Speed limits in Germany
In 1973, in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis, a federal speed limit of 100 km/h (62 mph) on Autobahns was imposed to help conserve fuel for fear of impending future shortages (not for environmental or safety reasons). The measure only lasted from December 1973 to March 1974; while the administration and the Bundestag were in favor of keeping the speed limit, the Bundesrat pushed to repeal the law. As a compromise, a "recommended speed" was introduced on Autobahns and "highways outside of built-up areas with a center divide or without a center divide and a continuous lane for overtaking in both directions". This law is basically still in effect today. Unrestricted non-Autobahn highways, however, have since become virtually non-existent or replaced by "Schnellstraßen", Autobahn-like expressways typically limited to 120 or 130 km/h and normally only covering a few kilometers.
Speed limits in the Czech Republic
Speed limits were abolished on motorways ("dálnice"), even for trucks and motorcycles, in 1971. Furthermore, in 1976, all of the 50 km/h limits were increased to . The special limits for motorcycles, trucks and buses were repealed. The ordinance in 1979 was the first to limit speeds outside of settlements. Cars were limited to and on motorways, long-distance buses to 90 km/h, motorcycles and trucks under to , trucks over 6000 kg and buses to . The limit of 60 km/h (only between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.) was kept for roads inside settlements.