Autobahnpolizei

is the term in Germany for the highway patrol. Heavy traffic and high-speed accidents resulted in the creation of special police units to patrol the expressways known as ''Autobahnen''.

Organisation

Although the autobahns are federal roads, the ''Autobahnpolizei'' are always part of the state police (''Landespolizei'' in Germany). In Switzerland, the state police (''Kantonspolizei'') is responsible for highway patrols as well.

Operations

''Autobahnpolizei'' officers facilitate and regulate the flow of traffic, help motorists whose vehicles have broken down on the ''Autobahn'' and rapidly respond to accidents. Vehicle safety checks and crime prevention at rest stops are also part of the ''Autobahnpolizei'' duties.

Investigation sections probe crime at rest stops and the movement of criminals and smugglers on the ''Autobahn'', often together with German Customs. The ''Autobahnpolizei'' also use fast unmarked vehicles with video cameras discreetly mounted front and back to follow and film reckless drivers and speeders. Approximately 30% of autobahns in Germany have a permanent speed limit of or less, primarily in urban areas. On the remainder, the 130 km/h speed limit is only advisory.

Media

*''Alarm für Cobra 11 – Die Autobahnpolizei'' is a German television series about a two-man team of ''Autobahnpolizei'' first set in Berlin then later in North Rhine-Westphalia.

See also

* Highway patrol (USA)
* Road policing unit (UK)
* Traffic corps (Ireland)

External links

*

Polizei.de

{{Authority control

Specialist law enforcement agencies of Switzerland
Law enforcement in Austria
Autobahns in Germany
Police units of Germany
State law enforcement agencies of Germany