In Some Countries, It Is Illegal to Run Out of Fuel on the Autobahn

The German Autobahn is famous for its sections with no federally mandated speed limit, where vehicles can legally travel at very high speeds. It is this unique, high-velocity environment that underpins the country's strict rules about stopping. A stationary vehicle on a road where others might be approaching at over 200 km/h (125 mph) presents an extreme and potentially fatal hazard. German law, therefore, views any preventable stop as a serious offense. Running out of fuel falls squarely into this category, as it's considered an act of driver negligence rather than an unavoidable breakdown.

Under Germany's road traffic regulations (Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung), stopping on the Autobahn for any non-emergency reason is forbidden, and an empty fuel tank is not considered a valid emergency. Drivers who run out of gas can expect a fine of up to 70 euros if their vehicle endangers others. If the stopped car causes an accident, the driver faces far more severe consequences, including significant financial liability and potential criminal charges. This law reinforces the fundamental expectation that motorists must be diligent, plan their journeys, and monitor their vehicle's needs to ensure the safety and flow of traffic on one of the world's fastest road networks.