Overview of road signs in Germany
Road sign gantry with variable-message signs on the A 3 in Frankfurt am Main
Traffic signs, installations, and symbols used in Germany are prescribed by the Road Traffic Regulation (StVO ) (German : Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung ) and the Traffic Signs Catalog (VzKat ) (German : Verkehrszeichenkatalog ).[ 1] [ 2] [ 3]
§§ 39 to 43 of the StVO regulate the effect of traffic signs and installations. Annexes 1 to 3 illustrate most danger, regulatory, and directional signs and annex 4 illustrates the traffic installations. Other traffic signs and installations not specified in the StVO , primarily specific supplementary signs, are published in the VzKat .[ 1]
The latest version of the VzKat was issued in May 2017[ 2] as the annex to the General Administrative Rules for the Road Traffic Regulation (VwV-StVO ) (German : Allgemeine Verwaltungsvorschrift zur Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung ).[ 4]
The StVO , the VwV-StVO and the VzKat are supported by technical rules (German : Technische Regelwerke ), mostly published by the Forschungsgesellschaft für Straßen- und Verkehrswesen (FGSV ), especially:
The Guidelines for Directional Signage outside of Motorways (RWB [ 5] [ 6] ) (German : Richtlinien für die wegweisende Beschilderung außerhalb von Autobahnen )
The Guidelines for Directional Signage on Motorways (RWBA [ 7] [ 8] ) (German : Richtlinien für die wegweisende Beschilderung auf Autobahnen )
The Guidelines for touristic Signage (RtB [ 9] ) (German : Richtlinien für die touristische Beschilderung )
The Guidelines for Signage for detours (RUB [ 10] [ 11] ) (German : Richtlinien für Umleitungsbeschilderungen )
The Guidelines for the Marking of Roads (RMS-1 [ 12] , RMS-2 [ 13] and RMS-A [ 14] ) (German : Richtlinien für die Markierung von Straßen )
The Guidelines for Traffic Signals (RiLSA[ 15] [ 16] ) (German : Richtlinien für Lichtsignalanlagen )
The Guidelines for the safety of road construction sites (RSA [ 17] ) (German : Richtlinien für die verkehrsrechtliche Sicherung von Arbeitsstellen an Straßen )
All signs have assigned numbers. The suffix number after the hyphen refers to the variation of the sign; the suffix on signs with variable numbers is the number depicted on the sign (for speed limits, maximum heights, etc.).[ 2]
Overview
General symbols
Symbols pursuant to § 39 paragraphs 7, 10, and 11 of the StVO :[ 1]
Danger signs
Danger signs pursuant to part 2 of the VzKat which includes permissible variations of signs listed in annex 1 of the StVO . When one sign has two sign numbers, the first number is the illustrated sign while the latter number is a mirrored or slightly altered version of the sign.
Sign 101 Danger. A supplementary sign can specify the danger.
Sign 101-10 / 101-20 Aircraft
Sign 101-12 / 101-22 Cattle
Sign 101-13 / 101-23 Equestrians
Sign 101-14 / 101-24 Amphibians
Sign 101-25 Rockfall
Sign 101-51 Slipperiness due to snow or ice
Sign 101-52 Grit/gravel at the edge of the road
Sign 101-53 Shore or riverbank
Sign 101-54 Insufficient clearance
Sign 105-10 Double curve (first left)
Sign 105-20 Double curve (first right)
Sign 114 Slipperiness when road is wet or dirty
Sign 117-20 Crosswind
Sign 120 Road narrowing
Sign 121-10 One-sided road narrowing (right)
Sign 121-20 One-sided road narrowing (left)
Sign 125 Oncoming traffic
Sign 133-10 / 133-20 Pedestrians
Sign 136-10 / 136-20 Children
Sign 138-10 / 138-20 Cycles
Sign 156-10 / 156-20 Railroad crossing with three-striped warning – 240 m distance
Sign 156-11 / 156-21 Railroad crossing with three-striped warning – custom distance
Sign 157-10 / 157-20 Three-striped warning for
railroad crossing – 240 m distance
Sign 157-11 / 157-21 Three-striped warning for
railroad crossing – custom distance
Sign 159-10 / 159-20 Two-striped warning for
railroad crossing – 160 m distance
Sign 159-11 / 159-21 Two-striped warning for
railroad crossing – custom distance
Sign 162-10 / 162-20 One-striped warning for
railroad crossing – 80 m distance
Sign 162-11 / 162-21 One-striped warning for
railroad crossing – custom distance
Regulatory signs
Regulatory signs pursuant to part 3 of the VzKat which includes permissible variations of signs listed in annex 2 of the StVO . When one sign has two sign numbers, the first number is the illustrated sign while the latter number is a mirrored or slightly altered version of the sign.
Sign 201-50 / 201-52 Crossbuck . Yield the right-of-way to railborne vehicles
Sign 201-51 / 201-53 Crossbuck with lightning rod. Yield the right-of-way to railborne vehicles; the tracks possess
overhead electrical wires
Sign 205 Yield the right-of-way
Sign 206 Stop . Yield the right-of-way.
Sign 208 Oncoming traffic has the right-of-way
Sign 209 Right ahead
Sign 209-10 Left ahead
Sign 209-30 Straight ahead
Sign 211 Right here
Sign 211-10 Left here
Sign 214 Straight ahead or right ahead
Sign 214-10 Straight ahead or left ahead
Sign 214-30 Left ahead or right ahead
Sign 222 Pass on the right
Sign 222-10 Pass on the left
Sign 223.1-50 – 223.1-52 Drive on the shoulder
Sign 223.2-50 – 223.2-52 No longer drive on the shoulder
Sign 223.3-50 – 223.3-52 Vacate the shoulder
Sign 224-51 Bus stop for
school buses during designated times
Sign 229 – 229-31 Taxi stand
Sign 241-30 Separated pedestrian and bicycle path
Sign 241-31 Separated pedestrian and bicycle path
Sign 242.1 Begin of a
pedestrian zone
Sign 242.2 End of a
pedestrian zone
Sign 244.1 Begin of a
bicycle street
Sign 244.2 End of a
bicycle street
Sign 244.3 Begin of a bicycle zone
Sign 244.4 End of a bicycle zone
Sign 250 No vehicles of any kind permitted
Sign 251
Sign 253
Sign 254
Sign 255
Sign 257-50
Sign 257-51
Sign 257-52
Sign 257-53
Sign 257-54
Sign 257-55
Sign 257-56
Sign 257-57
Sign 257-58
Sign 259
Sign 260
Sign 261 No trucks carrying hazardous materials
Sign 263–5,5
Sign 263-8
Sign 264-2
Sign 265–3,8
Sign 266-10
Sign 267 No entry
Sign 268 Snow chains required
Sign 269 No trucks carrying water-polluting substances
Sign 270.1 Low-emission zone
Sign 270.2 End of low-emission zone
Sign 272 No U-turn
Sign 273
Sign 274-60 Speed limit
Sign 274.1 Speed limit zone
Sign 274.2 End of speed limit zone
Sign 275-30 Minimum speed
Sign 276 No passing
Sign 277 No passing (for trucks)
Sign 277.1
Sign 278-60 End of speed limit
Sign 279-30 End of minimum speed
Sign 280
Sign 281
Sign 281.1
Sign 282 End of all restrictions
Sign 283 No stopping of any kind (No drop-off or pick-up)
Sign 283-10
Sign 283-11
Sign 283-20
Sign 283-21
Sign 283-30
Sign 283-31
Sign 286 No parking
Sign 286-10
Sign 286-11
Sign 286-20
Sign 286-21
Sign 286-30
Sign 286-31
Sign 290.1 No parking zone
Sign 290.2 End of no parking zone
Sign 293
Sign 294
Sign 295
Sign 296
Sign 297
Sign 297.1
Sign 297.1-21
Sign 298
Sign 299 - No parking or waiting area
Directional signs
Directional signs pursuant to part 4 of the VzKat which includes permissible variations of signs listed in annex 4 of the StVO . When one sign has two sign numbers, the first number is the illustrated sign while the latter number is a mirrored or slightly altered version of the sign.
Sign 301 Right-of-way only on upcoming intersection
Sign 306 Priority road (Right-of-way on all following intersections)
Sign 307 End of priority road
Sign 308
Sign 310
Sign 311
Sign 314
Sign 314-10
Sign 314-20
Sign 314-30
Sign 314-50
Sign 314.1
Sign 314.2
Sign 315-50
Sign 315-55
Sign 315-60
Sign 315-65
Sign 315-70
Sign 315-75
Sign 315-80
Sign 315-85
Sign 316-50 Park and ride
Sign 317 Parking for
hikers
Sign 318
Sign 325.1
Sign 325.2
Sign 327 Tunnel
Sign 327-50
Sign 327-51
Sign 328
Sign 330.1 Autobahn Start
Sign 330.2 Autobahn End
Sign 331.1
Sign 331.2
Sign 332
Sign 332.1
Sign 332.1-20
Sign 333 Autobahn exit
Sign 333.1 Federal Highway (Bundesstraße) exit
Sign 333.1-20
Sign 340
Sign 341
Sign 342
Sign 350.1
Sign 350.2
Sign 354 Water protection area
Sign 357-50
Sign 357-51
Sign 357-52
Sign 365-53 Petrol station with
LPG
Sign 365-54 Petrol station with
CNG
Sign 365-55 Motorway
hotel
Sign 376 Motorway
restaurant
Sign 377 Motorway
refreshments
Sign 365-60 Camping and caravan site
Sign 365-61 Information
Sign 365-65 Charging station for electric vehicles
Sign 365-66 Hydrogen Station
Sign 365-67 Motor caravan campsite
Sign 365-68 Campersite
Sign 385 old number since 2017: 385-50
Sign 386.1
Sign 386.1-10
Sign 386.1-11 new design 2017
Sign 386.1-12
Sign 386.1-20 new sign 2017
Sign 386.1-21 new design 2017
Sign 386.1-22
Sign 386.1-30
Sign 386.1-50 old number since 2017: 386.1-32
Sign 386.1-51 old number since 2017: 386.1-33
Sign 386.1-52 old number since 2017: 386.1-34
Sign 386.1-53 old number since 2017: 386.1-50
Sign 386.2
Sign 386.2-10 new design 2017
Sign 386.2-11 new sign 2017
Sign 386.2-12 new sign 2017
Sign 386.2-22 new sign 2017
Sign 386.2-20 new design 2017
Sign 386.2-21 new sign 2017
Sign 386.2-30 new sign 2017
Sign 386.2-51 new sign 2017
Sign 386.2-52 old number since 2017: 386.2-30
Sign 386.2-53 new sign 2017
Sign 386.3
Sign 386.3-50
Sign 390
Sign 390.2
Sign 391
Sign 392
Sign 393
Sign 394-50
Sign 401
Sign 405
Sign 406-50
Sign 406-51
Sign 410
Sign 415-10
Sign 415-20
Sign 415-10
Sign 415-20
Sign 418-10
Sign 418-20
Sign 419-10
Sign 419-20
Sign 421-20
Sign 422-10
Sign 422-11
Sign 422-20
Sign 422-21
Sign 422-30
Sign 422-32
Sign 422-34
Sign 422-36
Sign 430-10
Sign 430-20
Sign 432-10
Sign 432-20
Sign 434
Sign 434-52
Sign 434-53
Sign 437
Sign 438
Sign 439
Sign 440
Sign 441
Sign 442-10 old number since 2017: 442-11
Sign 442-12 old number since 2017: 442-13
Sign 442-13 old number since 2017: 442-10
Sign 442-20 old number since 2017: 442-21
Sign 442-22 old number since 2017: 442-23
Sign 442-23 old number since 2017: 442-20
Sign 442-50 new sign 2017
Sign 442-51 new sign 2017
Sign 442-52 new sign 2017
Sign 442-53 new sign 2017
Sign 448
Sign 448-50
Sign 448.1
Sign 449
Sign 450-50
Sign 450-51
Sign 450-52
Sign 450-53
Sign 450-54
Sign 450-55
Sign 453
Sign 453-50
Sign 454-10
Sign 454-20
Sign 455.1-10
Sign 455.1-11
Sign 455.1-12
Sign 455.1-20
Sign 455.1-21
Sign 455.1-22
Sign 455.1-30
Sign 455.1-50
Sign 455.2
Sign 457.1
Sign 457.2
Sign 458
Sign 460-10
Sign 460-11
Sign 460-12
Sign 460-20
Sign 460-21
Sign 460-22
Sign 460-30
Sign 460-50 new sign 2017
Sign 466
Sign 467.1-10
Sign 467.1-20
Sign 467.1-30
Sign 467.2
Sign 500
Sign 501-10
Sign 501-11
Sign 501-12
Sign 501-15 new sign 2017
Sign 501-16 old number since 2017: 501-15
Sign 501-17 old number since 2017: 501-16
Sign 501-18 old number since 2017: 501-17
Sign 501-20
Sign 501-21
Sign 501-22
Sign 505-11 old number since 2017: 505-12
Sign 505-12 new sign 2017
Sign 505-21 old number since 2017: 505-22
Sign 505-22 new sign 2017
Sign 511-11
Sign 511-12
Sign 511-20
Sign 511-21
Sign 511-22
Sign 513-10
Sign 513-11
Sign 513-20
Sign 513-21
Sign 514-10
Sign 514-20
Sign 515-11 old number since 2017: 515-12
Sign 515-12 old number since 2017: 515-13
Sign 515-21 old number since 2017: 515-22
Sign 515-22 old number since 2017: 515-23
Sign 521-30
Sign 521-31
Sign 521-32
Sign 521-33
Sign 522-30
Sign 522-31
Sign 522-32
Sign 522-33
Sign 522-34
Sign 522-35
Sign 522-36
Sign 522-37 new sign 2017
Sign 522-38 new sign 2017
Sign 531-10
Sign 532-10
Sign 535-11
Sign 536-20
Sign 541-10
Sign 542-10
Sign 545-11
Sign 546-10
Sign 551-20
Sign 551-21
Sign 551-22
Sign 590-10
Sign 590-11
Road equipment
Sign 600-30
Sign 605-10
Sign 605-11
Sign 605-13
Sign 605-14
Sign 605-23
Sign 605-24
Sign 610-40
Sign 615
Sign 616-30
Sign 616-31
Sign 620-40
Sign 620-41
Sign 625-10
Sign 626-10
Sign 626-20
Sign 626-30
Sign 626-31
Sign 627-50
Sign 628-10
Sign 629-10
Sign 630-10
Additional road signs
To the left
To the right
After the left turn, a hazard exists (another sign defining the hazard would be above)
After the right turn, a hazard exists (another sign defining the hazard would be above)
Fußgänger Gehweg gegenüber benutzen Use
Sidewalk on left side of roadway
Fußgänger Gehweg gegenüber benutzen Use Sidewalk on right side of roadway
Directional indications by arrows, detour signs, three-quarter circle
[ 18]
Both directions, two opposing horizontal arrows
Both directions, two opposite vertical arrows
Cycling in the opposite direction
Directional indications by arrows, detour signs, semicircle
[ 18]
For 800 m
For 3 km
Continues for ... m
Continues for ... km
Course of this priority road turns left
Road from left and ahead has priority
100 m ahead
200 m ahead
400 m ahead
600 m ahead
Stop 100 m ahead
Zipper method in ... m
Ends in ...m
Hazardous Sidewinds for
cars with
caravans /
trailers
Damaged roadway
Exit
Accident
Knoll
Police check
Fog
Driveway
Traffic routing changed
Port area (rail traffic has priority)
Children allowed to play in road
Skiers allowed to cross road
Large wagons can park here without the usual two week temporal parking restriction
Caravans can park here without the usual two week temporal parking restriction
Information about
motorail for
lorries
End of restriction
Stop here on red
End of passing over
verges/shoulder
Disabled with permit No. ... allowed
Bicycle and residents allowed
Residents only
Residents or Resident's Visitors Parking Only
Residents with permit No. ... allowed
Taxis allowed
Regular scheduled buses allowed
Agricultural and
forestry vehicles allowed
Operational and
utility vehicles allowed
Access to
construction site allowed
Access to neighbouring
construction site allowed
Access to ... allowed
Vehicles with red, yellow or green Low Emission Zone Sticker permitted
Vehicles with yellow or green Low Emission Zone Sticker permitted
Vehicles with green Low Emission Zone Sticker permitted
Skiers crossing road at times shown
At times shown
At times shown
Parking with disc in marked zone for 2 hours
Working days at times shown
Working days at times shown
Monday-Friday, at times shown
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, at times shown
Sundays and
public holidays , at times shown
School bus (at times shown)
Disabled with permit No. ... only
Residents with permit No. ... only
Slow vehicles are allowed to be passed
Electric vehicles while being charged (with number)
Parking allowed in marked areas
When wet
Through traffic
Weight (12 tons)
Park (pull in straight)
Park (pull in diagonally)
Only within marked parking areas
Also buses and cars with trailers
Rabies! Endangered area
Wild animal rabies! Endangered area
Traffic rules
Priority
Reißverschlussverfahren [ 20] "Zipper rule" for one-way traffic merging & two-way traffic priorities
Einseitig (links) verengte Fahrbahn Road narrows on the left, one-way zipper rule applies, two-way oncoming traffic yields to you)
Verengte Fahrbahn Narrow roadway ahead, one-way zipper rule applies
Einseitig (rechts) verengte Fahrbahn Road narrows on the right, one-way zipper rule applies, two-way yield to oncoming traffic
Two-way traffic ahead (red indicates who must yield)
Oncoming traffic (red indicates who must yield)
Vorrang vor dem Gegenverkehr Priority over oncoming vehicles
Environmental factors
Yield as necessary to not endanger themselves or other road users
Steinschlag Possible rockfall in road (No braking, slowing, stopping or parking)
Schnee- oder Eisglätte Snow or ice possible ahead (road freezes easily, no sudden braking or turning)
Splitt, Schotter Loose chippings
Unebene Fahrbahn Uneven surfaces ahead, bumpy road
Schleuder- oder Rutschgefahr Slippery road (water, ice, snow, oil or dirt)
Traffic priority – priority roads
Priority traffic does not yield, signal all turns
Vorfahrtstraße Priority Road
Course of this priority road turns left
Road from left and ahead has priority
Ende der Vorfahrtsstraße End of priority road
Vorfahrt Priority to through-traffic at the next intersection/crossroads only
Kreuzung o. Einmündung mit Vorfahrt von rechts Uncontrolled Intersection Ahead
Yield to cross traffic
Other factors
Yield or reduce speed as necessary [ 21]
Stau/Verkehrstau Traffic jams/queues possible
Kurve Dangerous curve to the left (Slow & stay to the right)
Kurve Dangerous curve to the right (Slow & stay to the right)
Doppelkurve Double curves, first to left (Slow & stay to the right)
Doppelkurve Double curves, first to right (Slow & stay to the right)
Steigung Steep Grade/Hill Up (12%)
Flugbetrieb Low-flying
aircraft , Aircraft noise & lights may distract drivers
Seitenwind Crosswinds from the right possible
Seitenwind Crosswind from the left possible
Ufer Road may end suddenly in a water area (
quay or
ferry slip ahead)
Unzureichendes Lichtraumprofil Narrowed clearance by
trees
Bewegliche Brücke Opening or
swing bridge ahead
Viehtrieb Cattle possible
Reiter Equestrians possible
Amphibienwanderung Frogs and toads possible
Wildwechsel Wild animals possible
[ 22]
Vehicle classifications & specifics
Official (base) Symbols in Germany as per Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO) § 39 Verkehrszeichen[ 18]
Basic
Red ring
In addition to any sign/placard, the red ring forbids (in general) the item noted and anything of greater size or value; i.e., if a car is pictured, then not only are cars not permitted but trucks, as well.
A red ring is also a traffic sign itself: No vehicles (of any type) permitted, pushing motorcycles/mopeds/bicycles permitted
Verbot für Fahrzeuge aller Art No vehicles of any kind permitted
Verbot für Kraftwagen und sonstige mehrspurige Kraftfahrzeuge No 2-tracked motor vehicles permitted
Verbot für Fußgänger No pedestrians permitted
Bicycles & mopeds
Radfahrer Bicycles permitted
E-Bikes Electric Bicycles permitted
Mofas Mopeds
Mofas Mopeds permitted
Verbot für Mofas Mopeds forbidden
No Mopeds permitted
Motorcycles
Classified as above/below 500 cc motor size, and with or without sidecar
Krafträder, auch mit Beiwagen, Kleinkrafträder und Mofas Motorcycles (above 500 cc), also with sidecar, small motorcycles (below 500 cc) and mopeds
Motorcycles and Mopeds Permitted
Verbot für Krafträder, auch mit Beiwagen, Kleinkrafträder und Mofas Ban on motorcycles including those with sidecars and mopeds
Cars/automobiles
Personenkraftwagen – Pkw [ 23] – "Powered car for (the transport of) persons "; e.g., cars/automobiles
Personenkraftwagen (Pkw) Cars
Personenkraftwagen (Pkw) Cars permitted
Verbot für Personenkraftwagen (Pkw) Powered passenger cars prohibited
elektrisch betriebene Fahrzeuge Electric vehicles/cars
Pkw mit Anhänger Cars with trailer
Pkw mit Anhänger
Verbot für Pkw mit Anhänger
Recreational vehicles, farm equipment or animal powered
Wohnmobile Motorhomes & Campers
Kraftfahrzeuge und Züge Farm & Powered Equipment (& Trailers) with less than 25 km/h top speed
Verbot für Kraftfahrzeuge und Züge
Kraftfahrzeuge und Züge Farm & Powered Equipment (& Trailers) Permitted
Gespannfuhrwerke Horse-drawn Wagon
Verbot für Gespannfuhrwerke No Horse-drawn Wagons Permitted
Verbot für Viehtrieb No Cattle Permitted
Verbot für Reiter No Equestrians/Horse Riders Permitted
Trucks & lorries
Lastkraftwagen – Lkw – (literally "powered car for loads ", e.g., truck, lorry, semi, tractor-trailer)
Lkw or Kfz
Lkw permitted
No Lkw permitted
Kraftfahrzeuge (Kfz)[ 24] mit einer zulässigen Gesamtmasse über 3,5 t, einschließlich ihrer Anhänger, und Zugmaschinen, ausgenommen Personenkraftwagen und Kraftomnibusse – Motor vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3,5 t , including their trailers, and tractors other than cars and buses
Lkw mit Anhänger Truck with trailer
Lkw with trailer permitted
Verbot für Lastkraftwagen (Lkw) mit Anhänger No trucks with trailer(s) permitted
Sattelkraftfahrzeuge Semi/tractor-trailer
Single- and double-trailer semis
Traffic restrictions & allowances for vehicles (generally larger) than cars
Massenangabe Weight (7.5 tons)
Verbot für Fahrzeuge über angegebene tatsächliche Masse Total Vehicle Weight Limit (5.5 tonnes)
Verbot für Fahrzeuge über angegebene tatsächliche Achslast Load Limit per Axle (8 tonnes)
Verbot für Fahrzeuge über angegebene tatsächliche Breite Width Limit (including
wing mirrors )
Verbot für Fahrzeuge über angegebene tatsächliche Höhe Height Limit (3.8 meters)
Verbot für Fahrzeuge über angegebene tatsächliche Länge Length Limit (10 meters)
Dangerous or hazardous cargos
Dangerous or Hazardous Load/Cargos
Verbot für kennzeichnungspflichtige Kraftfahrzeuge mit gefährlichen Gütern No Dangerous or Hazardous Loads/Cargos Permitted
Dangerous or Hazardous Loads/Cargos to Water Bodies
Verbot für Fahrzeuge mit wassergefährdender Ladung No Dangerous or Hazardous Loads/Cargos to Water Bodies Permitted
Buses, public transit & rail
Buses (generally) and trains (always) have the priority/right-of-way
Kraftomnibus Bus
Buses permitted
Verbot für Kraftomnibusse
Straßenbahn Streetrail or trams
Trams permitted
Train – Bahn/Zug
Schienenbahn "Railway Traffic", Trains – Bahn/Zug permitted
Others
Traffic regulations
Basic Traffic Controls
Vorgeschriebene Mindestgeschwindigkeit Minimum (30 km/h) Speed Required
Ende der ... End of...
Beginn einer Tempo 30-Zone Maximum (30 km/h) Zone (still in effect after junctions)
End of...
Zulässige Höchstgeschwindigkeit Maximum Speed (60 km/h)
Ende der ... End of...
Maximum (or recommended) Speeds in Germany for Developed/Urban Areas (50), Bundesstraßen (100) & Autobahn (130)
Überholverbot für Kraftfahrzeuge aller Art No Passing (for any vehicle type)
End of...
No Passing (by vehicles over 3,5 t)
End of...
Other
Umwelt Low-emission zone / Environmental Zone
Lkw / Trucks / Semis must maintain minimum (70 m for example) spacing
Schneeketten sind vorgeschrieben Snow chains must be carried in vehicle
End of previous limitation (i.e., speed or passing)
Autobahn
German Limited Access Highway – Blue Background[ 25]
Signs used on Autobahn
Knotenpunkte der Autobahnen Interchange/Exit/Ausfahrt Number (26 for example)
Autobahn distance sign (usually after entrance)
Autobahn sign indicating next
exit has a
service area nearby
Autobahn sign
announcing next
exit
Autobahn reminder
exit sign, showing next exit ahead
Autobahn marker (300m before
exit )
Autobahn marker (200m before
exit )
Autobahn marker (100m before
exit )
Autobahn Ausfahrt exit (at end of exit lane)
Begin of Autobahn (Motor vehicles capable of speeds exceeding 60 km/h only)
End of Autobahn
Breakdown bay (used only on highways without emergency shoulder or in larger construction areas)
Signs leading to Autobahn
Pfeilwegweiser zur Autobahn Direction towards Autobahn entrance
Direction Signs to Autobahn , Messe (Fair/Convention Center) & Bundesstraße (without number)
sameBundesstraße with Number and distances to next cities
Vorwegweiser zur Autobahn Autobahn
junction entrance sign
Vorwegweiser zur Autobahn Autobahn
junction entrance sign
other signs
Signs of limited access roads
Note: Though road design of Kraftfahrstraße is comparable to Autobahn, speed limit is mandatory, signposting is similar but has yellow background.
Bundesstraße – non-limited access highways or main roads – yellow background
Ausfahrt auf Bundesstraße Exit off Main Road (to Mainz/Wiesbaden for example)
Ausfahrt Exit
Sign on approaches to
junctions
Sign on approaches to
junctions
Sign on approaches to
junctions (lanes)
Route for Lkw/Kfz
Route for Lkw/Kfz
Lkw/Kfz geradeaus Go Straight Ahead
Lkw/Kfz abbiegen rechts Turn Right Ahead
Lkw/Kfz abbiegen links Turn Left Ahead
Hazardous Cargos – Go Straight Ahead
Hazardous Cargos – Go Right Ahead
Hazardous Cargos – Go Left Ahead
Radverkehr Bicycles Go Straight Ahead
Radverkehr Bicycles Turn Right Ahead
Radverkehr Bicycles Turn Left Ahead
Detour or
bypass sign (U3)
Umleitung Detour or bypass sign
Planskizze Layout of
Detour or bypass route
Umlenkungspfeil (Streckenempfehlung) Existing alternate or bypass Autobahn route
End of
detour or bypass (symbol)
Complicated traffic touring (if turning left is forbidden)
Direction to Bahnhof Train station/ Railway Station
Urban or built-up areas
Fahrtbahn/Streifen – driving lane controls
Roadway lanes delineated by lines for/of single vehicle width
Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung, Geradeaus You must go straight ahead, yield appropriately
Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung, hier rechts Turn right here (in front of the sign)
Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung, hier links Turn left here (in front of the sign)
Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung, rechts You must turn right ahead, yield appropriately
Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung, links You must turn left ahead, yield appropriately
Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung, Geradeaus oder rechts You must go straight or turn right
Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung, Geradeaus oder links You must go straight or turn left
Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung, Rechts oder links You must turn right or turn left
Kreisverkehr Roundabout (Yield to traffic in circle, signal only on exit)
Einbahnstraße One-way street
Vorgeschriebene Vorbeifahrt, Rechts vorbei Keep right of traffic barrier/divider
Vorgeschriebene Vorbeifahrt, Links vorbei Keep left of traffic barrier/divider
Use of
hard shoulder as driving lane permitted
No use of
hard shoulder as driving lane permitted
3 Fahrstreifen und 1 Seitenstreifen 3 driving lanes + 1 hard shoulder (use permitted)
3 Fahrstreifen und 1 Seitenstreifen 3 driving lanes + 1 hard shoulder (use not permitted)
Dedicated lane use required for ...
Special zones
Stopping, waiting, parking
Parking is considered any stop exceeding three minutes.
No Stopping and parking
No waiting/standing longer than 3 minutes on traffic lanes exept for loading/unloading
Eingeschränktes Halteverbot No
parking . Stopping is allowed.
Eingeschränktes Halteverbot (Anfang) Start of no parking zone (left side)
Eingeschränktes Halteverbot (Anfang) Start of no parking zone (right side)
Eingeschränktes Halteverbot (Ende) End of no parking zone (right side)
Continuation of eingeschränktes Halteverbot
No parking zone
End of no parking zone
Bus stop and taxi zones
Road markings/lines
Intersections & Crosswalks
[ 26]
Haltlinie Stop line
Wartelinie Yield line
Driving Lanes
Fahrstreifenbegrenzung und Fahrbahnbegrenzung Solid Travel Lane (middle) & Travel Lane Boundary (right) – Crossing Not Permitted
Leitlinie Guide (Dividing) Line – Crossing/Overtaking Permitted
Einseitige Fahrstreifenbegrenzung Traffic on Solid Side May Not Cross Line. Traffic on Divided Side May Cross Line.
Direction arrows (no stopping or parking allowed)
Advance notice arrow
Advance notice arrow to indicate a lane end
Sperrflächen Occupying this area not permitted
Grenzmarkierung für Halt- und Parkverbote No Parking or Waiting Area
Parkplatz (Anfang) Parking place (start)
Parking place (end)
Beginn einer Parkraumbewirtschaftungszone Start of Parking management area, only parking with parking disc or parking ticket
End of Parking management area
Parking garage
Wasserschutzgebiet Water protection zone
Place name (information only, does not imply a
speed limit )
Tourist route
Tourist sign (here: river or channel)
Tourist route
Tourist route
Tourist route
Tourist sign (here: referring to the former
East-West German border )
End of toll road for heavy lorries
Additional signs
Arrows
To the left
To the right
After the left turn, a hazard exists (another sign defining the hazard would be above)
After the right turn, a hazard exists (another sign defining the hazard would be above)
Fußgänger Gehweg gegenüber benutzen Use
Sidewalk on left side of roadway
Fußgänger Gehweg gegenüber benutzen Use Sidewalk on right side of roadway
Directional indications by arrows, detour signs, three-quarter circle
[ 18]
Both directions, two opposing horizontal arrows
Both directions, two opposite vertical arrows
Cycling in the opposite direction
Directional indications by arrows, detour signs, semicircle
[ 18]
Distances
Stop 100 m ahead
Zipper method in ... m
For 800 m
For 3 km
Continues for ... m
Continues for ... km
100 m ahead
200 m ahead
400 m ahead
600 m ahead
Ends in ...m
Dangers
Hazardous Sidewinds for
cars with
caravans /
trailers
Damaged roadway
Exit
Accident
Knoll
Police check
Fog
Driveway
Traffic routing changed
Special regulations
Port area (rail traffic has priority)
Children allowed to play in road
Skiers allowed to cross road
Large wagons can park here without the usual two week temporal parking restriction
Caravans can park here without the usual two week temporal parking restriction
Information about
motorail for
lorries
End of restriction
Stop here on red
End of passing over
verges/shoulder
Disabled with permit No. ... allowed
Bicycle and residents allowed
Residents only
Residents or Resident's Visitors Parking Only
Residents with permit No. ... allowed
Taxis allowed
Regular scheduled buses allowed
Agricultural and
forestry vehicles allowed
Operational and
utility vehicles allowed
Access to
construction site allowed
Access to neighbouring
construction site allowed
Access to ... allowed
Vehicles with red, yellow or green Low Emission Zone Sticker permitted
Vehicles with yellow or green Low Emission Zone Sticker permitted
Vehicles with green Low Emission Zone Sticker permitted
Skiers crossing road at times shown
At times shown
At times shown
Parking with disc in marked zone for 2 hours
Working days at times shown
Working days at times shown
Monday-Friday, at times shown
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, at times shown
Sundays and
public holidays , at times shown
School bus (at times shown)
Disabled with permit No. ... only
Residents with permit No. ... only
Slow vehicles allowed to pass
Electric vehicles being charged (with number)
Parking allowed in marked areas
When wet
Mode of transport
Weight (12 tons)
Park (pull in straight)
Park (pull in diagonally)
Only within marked parking areas
Also buses and cars with trailers
Road equipment
Barrier board
Guiding beacon
Guide cone
Moveable road barrier
Moveable road barrier with flashing arrow
Reflexion post (right-hand side)
Reflexion post (left-hand side)
Obsolete signs
Obsolete signs since 2017
[ 18]
Sign 145-10
Sign 1000-33
Sign 1006-38
Sign 1006-39
Sign 1007-30
Sign 1012-30
Sign 1026-31
Sign 1030-10
Sign 1060-11
Sign 1060-30
Obsolete signs since 2013
[ 18]
Old signs (prior to 1992)
Warning signs
101: Be careful
102: Intersection
103: Curve to the Left
103: Curve to the Right
105: Double Curve, first to the Right
105: Double Curve, first to the Left
108: Steep Descent
110: Steep Ascent
112: Bumpy road
114: Slippery Road
115: Landslide
116: Landslide
117: Crosswinds
118: Crosswinds
120: Road Narrows
121: Road Narrows from Right
122: Road Narrows from Left
123: Roadworks area
125: Two-way Traffic
128: Lift Bridge
129: Riverbank ahead
131: Traffic signals Ahead
133: Pedestrian
134: Zebra Crossing
135: Zebra Crossing
136: School zone
138: Bike Crossing
140: Farm animals Crossing
142: Wild animals Crossing (option 1)
143: Wild animals Crossing (option 2)
144: Low-flying aircraft
150: Railroad crossing Ahead
151: Lokomotif railroad Crossing ahead
153: Three-stripe Beacon announcing Level Crossing with Barriers (left)
156: Three-stripe Beacon announcing Level Crossing without Barriers (right)
159: Two-stripe Beacon about 160m before Level Crossing (left)
162: One-stripe Beacon about 80m before Level Crossing (right)
Regulatory signs
201: Railway Crossbuck
201: Railway Crossbuck
201: Railway Crossbuck with Overhead Wires
201: Railway Crossbuck with Overhead Wires
205: Yield
206: Stop
208: Yield to Oncoming traffic
209: Turn Right
210: Turn Left
211: Follow Right
212: Follow Left
213: Go straight
214: Straight Ahead or Turn Right
215: Straight Ahead or Turn Left
216: Turn Right and Left
220: One-way traffic pointing Right
220: One-way traffic pointing Left
222: Keep Right
223: Keep Left
224: Tram Stop
224: Double Tram Stop
226: Bus Stop
229: Taxi Stand
237: Bike Path
239: Bridleway
241: Pedestrian Path
242: Shared Path
243: Shared Path
244: Shared Path
244: Shared Path
245: Bus Lane
250: Closed to All Vehicles
251: No Cars
252: No Entry for Motorbike or Cars
253: No Trucks
253: No Trucks with a gross vehicle weight of more than 3.5 t and tractors
254: No Bike
255: No Motorbike
256: No Trailers
257: No Horse-drawn Vehicles
258: No Equestrians
259: No Pedestrians
260: No Mopeds
261: No Motor vehicles subject to Identification of Dangerous Goods
262: Weight limit
263: Axle Load Limit
264: Width Limit
265: Height Limit
266: Length Limit
267: No Entry
268: Snow Chains Mandatory
269: No vehicles transporting goods dangerous to water reserves
270: Worded Prohibition (SMOG)
274: No traffic allowed without indicated minimum distance between vehicles
274: Speed Limit (30 km)
274: Speed Limit (40 km)
274: Speed Limit (60 km)
275: Minimum Speed
276: No Overtaking
277: No Overtaking by Lorries
278: End of Speed Limit
279: End of Minimum Speed
280: End of Overtaking prohibition
281: End of Overtaking by Lorries prohibition
282: End of All Speed and Passing Limits
283: Clearway no Stopping
283 A: No Stopping (Start)
283 E: No Stopping (End)
283 M: No Stopping (Middle)
286: No Parking or waiting
286 A: No Parking (Start)
286 E: No Parking (End)
283 M: No Parking (Middle)
290: No Parking Zone
291: Parking Disc
292: End of No Parking Zone
293: Pedestrian crossing
294: Stopping line
295: Lane or road boundary
296: One-sided lane boundary
297: Direction arrows
298: Marking for barred area
299: marking for no stopping or no parking area
301: Intersection with Priority
306: Beginning of Priority Road
307: End of Priority Road
308: Priority over Oncoming Traffic
308: Priority over Oncoming Traffic
310: Start of Urban area
311: End of Urban area
311: End of Urban area
314: Parking
314 a: Parking (left)
314 b: Parking (right)
314 c: Parking (distance indication)
315: Pavement Parking
316: Pavement Parking
317: Sidewalk Parking
318: Sidewalk Parking
321:
322:
320:
324:
362: Park and Ride
329: Parking for hikers
330: Beginning of Motorway
331: Beginning of Motorized
332: Motorway Exit
332a: Highway Exit
332b: Urban Road Exit
333: Motorway Exit
333a: Highway Exit
333b: Urban Road Exit
334: End of Motorway
335: End of Motorway (100m)
336: End of Motorized
337: End of Dual Carriageway (200 m)
340: advisory lane boundary
341: waiting line
350: Crosswalk
351: Crosswalk
353: One-way traffic
354: Water Reserves Area
355: Pedestrian Underpass
356: Pedestrian Crossing Patrol
357: No Through Road
358: First Aid or Hospital
359: Repairs
360: Telephone
360d: Emergency Telephone
361: Petrol Station
363: Police Station
364: Camping Site
365: Caravan Site
366: Caravan and Camping Site
367: Information
375: Motorway Hotel
376: Motorway Restaurant
377: Motorway Refreshment
378: Toilet
380: Recommended speed
385: Sign for off-road villages
385: Sign for rivers
392: Stop - Customs
394: Street Lighting not in use for the whole night
401: Federal Highway Number
410: European road number sign
415: Signpost at Junction leading onto a Major Road
418: Signpost at Junction leading onto a Minor Road
419: Signpost at Junction
421: Route for Truck
421: Route for Bike
421: Route for Pedestrians
430: Signpost at Junction leading directly onto a Motorway
432: Signpost at Junction
436: Sign on approaches to Junctions
437: Street Name Sign
438: Sign on approaches to Junctions
439: Sign on approaches to Junctions (lanes)
440: Motorway Junction Sign
442: Junction for Cyclists (turn right ahead)
443: Junction for Cyclists (turn left ahead)
Junction for Bike (straight ahead)
Junction for Truck (turn left ahead)
Junction for Truck (turn right ahead)
Junction for Truck(straight ahead)
Diversion (turn right ahead)
Diversion (turn left ahead)
Diversion (straight ahead)
Diversion (turn left)
Diversion (turn right)
Diversion (keep left)
Diversion (keep right)
Diversion Ends
448: Motorway Interchange (1000m)
449: Direction Sign on Motorway
450: Motorway marker (300m before exit)
451: Motorway marker (200m before exit)
452: Motorway marker (100m before exit)
453: Motorway Distance Sign
Signs for traffic diversion
454: Deviation
457: Announcement of a diversion
458: Diversion
460: motorway by-pass
466: schematic announcement of motorway by-pass
468: strange route
469: transfer to other lanes or carrigeway
470: transfer to other lanes or carrigeway
References
External links
Signs
By country
Lights Typefaces International conventions National standards Comparisons
Sovereign states States with limited recognition Dependencies and other entities