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Mandatory signsGermany

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Germany. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Germany
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Mandatory signs
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Mandatory signs

A mandatory sign is a traffic sign that tells drivers what they must do. Instead of prohibiting actions, these signs impose obligations such as following a specific direction, using a particular lane, or keeping a minimum speed. Their purpose is to guide traffic safely and efficiently by ensuring that all road users follow the same required behaviour in places where it is necessary for order and safety.

Mandatory roundabout direction. Turning left mandatory. Turning left or right mandatory. Turning right mandatory. Pass obstacle on the left. Pass obstacle on the right. Driving straight ahead or turning left mandatory. Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory. Mandatory left. Mandatory right. Driving straight ahead mandatory. Mandatory path for pedestrians. Mandatory path for cyclists. Mandatory path for equestrians. Mandatory lane for buses. Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path. Snow chains mandatory. Start of a minimum speed. End of the minimum speed.
How are compulsory instructions shown in Germany?

Annex 2 also includes required directions and compulsory routes. Do not treat every regulatory sign as a prohibition.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, current StVO — sections2,7–11,18,37,41–42 and Annexes1–3, according to the manoeuvre or control

Which German signs require a specific driving direction?

German Zeichen 209, 211 and 214, among others, prescribe the indicated direction or directions. These are regulatory directions, not signs conferring priority over pedestrians or opposing vehicles.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, current StVO — sections2,7–11,18,37,41–42 and Annexes1–3, according to the manoeuvre or control

Turning right mandatory. Turning right mandatory.

English • Traffic sign 209 • Compulsory direction — right.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 209 • Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung – rechts.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Nach den amtlichen Vorgaben digital umgesetzt durch: Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-08-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Mandatory right. Mandatory right.

English • Traffic sign 211 • Compulsory direction — turn right here.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 211 • Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung – hier rechts.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Nach den amtlichen Vorgaben digital umgesetzt durch: Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-08-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory. Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory.

English • Traffic sign 214 • Compulsory direction — straight ahead or right.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 214 • Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung – geradeaus oder rechts.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Nach den amtlichen Vorgaben digital umgesetzt durch: Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-08-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Does a mandatory-direction sign give me priority over pedestrians in Germany?

No. It tells you which way to move, not who goes first. Check traffic lights, other priority signs, pedestrians and cyclists, and give way when required before completing the manoeuvre.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, current StVO — sections2,7–11,18,37,41–42 and Annexes1–3, according to the manoeuvre or control

1. Mandatory roundabout direction

This traffic sign indicates the mandatory direction around a roundabout. Traffic must circulate in the direction shown by the arrows. The sign does not itself determine priority; follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local rules.

Mandatory roundabout direction.

English • Traffic sign 215 • Roundabout.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 215 • Kreisverkehr.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Erstes Hochladen: Andreas06. Neue erstellt nach den amtlichen Vorgaben durch: Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-08-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

2. Turning left mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning left is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn left and may not continue straight ahead or turn right.

Turning left mandatory.

English • Traffic sign 209-10 • Compulsory direction — left.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 209-10 • Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung – links.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Nach den amtlichen Vorgaben digital umgesetzt durch: Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-08-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. Turning left or right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning left or right is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic may turn either left or right but may not continue straight ahead.

Turning left or right mandatory.

English • Traffic sign 214-30 • Compulsory direction — right or left.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 214-30 • Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung – rechts oder links.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Nach den amtlichen Vorgaben digital umgesetzt durch: Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-08-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

4. Turning right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning right is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn right and may not continue straight ahead or turn left.

Turning right mandatory.

English • Traffic sign 209 • Compulsory direction — right.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 209 • Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung – rechts.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Nach den amtlichen Vorgaben digital umgesetzt durch: Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-08-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

5. Pass obstacle on the left

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the left. Keep to the left of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.

Pass obstacle on the left.

English • Traffic sign 222-10 • Pass on the left.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 222-10 • Vorgeschriebene Vorbeifahrt – links vorbei.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Vectorization: Mediatus (Nach den amtlichen Vorgaben digital umgesetzt) • Public domain • Source revision 2017-08-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

6. Pass obstacle on the right

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the right. Keep to the right of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.

Pass obstacle on the right.

English • Traffic sign 222 • Pass on the right.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 222 • Vorgeschriebene Vorbeifahrt – rechts vorbei.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Nach den amtlichen Vorgaben digital umgesetzt durch: Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-08-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

7. Driving straight ahead or turning left mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must continue straight ahead or turn left. One of the indicated directions must be followed; turning right is prohibited.

Driving straight ahead or turning left mandatory.

English • Traffic sign 214-10 • Compulsory direction — straight ahead or left.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 214-10 • Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung – geradeaus oder links.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Fry1989 eh? • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Source revision 2017-12-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

8. Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must continue straight ahead or turn right. One of the indicated directions must be followed; turning left is prohibited.

Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory.

English • Traffic sign 214 • Compulsory direction — straight ahead or right.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 214 • Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung – geradeaus oder rechts.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Nach den amtlichen Vorgaben digital umgesetzt durch: Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-08-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

9. Mandatory left

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory direction to the left. Traffic must proceed to the left at the sign and may not continue straight ahead or to the right.

Mandatory left.

English • Traffic sign 211-10 • Compulsory direction — turn left here.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 211-10 • Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung – hier links.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Nach den amtlichen Vorgaben digital umgesetzt durch: Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-08-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

10. Mandatory right

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory direction to the right. Traffic must proceed to the right at the sign and may not continue straight ahead or to the left.

Mandatory right.

English • Traffic sign 211 • Compulsory direction — turn right here.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 211 • Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung – hier rechts.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Nach den amtlichen Vorgaben digital umgesetzt durch: Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-08-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

11. Driving straight ahead mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that driving straight ahead is mandatory. Traffic must continue straight ahead and may not turn left or right at the location to which the sign applies.

Driving straight ahead mandatory.

English • Traffic sign 209-30 • Compulsory direction — straight ahead.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 209-30 • Vorgeschriebene Fahrtrichtung – geradeaus.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Nach den amtlichen Vorgaben digital umgesetzt durch: Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-08-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

12. Mandatory path for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the start of a mandatory path for pedestrians. Pedestrians must use the designated path, while other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory path for pedestrians.

English • Traffic sign 239 • Footpath.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 239 • Gehweg.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
first datas: Andreas 06. Nach den amtlichen Vorgaben 2017 komplett neu digital umgesetzt durch: Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-09-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

13. Mandatory path for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for cyclists. Cyclists must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory path for cyclists.

English • Traffic sign 237 • Cycle track.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 237 • Radweg.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
MarianSigler {bla}, Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2020-01-28. Wikimedia original unmodified.

14. Mandatory path for equestrians

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for equestrians. Equestrians must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory path for equestrians.

English • Traffic sign 238 • Bridleway.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 238 • Reitweg.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
first datas: Andreas 06. Nach den amtlichen Vorgaben 2017 komplett neu digital umgesetzt durch: Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-09-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

15. Mandatory lane for buses

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory lane for buses. Buses must use the designated lane where the sign applies. Other road users may use the lane only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory lane for buses.

English • Traffic sign 245 • Bus lane.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 245 • Bussonderfahrstreifen.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Nach den amtlichen Vorgaben digital umgesetzt durch: Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-08-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.

16. Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the same designated path rather than separate sections. They must share the space safely and follow the applicable local rules.

Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path.

English • Traffic sign 240 • Shared footpath and cycle path.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 240 • Gemeinsamer Geh- und Radweg.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
erstes Hochladen einer Datei durch Andreas 06; nach den Vorgaben 2017 korrekt interpretiert und digital umgesetzt durch Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-09-12. Wikimedia original unmodified.

17. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory divided path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the section designated for them. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path.

English • Traffic sign 241-30 • Separate cycle path and footpath — cycle path on the left.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 241-30 • Getrennter Rad- und Gehweg – Radweg links.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Bau- und Wohnungswesen • Public domain • Source revision 2017-09-12. Wikimedia original unmodified.

18. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory divided path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the section designated for them. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path.

English • Traffic sign 241-31 • Separate cycle path and footpath — cycle path on the right.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 241-31 • Getrennter Rad- und Gehweg – Radweg rechts.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat • Zeichen 241-31
🔗 Bast.de • BASt • Verkehrszeichen als Bilddateien

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Source published by the Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Bau- und Wohnungswesen; individual SVG creator not stated • Public domain • Source revision 2014-09-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

19. Snow chains mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that snow chains are mandatory. Vehicles covered by the sign must use snow chains from this point as required by the applicable rules. Follow any supplementary signs or local instructions specifying the affected vehicles, wheels or conditions.

Snow chains mandatory.

English • Traffic sign 268 • Snow chains compulsory.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 268 • Schneeketten vorgeschrieben.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
vectorized by • Public domain • Source revision 2017-08-28. Wikimedia original unmodified.

20. Start of a minimum speed

This traffic sign indicates the start of a minimum speed. Road users covered by the sign must travel at or above the indicated speed when conditions allow. Driving more slowly may still be necessary because of traffic, weather, road conditions or another safety-related reason.

Start of a minimum speed.

English • Traffic sign 275 • Compulsory minimum speed (the sub-number, in whole tens only, represents the numerical value).

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 275 • Vorgeschriebene Mindestgeschwindigkeit (Unternummer (nur volle Zehner) steht jeweils für den Zahlenwert).

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
erstes Hochladen einer Datei durch Andreas 06; nach den historischen Vorgaben 2017 korrekt interpretiert und digital umgesetzt durch Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-09-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

21. End of the minimum speed

This traffic sign indicates the end of the minimum speed. The previously indicated minimum speed no longer applies beyond this point. Continue to follow any other posted speed requirements and the applicable traffic rules.

End of the minimum speed.

English • Traffic sign 279 • End of compulsory minimum speed (the sub-number, in whole tens only, represents the numerical value).

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 279 • Ende der vorgeschriebenen Mindestgeschwindigkeit (Unternummer (nur volle Zehner) steht jeweils für den Zahlenwert).

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Unknown author • Public domain • Source revision 2017-09-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.