You are driving on the autobahn in light traffic. How long are you allowed to stay in the left-hand lane?

In German traffic laws, the left-hand lane on the autobahn is primarily intended for overtaking. You are allowed to stay in this lane under two specific conditions:

1. If you are overtaking another vehicle, you can remain in the left lane as long as necessary until you have completed the overtaking maneuver.

2. If there is a vehicle ahead of you that is in the process of overtaking, you may drive behind it as long as it is still in the left lane and you are unable to maneuver around it safely.

However, it is important to note that you cannot remain in the left lane if there is no intention to overtake, especially if other vehicles are seeking to overtake you. This rule helps maintain smooth traffic flow and ensures that slower vehicles use the right lanes, preventing obstructions in the left lanes meant for faster traffic. Understanding and adhering to these regulations is crucial for safe driving on the autobahn.