RockfallGermany

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.


37. Rockfall

A rockfall warning indicates a road section where rocks or stones may fall from a cliff, cutting or steep slope, or where fallen material may already be present on the road. The danger may affect the full carriageway and can appear suddenly.

Drivers should reduce speed, scan the road and slopes ahead, increase their following distance and remain prepared to stop. They should avoid unnecessary stopping in the exposed section and never attempt to move unstable rocks themselves.

Rockfall
Road closure on the B31 following a rockfall. (Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Florian Jesse • CC0
Where might falling rocks be a hazard on roads in Germany?

Pay extra attention around mountain routes and steep road cuttings, including in southern regions. After heavy rain, freeze–thaw cycles or work on a steep slope, the hazard may increase depending on local conditions.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§1,3,4,32,36–40: safe response to hazards and obstructions

Does a falling-rocks warning sign in Germany impose a speed limit?

A falling-rocks sign is a hazard warning, not normally a numerical speed-limit sign. Follow any separate speed or closure signs, slow down to match visibility and conditions, and watch for material already on the road.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§1,3,4,32,36–40: safe response to hazards and obstructions

Warning for falling rocks. Warning for falling rocks.

English • Traffic sign 101-15 • Falling rocks — sign placed on the right.

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 101-15 • Steinschlag – Aufstellung rechts.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat • Zeichen 101-15
🔗 Bast.de • BASt • Verkehrszeichen als Bilddateien

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Nach den amtlichen Vorgaben digital umgesetzt durch: Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-08-20. Wikimedia original unmodified.

What should you do if rocks are blocking the road in Germany?

Slow or stop in a safe place away from the exposed slope if possible. Do not drive over unstable debris or stop beneath a cliff unnecessarily. Follow any closure or traffic-control instructions and report a dangerous obstruction through the appropriate road authority or emergency channel.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§1,3,4,32,36–40: safe response to hazards and obstructions

1 Germany 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Pedestrian warning 11 Tunnel 12 Bridge 13 Cycling street 14 Pedestrian zone 15 Toll road 16 Customs 17 One-way traffic 18 Quay 19 Slope 20 Bus lane 21 Bus stop 22 Dead end 23 Stop sign 24 Give way 25 Roundabout 26 Priority road 27 Road narrowing 28 Priority over oncoming traffic 29 Give way to oncoming traffic 30 Pedestrian crossing 31 Railway crossing 32 Mandatory direction 33 School area 34 Overtaking 35 Crossing animals 36 Slippery road 37 Rockfall 38 Aircraft 39 Curve 40 Chevron 41 Wrong-way driving 42 Roadworks 43 Crosswind 44 Height limit 45 Width limit 46 Length limit 47 Weight limit 48 Radar speed sign 49 Selective barriers 50 Low-emission zone 51 Intersection direction sign 52 Priority at the next junction 53 Traffic lights 54 Traffic lights warning 55 Pedestrian lights 56 Road markings 57 Junction layout 58 Bike box 59 Speed feedback 60 Driving licence 61 Location marker 62 Countdown markers 63 Traffic mirror 64 Emergency telephone 65 International border 66 Pedestrian underpass 67 Cycling route 68 End of restriction 69 Parking 70 No parking 71 No stopping 72 Parallel parking 73 Park and ride 74 Kiss and ride 75 Parking meter 76 Parking disc 77 Disabled parking 78 Traffic management 79 Reversing 80 Traffic jam 81 Detour 82 Uncontrolled crossroad 83 Road surface 84 Exit 85 Horse riding 86 Provisional licence 87 Hazardous cargo 88 Emergency exit 89 Runaway truck ramp 90 Oversize load 91 Cycle highway 92 Carsharing 93 City limit 94 Gantry 95 Distance board 96 Breakdown bay 97 Hiking 98 Pavement parking 99 Road church 100 Tourist attraction ...