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80 km/h in the wet: Marburg drivers have to brake longer!
From November 2025, a speed limit of 80 km/h in wet conditions will apply on the district border between Marburg-Biedenkopf and Gießen. The reason is structural defects that should be remedied by spring. The definition of "wet" causes confusion.
80 km/h in the wet: Marburg drivers have to brake longer!
In the region around Fronhausen, a speed limit of 80 km/h in wet conditions has been in effect since the end of July. This regulation was introduced at the district border between the Marburg-Biedenkopf district and Gießen and is expected to remain in place until spring. The reason for these measures are structural defects that were discovered after asphalt work. Felix Filke from the Hessen-Mobil press office confirmed that improvements are necessary, but the details still need to be clarified.
Due to approaching winter conditions, the need for improvements cannot be addressed until next spring at the earliest. The speed limit applies in both directions over a distance of two kilometers. A 100 km/h sign acts as a speed funnel to encourage drivers to brake in good time.
Unclear regulations and definitions
Particular attention is paid to defining when a road is considered wet. The Federal Court of Justice says that a road is said to be wet if it is clearly covered with a thin layer of water. In contrast, the ADAC has clarified that the speed limit “in wet conditions” only applies if the road forms a spray plume. If there is only water on the road, such as a few puddles or a light drizzle, there is no need to reduce your speed.
This distinction often causes confusion among drivers. In the public discussion, there are different opinions about what exactly defines a wet road. There is a particular need for clarification when it comes to the application of the speed limit. According to 24auto.de, fines can be incurred which vary depending on the extent of the violation. The table shows the possible fees for speeding:
| Exceedance (km/h) | Fine (Euro) |
|---|---|
| Under 10 | 30 |
| 11 to 15 | 50 |
| 16 to 20 | 70 |
| 21 to 25 | 115 |
| 26 to 30 | 180 |
| 31 to 40 | 260 |
| 41 to 50 | 400 |
| 51 to 60 | 560 |
| 61 to 70 | 700 |
| Over 70 | 800 |
Safety comes first
The speed limit on wet roads is not just a rule, but is primarily for safety. Wet roads increase the risk of aquaplaning and significantly extend braking distances. Therefore, it is important to follow traffic rules to avoid accidents, especially in the coming winter months when road conditions may change again.
The discussion about speed limits and traffic safety will certainly remain an issue in the future, as many drivers often ignore the exact definition of “wet”. Small, external changes on the road can often have a major impact on safety. It remains to be hoped that the necessary improvements will be implemented soon to increase safety for all road users. Further information about current road conditions can be found on the Hessen Mobil website.