOW TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT signs. Could use a bunch of those here in Canada.

[@Adam-en4zm]

@@dotarsojat7725 We have those signs in Vancouver, just nobody listens to them

[@BrandonLeeBrown]

A lot of Americans only occasionally drive on the Interstate. State laws have changed recently in several states and those drivers may not even be aware of the changes. Until very recently, several states had no left lane laws at all. I think they have all now updated and Maryland was one of the last. Until not long ago, Maryland allowed passing on the right and left lane traffic did not have to yield to faster traffic. If a driver didn't want to deal with traffic entering from the right on ramps, they could stay to the left. Maryland even has several left lane exits on their Interstates. Virginia has long had slower traffic keep right laws, along with having to change out of the left lane if somebody flashes their headlights. Older drivers, who work all day, aren't likely to have gotten news of the updated traffic laws in Maryland. It is very common to see slower drivers in the left lane in Maryland and common for people in Maryland to pass on the right. The reason many states have signs that say, slower traffic keep right, is because much of their traffic is from out of state, or those states have recently changed their traffic laws. Somebody from a state that has had those laws for a long time may not realize those traffic laws haven't always been universal. When I started driving, I was told to watch out for older drivers when turning left, as the old method was to turn after passing a vehicle from the other direction also turning left at the same intersection. These days, those two vehicles are to turn in front of each other. Older drivers often don't know that though.

[@bigswaggy298]

​@@BrandonLeeBrown I think it also has A LOT to do with the density of traffic as well. I'm a Maryland native and I live in North Dakota now. When I'm in Maryland, on 95 between DC and Baltimore, I frequently have to pass on the right, and it almost seems like most cars have to pass on the right because the left lane is full of drivers going 10 mph below the speed limit and not moving out of the way. On the other hand, in ND, on 29 (interstate 29, not colesville rd) between Grand Forks and Fargo, everyone drives in the right lane, goes into the left lane to pass, and gets back in the right lane. Another law that needs to be implemented, or enforced if not implemented, is keeping big rigs out of the left lane. Really it should be the left half of the road, so if there's 4 lanes, trucks should only be allowed to use the two lanes on the right.

[@veev2561]

Unlike asians in the usa, don't get that, stay in left lane, holding up traffic, lare involved in many of the accidents due to this, they won't go w flow of traffic on highway

[@pistolpete6114]

We were in Germany from 2017 to 2022 and for the most part the people on the autobahn know exactly what they are doing, the roads are so much better than the US, automated systems will tag you when you do something wrong. I got a ticket for following too close. They mail you the ticket with your picture. That's how great and efficient their system is. Every 2 years your car must pass inspections and you must have insurance. My 2013 Shelby GT500 has no speed limiter and on occasion I hit 200+ MPH, but this is getting rare for long distance with all the autobahn improvements.

[@zeekot4064]

So ,you want to have cameras set up to watch your every move ,and give you a tickets? Weirdo

[@MeiPeaches]

@@zeekot4064 exactly lmao

[@ssuchanek]

@@zeekot4064Nope. What does watch the road continously is a radar system. A picture is only taken if an actually speeding car is detected. So pretty "safe" from a privacy perspective. (Unless you are speeding, of course.) Contratry to section control which is popular in some other European states BTW.

[@zeekot4064]

@@ssuchanek give me a break .. you can’t go few miles over or you get a ticket, or driving too close ? That’s nuts .. it’s crazy you ppl are onboard with it .. what if you have an emergency . You get a ticket ? You guys have backwards thinking in the name of “safety “ ..

[@santostv.]

My eu country is the same , in highways we have cameras and they “charge” you the toll and we have speed radars , the letter is sent home some only take photo of the license plate, inspection is yearly, is illegal to drive without insurance.

[@Nikgamingnl]

the rettungsgasse is a requirement, if you dont go to the side in a traffic jam, you could get fined

[@MrCow579]

I think even jail if it causes the emergency vehicle to be too late due to it!

[@williamschlenger1518]

Here in the USA there weren't any interstate highways till General Eisenhower saw the Autobahn during WWII.

[@ghostmantagshome-er6pb]

Also a space every 5 miles to land an airplane.

[@OneStepBeyondu]

Absolutely untrue. There were several highways in the US planned or built from 1917 on. The original idea for autobahn system came about when German engineers visited the construction of the 4 lane Rt 30 connecting Philadelphia to Atlantic City, NJ. The US has always had far more cars than Germany and more of a need for a highway system but the Great Depression and later WWII put a lot of projects on hold.

[@larsw.3240]

Hm, Italy build its first Highway section a few years before US Highway 30 was constructed. I doubt that the US spread the idea of that kind of roads over the world. 😉

[@OneStepBeyondu]

@@larsw.3240 Who said they did? The US has been building "highways" since 1916. Each project is different and each had something to learn from. The Germans were in town for 30 but showed no interest in the far larger 66.

[@larsw.3240]

@@OneStepBeyondu Never heard about that, but so be it. As far as I know the US-Interstate-System was inspired by the German Autobahn-Network, so obviously it’s a give and take when it comes to exchanging ideas.

[@siriosstar4789]

the german police are super chill and very polite and helpful . i was lost and my gps malfunctioned . i saw two police talking to a truck driver on a dar street . i pulled up jumped out of my car waving my gps in my hand and asked if they spoke english . one said yes . he fixed my gps and i was on my way . if i tried that on a darkened street in America, i would be shot .

[@santostv.]

😂

[@pfsantos007]

As a non German born in Germany before coming to Canada just before my teens, I very clearly remember how disciplined most German drivers are. They take pride in their driving, the tests are tough (Dad and brother went through the rigorous learning and testing), and people move over for emergency vehicles. Lane discipline and all passing on the left only is also something beautiful to behold. Note the distance they kept from the police car at 5:29.

[@johnmurphy9688]

I'm just wondering how you can be a non German born in Germany. I can't make any sense of this. You mean you are non Canadian that gave up you German citizenship, ??

[@pfsantos007]

@@johnmurphy9688 After the war, Germany needed lots of immigrants to rebuild the country. My parents immigrated there. I was born later. Long story short, children of immigrants born in Germany don't automatically become citizens (at least at the time). Since I left before adulthood (I believe you could apply after adulthood, but I'm not sure), never ended up with German citizenship. Came to Canada as a kid. So I'm a dual citizen Portuguese (by family background) Canadian (after applying and taking the oath).

[@sjb2471]

@@johnmurphy9688Germany has always determined citizenship by bloodline, not place of birth.

[@TheRealAlex48]

@@sjb2471 That's not quite true. If you were born in Germany and one of your parents has lived legally in Germany for at least 8 years, you have the right to become a German citizen.

[@antoniowood8119]

I rented a car in MUC and drove around Bavaria and everything from the road construction signs saying what lanes are closed, to where the autobahn is restricted and de-restricted is so clear and obvious and just makes driving so easy and simple and honestly fun

[@64mustangfan]

I believe that attitude between German police and public is much more respectful and calm both ways in the main. I think I'm correct in saying that becoming a sworn officer in Germany is subject to a higher degree of qualification than many other countries?

[@kellymcbright5456]

Three years spending on a police academy. Three years is standard length of professional education.

[@fioralbannach6647]

That’s true. Very disciplined; highly trained & highly qualified. The reason why the US has so many issues with their Police, is exactly the opposite; poor training that is way too short (3 years in Germany; I think 6 months in the US academy); poor selection and an emphasis on aggression, instead of de-escalation. Added to that, many US Police officers, simply have the wrong psychological profile for public service, that due to poor selection, didn’t filter them out.

[@kellymcbright5456]

@@fioralbannach6647 Maybe the low training level equals low payment? And that attracts those who have no choice on the labour market?

[@kurger100]

You have a warped idea of policing.. vast majority of US officers are heros who puts their life on the line to save cowards like you from becoming a victim

[@TheLordFragger]

You actually studie for 3 years minimum to become a police officer in Germany. In Most US states they get 3 month crash course at best where they are tought how to violate citizens rights and shoot people. Matter of fact many US officers have a military background which transfers very badly to civil policing. Some one who is trained to kill makes a real bad cop. But that is one of the many lessons the US have to learn in the future. For a country priding itself for their freedom they pretty much are a corrupt, dystopian police state.

[@cosmas4108]

You didn't spit that Jaegar 😂😂

[@ChristophS]

Kudos!

[@deDANIEL11609]

Jäger

[@ProctorsGamble]

Herr Mast was appalled! 😣

[@clarencemcgregor8568]

For a short time in 1973 there was a speed limit of 100 kph speed limit on the autobahns and even no drive Sundays during the so called fuel crisis. It was quite a sight to see people folksmarch in large groups on the autobahn. (walking)

[@paulmcmillan5202]

I was stationed in Germany for two years and I must say driving on the Autobahn was a real learning experience! I was very comfortable driving high speeds, but was very cognizant of the consequences of doing so. An accident at high speed very often resulted in a fatality and I witnessed a number of them.

[@westfale520]

However, driving in the USA is 3 times as dangerous as in Germany, according to the percentage of traffic fatalities. It should never be forgotten that obtaining a driver's license in Germany is very time-consuming and involves a lot of theoretical and practical training. The exams are also very strict

[@RogierYou]

Speedlimit in Germany is like the the 2nd amendment in the US….

[@davidlynch9049]

Ahhh, not really. The younger ones are pushing for speed limits because of emissions.

[@Tekeysix]

​@@davidlynch9049"younger ones" wenn du mit jüngere Ü40 meinst, dann magst du vielleicht recht haben

[@afe31]

@@davidlynch9049Well then there are no arguments for speed limits if they just drive electric cars.

[@unconventionalideas5683]

@@davidlynch9049And in the US the younger ones push for stricter gun safety laws in order to cut down mass shootings…

[@TheJon2442]

​@@unconventionalideas5683defund the democrats.... Especially where they have told control, where the shootings happen.

[@bac097]

Great to see you Meggin, I love watching you on Euromax. Also miss driving in Germany - so much less chaos.

[@dcjpr]

Very informative report. Thank you

[@peatmoss4415]

In 1975 I was in the ARMY and traveled to Denmark on leave, on the way back I was hitch hiking and drove a truck for a guy carrying 2 tons of onions. We were passed by 2 German cops dressed in green and white leather driving a green and white Porsche 911.

[@m3lvin449]

Yeah the old outfits are cool

[@anthonydowling3356]

That sounds gay .Did they give you a knowing wink as they passed ?

[@PatHand-og9yd]

Here in Canada, I don’t think highway police check freight drivers for that information. Maybe just at the weigh stations. And police stopping traffic to remove debris like that? I wish!

[@EnjoyFirefighting]

with the high speeds on the German Autobahn network it's all about safety, and debris is a real issue ... not only for motorbikes, but also for cars, trucks and busses when they hit the brakes, try to avoid it or drive over it, making debris fly into the following vehicle's windshield

[@michael-le]

In Quebec, we have the Contrôle Routier team from the SAAQ that is basically police for freight drivers.

[@JoshuaPlays99]

Here in the US we have random DOT inspections and in California I saw CHP the other day have the entire opposite end of the freeway stopped to remove debris from the road.

[@rudeboystu69]

In Ontario, the MTO (Ministry of Transportation) has enforcement officers who not only operate weigh stations, but conduct inspections of commercial vehicles throughout the province to look for mechanical deficiencies or issues with the driver's documentation.

[@Gtaplayer325]

Here in germany the driving times are the most interesting. Truck drivers have a complex electronic device in the truck that can't be manipulated. They have a "driver card" which you need to put into this device that logs the whole journey. For example they are not allowed to drive more than 8 hours. They can exceed that to 10 hrs. but that only for a maximum of two times per week. They are not allowed to drive on sundays, as there is no work allowed on sundays. And so on and so forth. After the driving limit is reached they have to rest for at least 11 hrs. Basically it is the normal german work law with a few more excemptions and totally controlled.

[@russellvonastel7111]

I got my drivers license in Frankfurt Germany,hard to get, worth every minute

[@billwindsor4224]

Your report is excellent: concise and informative; entertaining, too. _Thank you!_

[@dweuromaxx]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ChristophS]

Alarm für Cobra 11!

[@e.o9470]

Nice series, we had it dubbed in farsi on tv in Iran too!

[@tomaspuodziukynas5361]

Zemir, Zemir, ZEMIR !!!

[@TravelwithPavel]

Yes, first thing that came to my mind

[@jthd7324]

Did this woman just call Jägermeister, schnapps????

[@arthur_p_dent]

It's not wrong, "schnapps" doesn't mean the same as "Schnaps" in German.

[@davidlynch9049]

It's liquor, right? So, correct.

[@jthd7324]

@@davidlynch9049 so all liquor in the world is called Schnapps? I’m referring to the Austrian drink

[@arthur_p_dent]

@@davidlynch9049by "liquor"/"Schaps" in German we usually mean distilled spirits. Liqueur / Schnapps or "Likör" in German would be a heavily sugary alcoholic drink. So Jägermeister is a liqueur, but not a "liquor" in the strict sense. The sugar content disqualifies it from being that, even though the 35% alcohol content isn't _that_ much less than that of an actual liquor such as Cognac or Whisky.

[@arthur_p_dent]

@@jthd7324nope it isn't. "Schnaps" in German = Liquor in English. The English word "schnapps" has more the meaning of "liqueur" / "Likör". The difference is, one is distilled alcohol, the other has more ingredients, plenty of sugar in particular.

[@weirdshibainu]

Americans have a childish view of the Autobahn, that's it's some sort of Mad Max like free for all where one can drive as fast as they want. German licenses are expensive and require a lot of textbook time. Police have much more latitude as to why they can pull someone over. Fines are high. Most Americans simply couldn't play by the rules of the Autobahn, so stop whining we need one in the U.S.

[@GlacierSound]

Germans suck, Americans view it accurately.

[@weirdshibainu]

@@maidenthe80sla Yep. When my child turned 16, I took her to get her license. She had studied and taken student drivers courses. There was a separate line strictly for people to take the test in Spanish. I asked the DMV person who was dealing with my kid how someone who can't read English will know traffic signs and warnings. She just shrugged.

[@DrErikEvrard]

Actually German fines are one of the lowest in Europe.

[@claudiakarl7888]

The worst thing I experienced while travelling through Florida last autumn was people not keeping a safety distance and overtaking from left and right. We always feared someone would smash into our rental car. And quite a number of cars didn’t look like they would be safe for traffic.

[@windnsea03]

@@claudiakarl7888Were you near Miami? People drive like maniacs there.

[@Kerleem]

Awesome video and props to these autobahn officers!

[@dweuromaxx]

🚙 thank you!

[@jimedge8301]

I drove the Autobohn in 1978 in a 5 speed VW Dasher , I was 18 and was very intimidated by the speed , I cruised along at 140 km and found nearly every driver passed me like I was standing still. Was a great experience on how to drive that I've never forgotten.

[@confuse3671]

I was there a few years ago. Drove my uncles 1.8L Peugeot. Maxed out at 145kph. I wouldn't say 'everyone' passed me. Most.... My parents both had grown up in Germany and when they taught me how to drive it was the 'German' way so I was mostly prepared.

[@dweuromaxx]

Awesome! We love to hear it. Would you drive here again?

[@jimedge8301]

@@dweuromaxx of course,I found Germany to be very beautiful and have always looked at returning,only if the political climate changes.

[@jerrydowse5061]

I have driven on the Autobahn many times,never felt safer.The standard of driving was totally different to here in UK.🤙

[@sn350channel]

WHen I lived in Germany it was very pleasant driving there. Even on the autobahn where I did speed, but I also respected the rules of when and when not to speed.

[@LeftyStratPlayer]

In the U.S., traffic enforcement on interstate highways is geared more toward revenue generation than enhancing safety, especially in the states east of the Mississippi River, where most interstate speed limits are under-posted by 5-10 mph and strictly enforced.

[@ronwilliams266]

I loved riding on the Autobahn on my Harley back in the 80s. But then there was no speed limit except coming to towns.

[@NationGamer090]

That was nice! I'd like to see more of that, not just Autobahn Police, but also Municipal Order Police and generally State Police in Cities.

[@hammer-r]

And the autobahn is soooo smooth, you think you’re going slower than actual.

[@tonyadeney1245]

as a brit ----- standard of autobahns is excellent -------------- both driving and the way its looked after -- nice vid ---

[@roadtripmitch]

This was great! I'm so glad you did the "schnapps swish" - That's raw alcohol in you mouth - Yes the breathalyzer will (always) pick-up raw alcohol in your mouth and probably outside your mouth. That's why there is a 15 min wait period if you tell the officer you just had a drink. I'm curious you (Meggin) talked English to the officers but they always spoke German... I used to race SCCA in the states, driving fast takes concentration and agility - not just a fast car flashing its lights, be careful out there. Safe Travels!

[@georgestreicher252]

I hitch hiked across Nevada in the sixties. There were no speed limits then outside cities and towns. There were many accidents as the old bias ply tires could not stand the stress and heat. Also tire pressure needed to be checked after coming down from the Sierras with its low atmospheric pressure and cooler temperatures. It might be a tourist draw of sorts to dedicate a stretch of desert road to an unlimited speed limit.

[@chrisadams6595]

We take our old sprinter van which is converted to a camper to Europe most years for about 8 weeks . This year we went to Valencia and middle of Spain. We've been to Germany and France and the Netherlands. I have to say the big surprise is the standard of driving in all these countries is super. Everyone obeys the speed limits , the majority drive in an intelligent manner giving others space. They know how to overtake properly instead of tailgating you for miles . Also there is a complete absence of thick people driving SUVs.

[@AshwinAyyagari]

217km/h in Australia on the hume highway is a $2127 fine, impound of your vehicle and automatic 12 month licence suspension lmao.

[@thpeti]

It's a pleasure to drive through Germany. I'm Hungarian and I work in the Netherlands. German highway traffic is relaxing and safe in comparison with Hungarian or Czech traffic, while I rarely drive my Audi faster than 130-140 km/h. Once I was stopped by them when I was coming back to Hungary and crossed the Dutch border. I was really frightened, as I haven't committed anything. The guys were professionals, and calmed me down. It was just a routine check, they were looking for drug smugglers, and my 2004 A6 with a Hungarian plate with a single male driver took their attraction.

[@stephanfourie6879]

I cannot even think how good a driver Tillman must be!!

[@ronoconnor8971]

My AMG had a single rear facing white fog lamp on the right side under the bumper. It was for the autobahn. It was made to be turned on while at high speed in the left lane to avoid being rear ended by someone at a higher speed.

[@AndersHenke]

Sorry, but your description doesn’t match up with actual legal requirements in Germany. On any road in Germany, including the Autobahn, rear fog lights may also only be used when there’s less than 50 meters visibility due to fog (section 17.3 of StVO - German road traffic regulations), and this situation also applies a speed limit of no more than 50 km/h (section 3.1 of StVO). Front facing fog lights may be used in any kind of poor visibility situation, including fog, rain or snow. But those situations also demand to lower your driving speed. Fog lights are optional in Germany, but rear fog lights must emit a very bright red light to “assist” normal rear lights during fog. Otherwise, they’re not in compliance with section 53d of the StVZO (road traffic licensing regulations). And for that reason of being extremely bright, their use is limited to severe fog with less than 50 meters visibility: otherwise, their use is a misdemeanour and can be fined at 20€ or 35€ (depending on if the use did endanger others, like blinding other drivers). Yes, white rear fog lights do exist - but they still need to emit red light (e.g. using a tinted, approved light bulb). Otherwise, that fog light is simply not street legal in Germany. A white (or yellowish) fog light may only be mounted front facing, typically very low on the front bumper, and its job is to reduce the impact of being blinded by the reflection of your normal headlights in a low visibility environment like fog, rain or snow. Depending on the situation, one may use fog lights together with standard headlights. However, those front fog lights don’t reach as far as normal headlights - but as one should always lower the actual speed to match the conditions, this also shouldn’t be an issue. So certainly no rear white fog light for going at high speeds on the overtaking lane of an Autobahn during foggy weather. As soon as you’ll turn on the rear fog light, you assume conditions which prohibit going faster than 50 km/h.

[@ronoconnor8971]

@@AndersHenke brand new 2009 SLK55 AMG Roadster purchased off the Laguna Nigel Mercedes Benz showroom floor (not lot) in Laguna Beach equipped as stated. The car came with a DVD made by AMG that explained features of the car, including the fog lamps. One thing however was the car was chipped limiting its speed to 145mph to enter the country. All I know is what I experienced, not what the laws in another country are. Now I think Ill go and look at the CLA in my driveway since we traded the roadster in and this has foglamps too

[@Kevino7117]

This is quite different from an amazing documentary I've watched about the Autobahn Polizei, Alarm für Cobra 11

[@ChristophS]

That show is far from realistic but well known in Germany because everything explodes. It was popular in the 90s here

[@claudiakarl7888]

That‘s a TV show, not a documentary.

[@s.hutzel7617]

Guess someone didn’t quite get the gag 😂

[@user-re3og8fc4k]

Alarm for cobra is just a series not real 😂😂😂😂😂

[@NixHarpinger]

😂 If Alarm für Cobra 11 was narrated by David Attenborough it would have been the best documentary ever made!

[@suspiciousafternoon]

The Autobahn is so fascinating to me

[@SaturnV69]

I was stationed in Germany back in the 80's and was a joy to experience the high-speed driving on the Autobahnen. To effectively navigate the Autobahn you need to know what all the road signs signify. Tourist from the U.S. may or may not know all of the rules and regulations. There's always going to be a time where a restricted speed will be imposed, which almost all drivers obeyed. Some of those large speed limit signs had cameras as well. Passing only on the left lane and using your turn signals is one of the important rules to follow and always looking as far forward to the traffic ahead of you as well as the rear at all times. You must be alert of your surroundings because things can change in an instant. Just a quick note, the reported accident statics is higher in the U.S. as opposed to Germany, which has the approximate square miles as the state of Montanta. The U.S. does have over 283 million registered personal and commercial vehicles and the largest road network in the world and the U.S. has the most reported accidents in the world. In the U S. the driving experience improves a bit when your driving away from the metropolitan cities , the U.S. does have some beautiful country roads.

[@markdanielczyk944]

This was pretty cool! Always thought it would be cool to take my antique truck to a show in Germany. But at 60mph, might cause problems on the Autobahn!

[@eugene9723]

I drove 140 mph on the US highways a few times but it's really scary because if you get caught you'll be arrested for that kind of speed.

[@Gae52]

In Italy we also have a special motorways police dedicated.

[@josematthew.]

Meggin Leigh + DW means AutoBahn.. Still remember your previous report about German 🇩🇪 AB..

[@brianbassett4379]

I lived in Germany from 1981 to 1994 while serving in the U.S. Army's V Corp in Bad Kreuznach and Frankfurt. I bought a new 1985 Saab 900 Turbo and spent much of my spare time touring Germany, France, Austria, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The only times I ever saw Polizei patrolling the Autobahn was after an accident. It's safe to say that there were never minor accidents or fender benders on the Autobahn. Drivers in Germany who have never had a license need to register for lessons at a driving school (Fahrschule), which is not inexpensive. They also understand they can lose their right to drive permanently through infractions. Driving in Germany was a pleasure. After leaving Germany, I was stationed in Korea, which was like the Wild West.

[@sappy4happy448]

Zero point five is the BAC to be legally drunk behind the wheel? Listen at 4:35. A person with .5 BAC would be more like dead or comatose.

[@champy1210]

*0.05 BAC.

[@flo8517]

maybe look up what per mille is

[@juancordon7326]

I just love to drive on the Autobahn! I believe that a speed limit there is merely utopia 😅😬

[@centredoorplugsthornton4112]

Getting a license to drive in Europe is costly and time consuming with much study and practice involved per a comment. So is police officer training. Up to 2 years vs about 6 months in the US.

[@Lucas-zg1vz]

In Germany police officers train for up to 3 years.

[@centredoorplugsthornton4112]

@@Lucas-zg1vz noted, ty.

[@XDamienGreyX]

@@Lucas-zg1vz dependent by Federal State, and you need "Fachhochschulreife" it is like a high school diploma in USA.

[@barrysteven5964]

For comparison, in the UK you can start taking driving lessons at 17. You must pass a practical test involving a hazard perception test and a general driving knowledge test. If you pass, you must take your practical test within a year or you have to resit them. The practical test lasts about 40 minutes and is quite rigorous. Only about 50% pass first time. Most people learn and take their test in a manual car because like the rest of Europe if you take your test in an automatic you are only allowed to drive automatics which are less common here than in the USA. To qualify to be a police officer takes on average three years and it is now a graduate profession so you must either enter with a degree or do a three year apprenticeship during which you train on the job and study for the policing degree qualification.

[@mark5426]

Miss u meggin not being on euromax every other day

[@davidlynch9049]

Not really exciting, but very informative, so thank you. 😎

[@user-po8no1xp6e]

There's not a single cop in the America who would wait extra minute to pull over a car in the exit to prevent road shoulder accidents. German cops know what they are doing

[@NixHarpinger]

Yea, there is no way you will get pulled over on a highway there. We got pulled over twice in Germany, once we had to follow the police car to the first rest stop, the other time we drove off the highway at the nearest exit. I drove quite a bit through Germany and I don't think I've seen a single car stopped on the Autobahn unless it was some kind of emergency/malfunction.

[@marcelmallory2761]

My friend actually got a speeding ticket on the Autobahn in 2018.... Go figure. His family and mine were travelling in a large van and he apparently was in a section that did have a speed limit..

[@Juvahh]

Yeah, there are speed limited sections, and it also depends on weather conditions and so on.

[@flo8517]

Yea maybe look on the road and traffic than just on the speed that you´re going. Then you won´t miss any signs :)

[@NixHarpinger]

There are some sections that are permanently limited and sometimes there will be a temporary speed limit due to certain traffic conditions. It's a common misconception that as soon as you're on the Autobahn you can go as fast as you can. But those limits are always clearly stated, so if you pay attention to the signs you won't have any doubts about what the current limit is.

[@EscapePlan97]

In Germany the driver’s license (car only) costs up to $5000 now.

[@santostv.]

In my country is ~700€ it was ~500€ before, but you get automatically the 50cc motorcycle license aswell

[@johnnyrife2427]

What 'pressure' did they experience? I missed that part.

[@slavkogojkovic1551]

ive been watching Cobra 11 for years so i know how exciting it is :D

[@joelahnstein2281]

spent 10 years pushing the accelerator on the 'bahn. great times. only place you can get a ticket for traveling too slow: 'impeding the flow of traffic.'

[@remaguire]

I lived in Germany for over 5 years and drove a LOT on the Autobahn. I don't remember ever seeing Autobahn cops except at accidents (which I also rarely saw).

[@marcuserektus]

136mph? ASP; hold my bier.

[@cemdursun]

The first one minute of this is a complete sitcom trailer

[@dweuromaxx]

Good or bad ?😊

[@cemdursun]

perfect 👌🙂@@dweuromaxx

[@cemdursun]

@@dweuromaxxperfect 👌🏻 🤌🏻

[@ohauss]

It's not actually "Its own police force". As the emblems on their uniforms show, they are regular state police. But the state police departments have dedicated autobahn precincts responsible for specific stretches of the autobahn. Which is particularly interesting since the Autobahn itself is a system of FEDERAL highways, but unlike with train stations, they are not being policed by federal police,

[@bobjacobson858]

Highway patrol/state troopers in the US may exceed 140 mph during a chase. The Arkansas State Police have many videos in which the speed is shown on the screen. They often drive on the shoulder to go around traffic if necessary.

[@johnjackson8401]

Agree with you about ASP. But the reason ASP and other police across the US go on the shoulder to pass is because your average American driver is hogging the left lane and won't yield to emergency vehicles. Sad commentary on the USA.

[@bobjacobson858]

@@johnjackson8401 Often true, but sometimes drivers are in the left lane for legitimate reasons, such as passing other cars. A trooper approaching at 140 mph doesn't give much time to react such as by moving to the right lane.

[@johnjackson8401]

@bobjacobson858 That is why Autobahn speed will never work on US Interstates. Germans are attentive and move to the right lane immediately if someone flashes high beans from behind. And some of these German vehicles are driving at 155 MPH or possibly more.

[@windnsea03]

Driving on the Autobahn is AMAZING compared to driving in the US, especially regarding lane discipline. I wish the average intelligence of our citizens was akin to Germany's.

[@rayjred5630]

I love driving on the Autobahn, just be mindful of the speed cameras in areas where there is a speed limit.

[@user-zn9yl7cw5m]

There are two types of people who drive on the autobah: those who drive Porsches and those who think they drive Porsches

[@e-curb]

When I was in Germany, I didn't see any Porsches on the autobahn. Mercs, and BMWs.

[@fioralbannach6647]

You obviously have no idea, what you’re talking about, or the German autobahn. That’s a pretty pathetic, and uninformed comment.

[@bretyoung1869]

Very interesting 🤔 🇺🇸

[@Gurn_Blanston]

We've driven 250 kph (155 mph) on the German Autobahns in the BMW Track Pack car that I let my young wife custom-order for European Delivery.

[@bobshowup2501]

We have the Autobahn here on most highways. due to the lack of police most people drive way over the posted speed limit to the point where they are racing and no one stops them..

[@topfitnessssss]

No speed radars ??

[@jeauxd71]

If the US would adopt some of these practices it would make the highways much safer. German highways are much cleaner than the US. It should also be a US law to move to allow a reasonable path for emergency vehicles in an emergency situation. There are too many people who think they own the road in the US.

[@angeleternity]

How nice to see nice police officers, here in Spain when they are interviewed, most of them try to give an image of tough guys, and they are just street sweepers with guns.

[@donaldshidal851]

So much different than the Arkansas State Troopers.

[@jimsmith9819]

i got my military drivers license over there in 1970, back then the polizei were driving mostly green Bugs

[@shadynassar8893]

The car Keys attached on officer’s vest is considered valid

[@mikeyj9607]

was stationed in Germany from 80 to 83 for us to get a armed forces drivers license (forget what it was called) was not easy ,we had to get 100% on the test ,many didn't .Roads were very well maintain

[@justincoleman7856]

So one thing I noticed is that here in America, overall we don't care about loose debris on the road. Here in Texas its only collected once a season & thus there's always something on either side of the road. Of course other states are more strict about this.

[@sbreheny]

I have had my car damaged twice by debris on the road which I couldn't avoid (didn't see it in time because the car in front of me straddled it, in one case). Both times it was pieces of a truck tire which had come apart.

[@NixHarpinger]

Oh, damn! That's pretty crazy. I don't have a crazy mileage yet (less than 40,000 miles) but I don't remember having to avoid a single piece of debris on a highway. I remember one time seeing a chunk of an old bumper or sth like that as a passenger and I immediately called the police.

[@Ebooger]

What the heck is the US Highway Patrol? Does not exist, Federal law enforcement in the US only enforces federal laws. Road issues are the exclusive purview of the state. In New York, for instance, you can be stopped by the NYS Troopers, county sheriffs, or city, town, or village police. But not the FBI, ATF, or Secret Service, etc.

[@guimarujo]

Here in Brazil we have state and federal roads and I'm a federal highway police office. We mainly do the same as those german brothers.

[@gerhardma4297]

The situation is similar in Germany. Police power is exercised by the federal states. However, with the federal police, there is a police force that performs higher-level tasks, such as ensuring security at airports. The two police officers here are part of the Autobahn police of the state of Hesse. They are only active on the state's Autobahnen. Apart from that, there are the normal security and riot police and the criminal investigation department, which solves crimes. But all under the umbrella of the federal states. There are no longer any police authorities at municipal level... Only public order offices, but these are not armed.

[@Marc816]

Spaß, Spaß, Spaß auf der Autobahn

[@vernoncrown]

I'm not familiar with the US Highway Patrol. Where are they used?

[@thomasburke7995]

Good presentation of basic differences of both countries road rules. I would like to point out cultural differences. First is the speed.. the US interstate and US ROUTE system have been designed to accommodate speeds of about 70 mph. These limits are only really enforced east of the MISSISSIPPI and in the congested portions of the west coast. And being honest most average vehicles in the USA would become unstable at sustained above 85 mph. Second patrols and patrolmen.. any officer of the state you are traveling in has the authority to pull you over and conduct basic law enforcement activities on any roads. Its common professional practices to separate to duties to enhanced trained divisions with in that state. Comerical Vehicles enforcement officers will handle just heavy trucks unless called in to assist other, county police will patrol secondary roads but will assist with high speed pursuits and the GAME WARDENS might need the assistance of the STATE POLICE when doing a raid in the wood on some poachers. And the most import of all of this.. ONLY THE GERMANS can make traffic patrols and stops look COOL IN A BMW FAMILY truckster STATIONWAGON going 140 mph.

[@bigswaggy298]

Bad American driving has a lot to do with the density of traffic. I'm a Maryland native and I live in North Dakota now. When I'm in Maryland, on 95 between DC and Baltimore, I frequently have to pass on the right, and it almost seems like most cars have to pass on the right because the left lane is full of drivers going 10 mph below the speed limit and not moving out of the way. On the other hand, in ND, on 29 (interstate 29, not colesville rd) between Grand Forks and Fargo, everyone drives in the right lane, goes into the left lane to pass, and gets back in the right lane. Another law that needs to be implemented, or enforced if not implemented, is keeping big rigs out of the left lane. Really it should be the left half of the road, so if there's 4 lanes, trucks should only be allowed to use the two lanes on the right.

[@santostv.]

It’s illegal to overpass from the right in my country

[@bartoski-ag]

4:42 0.5 sounds nice

[@alphabet4471]

But you have to keep in mind that they are referring to per mille which is the standard in Germany. In The U.S. it would translate to 0.05 BAC.

[@stewartsnape2936]

German language is awesome, Germany has such style and class,

[@mpperera909]

What are you ? American 😂?

[@hammer-r]

Agreed, in general they have a higher respect for the laws. Most of the infractions are from other countries.

[@Pobsta-de7hb]

You ever been there? I live there and I am not sure where this class is

[@MWS1960]

Grew up in England and the laws of the road with over 110 road signs that are also used in other European countries. Then moving to America was a.different experience and a fairly easy driver’s test in comparison to the UK. Everyone passes in whatever lane is available in America causing a crazy freeway fight and it’s off to the races, whereas in the in the UK you can only pass on the outside lane and once doing so you need to get back into the middle lane. 18 wheelers and not allowed in the outside lane as the slows down the traffic…..America they sometimes hang in the outside lane…causing more frustration for drivers.

[@opera93]

Thanks, interestingly, We relocated to MONTANA after Speed Limits were imposed:……….🤔🤔? Ps: good overview & work……

[@he1nz57]

wait, is this something i can do when visiting germany?

[@Ben762]

No such agency as the “US Highway Patrol” 🧐

[@tristan1234567890]

4:04 JAGEEERR !!!!! but that isnt schnapps btw

[@Sharongeval]

Reading the comments I come to the conclusion that the US is even more broken than I already thought, ouch

[@skorawlodzi]

Who is Otto Bonn and why did she keep talking about him? Did she share her "schnapps" with him?

[@standtall7646]

Love that those police drive BMW's!!! Those cars STICK to the road!!

[@davepompea]

2:10 There isn't a "US Highway Patrol". Each State has their own units, roads to enforce and laws.

[@TheCrabbers]

Alan Partridge has an American sister! Brilliant 😂

[@jehadabuquader1076]

Accidents don't happen from speeding, it happens from the sudden stops.

[@dweuromaxx]

✍The higher the speed, the longer the braking distance.

[@TheSchuetzeP]

Yes they do happen from speeding, because the length of that "sudden stop" and the time you have to react to an obstacle worsen exponentially the faster you go. A sudden stop at 30 kph (19 mph) is 4.5 to 9 meters/yards until your car is stopped. A sudden stop at 100 kph(62 mph) is 50 to 100 meters/yards. A sudden stop at 150 kph(93 mph) is 110 to 225 meters/yards. (The first distance number being a full on emergency brake that rocks your boat, and the second number being a "normal" quick slowdown.)

[@TangoSierraMedia]

They absolutely do happen from speeding...

[@ASUSFORLIFE]

Most of the times driving in Germany trafic is slowed down due to Baustelle and traffic jams. When I finally have some space to hit that 200 km/h I'm so concentrated I consider myself driving safer than being bored and frustrated from other drivers all the time.

[@axell964]

The german saying goes a bit different though. Accidents surely happen for speeding. But the saying is rather like that: "Speed never killed anyone, its suddenly stopping that does."

[@MT-uu7ol]

Ask them that same question after they have encountered Jason Borne… After they pull him over and give him a hard time.

[@engarconpec]

Your skin looks amazing

[@randolfo1265]

2:11 - "The U.S. Highway Patrol is responsible.. . . ." There is no 'U.S. Highway Patrol'. The individual states are responsible for their own highway patrol, even on the federal highways.

[@amhowaye1605]

Vancouver driver never drive over 40 kmh on a 60 road, they treat gas paddle like a baby, and too afraid to move to the right lane dont want to wake up the baby, so polite, so thoughtful, proudly Canadian.

[@MrSzwarz]

The difference is the culture of drivers, education and to follow the rules and obey the law.

[@shortstack8668]

Oh wow 75 mph is soooooooo fast 🫨😅😂😂😂😂