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Signpost to an Autostrasse (this one leads to the A1L motorroad leading out of central Zürich).

The A8 Autostrasse in Switzerland. Notice the speed limit, which is repetitively indicated, and the lack of a central physical barrier.

The Autostrasse means motorroad in English and exists in some European countries, noticeably Austria, Germany and Switzerland, and some other like Sweden, France, Poland, Netherlands and Norway under another name. The faster equivalent is the Autobahn (motorway). The Autostrasse can also be translated as a semi-motorway.

While the two are united in a common policy of accepting only motor vehicles, differences apply between the two:

On Autobahn routes, a higher speed limit applies. This can be either 120 km/h in Switzerland or a recommended limit of 130 km/h in Germany (unless otherwise signed), or even unlimited (Germany only). Autostrasse routes are limited to a maximum speed limit of 100 km/h; Autostrasse routes with unlimited speed limits are nonexistent.

On Autobahn routes, longer exits and entrances apply (except for on roads with construction and older routes; they will be marked short exit or kurze Ausfahrt). On Autostrasse routes, most exits are remarkably short.

Some Autostrasse have no central barrier separating the carriageways running in different directions (e.g. A4 Autostrasse, Winterthur - Schaffhausen). On the A13 Autostrasse, portions of the road even allow drivers to overtake using the carriageway usually reserved for oncoming traffic. This simply does not exist on Autobahn routes; they are required to have a central barrier.

Signs are different, too. Autobahn routes often show a picture of two roads (signalled by a white line) over a bridge. Autostrasse routes often show a picture of a car (front view) in white.

A Swedish 2+1 lane "motortrafikled" constituting part of Riksväg (national road) 36

This type of road is common is Sweden and Norway and to some extent in Denmark. In Norway and Denmark they are ordinary two-lane roads with exits and entrances but no crossings. In Sweden they have been rebuilt to 2+1 roads, alternating two lanes in one direction and one in the other, with a narrow fence in between. They previously had wide shoulders, allowing easy rebuilding. They are called Motortrafikled in Swedish, Motortrafikkvei in Norwegian and Motortrafikvej in Danish, translated to "motor traffic road."

A similar type of road seen in North America is known as a two-lane freeway; albeit wih fewer construnction standards.