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The Nurburgring Nordschleife public access The Nurburgring has remained a one-way, public toll-road for over 80 years. It is also used by most car manufacturers for testing purposes,also for training lessons or racing events. Since its opening in 1927, the track has been used by the public for "Touristenfahrten" (Tourist driving), Which means it is open to anyone with a road legal car or motorcycle. It is opened mainly on Weekends and weekday evenings. During the winter months and depending on weather conditions and maintenance work, the track may be closed for long periods, up to several weeks at a time.

During Touristenfahrten StVO (German road law) applies despite a common misconception that it is derestricted like a race track. There is no general speed limit, however speed limits exist in certain areas in order to reduce noise and risks. As on public roads, passing on the right is prohibited, and the police take an extremely dim view of poor driving as they will prosecute offenders.

This Nürburgring northloop is a popular attraction for many driving and riding enthusiasts from all over the world, partly because of its history and the considerable challenge it still provides. The lack of oncoming traffic and intersections sets it apart from regular roads, and the absence of a blanket speed limit makes it an additional attraction mainly for foreigners.

Drivers on these tourist days cannot quite complete a full lap of the 20.8 km (13 miles) Nordschleife which is bypassing the modern GP-Strecke, as the public entrance and exit from the track has a 200 metre section between them that cannot be used as vehicles are required to pass through a "pit lane" where the toll gates are installed.

Drivers interested in lap times (which can be a dangerous thing to worry about, as running stop watches are frequently found in crashed vehicles) can time themselves between the first bridge on leaving the car park style barrier to the last gantry before they return. Accidents are common, though, and those considering driving around the Nordschleife should read the rules that apply, as well as the "do's" and "don'ts". The 'ring has caught many people out. There is very little run-off and the armco barrier will be hit at almost any speed, should a vehicle leave the tarmac.

Drivers who do crash have a responsibility of warning following vehicles that there has been an incident. They should not try to continue driving as spilled fluids are a hazard to others, and it might be regarded as an attempt to escape the hefty bill for an armco repair. The 'Ring, although being to all intents and purposes a race track when used for racing, still remains a public road when opened to the public, and it is policed as such. Anyone caught or reported as driving dangerously can be fined or banned by the authorities.