Traffic signsGermany

An axle weight limit specifies the maximum permitted load carried by an individual axle or axle group. A vehicle exceeding the indicated axle load may not use the restricted road or structure.

No. Total vehicle weight is the combined weight of the entire vehicle and its load, while axle weight is the portion of that weight supported by a particular axle. Both limits may apply at the same time.

They help prevent excessive stress on roads and structures such as bridges. They also ensure that vehicle loads are distributed safely between the axles.

A licence plate is a plate displaying the registration identifier assigned to a vehicle. It allows authorities and other authorised systems to identify the vehicle's registration.

Yes. Licence plate, registration plate and number plate are different terms commonly used for the plate displaying a vehicle's official registration number.

Most motor vehicles used on public roads must display one or more registration plates, but requirements differ for motorcycles, trailers, agricultural vehicles and other special vehicle categories.

This depends on the country and vehicle type. Cars commonly require front and rear plates, while motorcycles and certain other vehicles may require only a rear plate.

Yes. A required registration plate must normally remain clearly visible and readable. It should not be hidden by luggage, dirt, accessories or other objects.

Generally no. Changing the characters, colours, dimensions or appearance of an official plate may make it invalid or illegal. Plates and authorised reproductions must comply with local specifications.

Follow the local reporting and replacement procedure. Many countries require the loss or theft to be reported to the police or vehicle-registration authority before a replacement plate can be issued.

A plate must remain legible and compliant with local requirements. If damage prevents it from being read or makes it invalid, it should be replaced according to the local registration procedure.

Some countries allow motorists to request a personalised registration combination. The available characters, formats and prohibited combinations are determined by the registration authority.

This varies between countries. In some systems the plate remains with the vehicle, while in others it remains associated with the registered holder and may be retained or returned when the vehicle is sold.

A charging station is a location where electric vehicles can be connected to an electricity supply to recharge their batteries. A station may contain one or several individual charging points.

Charging stations are intended for vehicles that can be externally charged, such as battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The exact vehicle categories permitted may be indicated by local signs or operator conditions.

Not necessarily. A space beside a charger may be reserved for electric vehicles or vehicles that are charging. Drivers must check the signs and markings before parking there.

Not where the parking space is officially reserved for electric vehicles. An ordinary parking space located near a charger may be different, so the applicable signs and markings determine who may park there.

This depends on the local traffic and parking rules. Many charging spaces require the vehicle to be connected to the charger, even if the vehicle itself is electric.

Charging may be free or subject to payment. The price and payment method are determined by the charging operator, while separate parking charges may also apply.

Yes. Traffic signs, parking regulations or charging conditions may establish a maximum duration to encourage drivers to move their vehicles and make the charger available to others.

Follow the local parking rules and charging conditions. Some locations require vehicles to leave after charging or impose additional fees or time limits when the charging session has ended.

No. A charging station does not allow a driver to ignore no-parking rules, reserved spaces, time limits or other traffic regulations. The vehicle must still be legally parked.

No. Charging stations can provide different charging powers. Some are intended for longer parking periods, while high-power chargers can recharge compatible vehicles much more quickly.

A general danger warning sign indicates that there is a hazard ahead that is not represented by a more specific warning sign in the local traffic-sign system.

It can be used for unusual or uncommon hazards for which no dedicated warning symbol exists. The nature of the danger may be explained by an additional panel, symbol or message.

Look for a supplementary panel, text or symbol accompanying the warning sign. It may describe the hazard or provide information needed to understand the warning.

Increase your attention, observe the road and surroundings carefully and adapt your speed where necessary so that you can respond safely to the hazard.

Not normally. A warning sign alerts road users to danger rather than establishing a numerical speed limit. A separate speed-limit sign may be provided where a specific maximum speed is required.

It is used when the traffic-sign system does not contain a specific symbol that accurately represents the particular hazard.

Yes. A general warning sign may be used for either a temporary or continuing hazard, depending on local signing rules and the circumstances.

Yes. Depending on the country's traffic-sign system, an additional panel may indicate the distance to the hazard, the length of the dangerous section or other useful information.

No. A danger warning sign does not by itself change the priority rules. Drivers must continue to follow traffic lights, priority signs and the normal right-of-way rules.

Not necessarily. The sign normally warns of a hazard ahead of the sign, and the dangerous situation may extend over a section of road. Supplementary information may indicate its location or length.

Hanging trees are trees or branches that extend over or toward a road, cycle path or footpath and may interfere with the safe passage of road users.

They can reduce vertical or lateral clearance, obstruct signs or signals and create a collision hazard, particularly for tall vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

Drivers should slow down, check the available clearance and pass only when it can be done safely. They should avoid swerving suddenly into another lane or toward other road users.

Turn on red means that a road user may proceed in a specified turning direction despite a red traffic light when local law or a specific sign or signal permits it.

No. Some countries permit certain turns on red, while others prohibit them unless a special sign or signal provides an exception.

This depends on the local traffic rules. In some jurisdictions a complete stop is required before turning, while other systems use a give-way rule or a separate signal that permits the movement.

Usually no. A road user permitted to proceed against a red light generally has to give way to traffic, pedestrians and cyclists who are lawfully moving through the intersection.

Yes. Drivers must check pedestrian crossings carefully and give way where required before making the permitted turn.

Yes. Some countries use special signs or bicycle signals that allow cyclists to turn or continue in a specified direction while the main traffic light remains red.

Where the local signal system provides this arrangement, a green arrow may permit movement only in the direction indicated even though the main signal remains red. Applicable give-way rules must still be followed.

Yes. In countries where turning on red is normally permitted, a specific sign may prohibit the manoeuvre at particular intersections.

This depends entirely on the country and road layout. Some jurisdictions permit particular left turns on red, while many do not. Never assume that a rule allowing a right turn also permits a left turn.

Remain stopped until a signal clearly permits you to proceed. Never pass a red light based only on what is permitted in another country.

Rail safety covers the rules, equipment and precautions intended to prevent accidents involving trains, railway infrastructure and people.

Railway crossings bring road users and railway vehicles into the same location. Road users must therefore obey the warning systems and never enter when a train is approaching or the crossing cannot be cleared safely.

Normally, no. Railway tracks are operational transport infrastructure and should be entered only at authorised crossing points or where access is specifically permitted.

A pedestrian is primarily a person travelling on foot. Local traffic laws may also treat people pushing bicycles, wheelchairs, prams or certain other devices as pedestrians.

Pedestrians should normally use pavements, sidewalks, footpaths or other areas provided for pedestrians. Where these are unavailable, local rules determine where pedestrians may walk on or beside the road.

This depends on the country's traffic rules. Many countries require or recommend pedestrians to face approaching traffic, but the exact rule varies.

Use a pedestrian crossing, traffic-light-controlled crossing or other designated crossing where required or reasonably available. Where crossing elsewhere is permitted, choose a location with good visibility and cross carefully.

The exact priority rule varies between countries. Drivers are commonly required to give way to pedestrians using or entering designated crossings, but pedestrians must still obey traffic lights and avoid entering the road dangerously.

Yes. Where pedestrian signals are provided, pedestrians must follow their indications and should not enter the roadway while the signal prohibits crossing.

In many traffic systems, a person who dismounts and walks beside a bicycle is treated as a pedestrian. The precise legal classification depends on local law.

This depends on the road layout and local rules. Pedestrians may sometimes use a cycle path when no suitable pedestrian facility is available, but they must not unnecessarily obstruct cyclists or other authorised users.

Yes. Drivers turning into another road must watch carefully for pedestrians crossing the road they are entering and give way where required by local traffic law.

Check carefully for approaching traffic from all relevant directions, make sure there is sufficient time and distance to cross safely, and continue to observe traffic while crossing.

A cyclist is a person who rides and controls a bicycle.

Yes. Cyclists are road users and must follow the traffic rules, signs and signals that apply to them.

This depends on local rules. Cyclists may be required to use a cycle path or designated cycling facility, while in other situations they may ride on the carriageway.

A moped is a lightweight motor vehicle whose engine power, capacity or maximum design speed is restricted by law. The precise technical definition differs between countries.

No. Mopeds normally have lower maximum speeds and power than motorcycles and are classified separately under traffic and licensing laws.

Yes, potentially. A vehicle can be legally classified as a moped whether its motor is electric or uses an internal-combustion engine. Classification depends on factors such as design speed and power.

This depends on the country and moped category. Some low-speed mopeds may be ridden without a licence, while faster mopeds commonly require a dedicated moped licence or another qualifying driving licence.

Helmet requirements vary between countries, but an approved protective helmet is compulsory for moped riders in many jurisdictions. Passengers may also be required to wear one.

This depends on the moped category, road speed limit and local signs. Some low-speed mopeds may be required to use cycle paths, while faster mopeds may be required or permitted to use the roadway.

Only where the vehicle is designed and legally approved to carry a passenger and the rider satisfies any minimum-age or licensing requirements.

Many countries require mopeds to be registered and display a registration plate. Requirements vary according to vehicle category and national law.

Compulsory third-party liability insurance is required for mopeds in many countries. The exact insurance requirements depend on the vehicle classification and national legislation.

Mopeds are generally prohibited from motorways and other high-speed controlled-access roads because their maximum design speed is too low and the road may specifically exclude them.

A motorcycle is a powered two-wheeled vehicle, which may also be equipped with a sidecar.

No. Traffic laws generally distinguish motorcycles from mopeds according to technical characteristics such as power, engine capacity or maximum speed.

Motorcyclists should use an approved helmet and suitable protective clothing. The exact mandatory equipment depends on the country's traffic laws.

A car is a motor vehicle primarily designed to carry a relatively small number of passengers and their luggage on roads.

No. A car is a type of motor vehicle. The broader category of motor vehicles can also include motorcycles, buses, trucks, mopeds and other powered vehicles, depending on local legal definitions.

Yes. A driver must normally hold a valid driving licence for the vehicle category concerned. The licence categories and minimum ages vary between countries.

Yes, normally. Cars used on public roads generally have to be registered with the competent authority and display the required registration plate or plates.

Most countries require at least third-party liability insurance before a car may be used on public roads. Additional insurance may be optional.

Where seat belts are fitted, drivers and passengers are generally required to wear them correctly. Exact requirements and exemptions vary between countries.

Yes, in many countries. Children below specified age, height or weight thresholds must be transported in an appropriate approved child-restraint system.

A car must not carry more people than it is designed and legally approved to transport. Passengers should use the designated seating positions and required restraint systems.

Yes, if the vehicle and licence permit it. Maximum trailer masses, combination masses and licence requirements depend on the vehicle and local regulations.

Most ordinary cars can use motorways, but they must satisfy the applicable vehicle, speed and access requirements. Certain unusually slow or restricted vehicles may be prohibited.

A truck is a motor vehicle designed primarily for transporting goods.

No. Trucks can include lighter goods vehicles as well as heavy trucks. Traffic laws often apply different rules according to the vehicle's maximum authorised mass.

Trucks may have larger blind spots, longer stopping distances and wider turning paths than smaller vehicles, so other road users should avoid remaining unnecessarily close beside or in front of them.

A bus is a motor vehicle designed to transport a relatively large number of passengers. It may be used for public transport, school transport, private services or other passenger transport.

A bus is commonly designed for frequent passenger boarding and may allow standing passengers, while a coach is generally designed for longer journeys with passengers seated. Exact legal definitions vary between countries.

Yes. Driving a vehicle designed to carry more than a specified number of passengers normally requires a dedicated bus or passenger-vehicle driving licence.

Only when the vehicle is designed and approved to carry standing passengers. Coaches and other vehicles designed exclusively for seated passengers must not be used beyond their approved passenger configuration.

Where seat belts are provided and local law requires their use, passengers must wear them correctly. Urban buses designed for standing passengers may have seating positions or operating conditions that differ from coaches.

Yes, where permitted. Bus lanes are commonly reserved for public transport buses, although local signs may also allow taxis, bicycles or other specified vehicles to use them.

No. Some countries require other drivers to give way to buses leaving designated stops, particularly in urban areas, while others apply the normal merging rules.

Yes. Passengers may be boarding, leaving or crossing the road near the bus. Reduce speed where necessary and watch carefully for pedestrians emerging from behind or in front of the vehicle.

They can. Some countries impose lower maximum speeds on buses than on passenger cars, particularly on high-speed roads. Different limits may apply to buses and coaches.

Yes, normally. Buses that satisfy the applicable construction and access requirements may use motorways, but they must obey any vehicle-specific speed limits, lane restrictions and other local rules.

Police help enforce traffic laws, manage traffic, investigate collisions and respond to dangerous situations. They may also carry out roadside checks and direct road users.

Yes. Lawful directions given by an authorised police officer must be followed. In many countries, those directions take precedence over traffic lights, road signs and normal priority rules.

Slow down, follow the officer's directions and stop at a safe location as instructed. Do not make sudden movements or continue driving unless directed to do so.

Yes, where authorised by local law. A police officer controlling traffic may instruct road users to proceed even when a traffic light or sign would normally require them to stop.

Yes. Police may require drivers to provide documents such as a driving licence, vehicle registration, identification or proof of insurance according to local law.

Yes. Traffic police may conduct legally authorised alcohol and drug checks using procedures such as breath, saliva or other approved tests.

Yes. Roads or lanes may be temporarily closed or traffic diverted because of collisions, emergencies, investigations, public events or other safety concerns.

Reduce speed, remain alert and follow all directions. Do not enter a closed area or interfere with emergency personnel, and leave sufficient space for emergency vehicles.

Follow the local rules for priority vehicles. Drivers generally have to make sufficient space, give way and stop where necessary so that the emergency vehicle can pass safely.

Yes, where local law permits it. Police or another authorised authority may require a vehicle to be moved when it obstructs traffic, creates danger or must be removed for operational reasons.

An ambulance is a specially equipped vehicle used to provide emergency medical assistance and transport sick or injured people.

This depends on the local traffic rules and warning signals being used. Ambulances responding to emergencies commonly use flashing lights and a siren to indicate that other road users must make way.

Remain calm and make sufficient space for it to pass. Slow down or stop where necessary, but avoid sudden or dangerous manoeuvres.

Not necessarily in your exact position. Move or stop in a way that creates a safe passage without blocking an intersection, pedestrian crossing or another part of the road needed by the ambulance.

Emergency vehicles may be allowed to pass a red light during an urgent response under special legal conditions. The precise rules differ between countries, and the ambulance driver must still take appropriate precautions.

Many countries permit emergency vehicles to depart from certain normal speed rules during an urgent mission, subject to safety requirements and national legislation.

Yes, when responding to an emergency and legally permitted to do so. Other road users should create space and keep emergency corridors or access routes clear where required.

You should not use the passage created for an ambulance as a way to bypass congestion. Maintain a safe distance and continue to obey the normal traffic rules.

No. The use of warning lights and sirens depends on the urgency of the mission and local regulations. An ambulance transporting a patient does not necessarily need to use emergency signals throughout the journey.

Reduce speed and remain alert. Medical personnel, patients or other emergency workers may be entering the road, and the ambulance may need to move unexpectedly.

A taxi is a vehicle used to transport passengers for payment, normally providing journeys requested by individual customers.

Depending on the local system, taxis may be available at taxi stands, airports, railway stations, on the street or through telephone and app-based booking services.

Yes. Taxi services are generally subject to licensing and operating requirements, although the exact rules concerning vehicles, drivers, fares and permitted operating areas vary between jurisdictions.

Police traffic signals are gestures, positions or other signals used by authorised officers to regulate or direct traffic.

In many countries, yes. Directions given by an authorised traffic officer normally take precedence over traffic lights, signs and ordinary traffic rules.

Slow down, pay close attention and follow the officer's instruction. Do not continue simply because a traffic light or road sign would normally allow you to proceed.

Tailgating means following another vehicle too closely to maintain a safe stopping distance.

Following too closely gives the driver less time and distance to react if the vehicle ahead brakes, slows down or encounters an unexpected hazard.

You should increase the distance in conditions such as rain, snow, ice, fog, darkness or poor road surfaces and whenever visibility or tyre grip is reduced.

A European emission standard, or Euro standard, classifies vehicles according to the emissions requirements they had to satisfy when approved for use in the European market.

They are successive generations of European emission requirements. In general, a higher Euro number represents a newer and stricter emissions standard, although the exact limits differ according to vehicle and fuel type.

Depending on the vehicle and standard, limits apply to pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Newer standards also regulate additional environmental aspects.

No. Euro standards primarily regulate harmful air pollutants from vehicles. Carbon-dioxide emissions and fuel or energy consumption are subject to separate measurements and regulatory requirements.

The Euro standard may appear on the vehicle registration certificate, certificate of conformity or other official vehicle documentation. Its location and format vary between countries.

The date of first registration can provide an indication, but it does not always determine the standard with certainty. The official vehicle documents or type-approval information provide the more reliable classification.

Yes. The applicable emission limits and testing requirements can differ according to the vehicle category, engine and fuel type even when vehicles belong to the same general Euro generation.

Yes. Many low-emission zones use the vehicle's Euro standard together with factors such as fuel type and vehicle category to determine whether it may enter.

Not normally. The official Euro standard is linked to the vehicle's approved emissions classification. Retrofitting emission-control equipment does not necessarily result in a different official Euro classification.

Euro 7 is the latest European emissions framework for road vehicles. It builds on earlier Euro standards and also introduces requirements covering areas such as non-exhaust particle emissions and battery durability.

A pothole is a hole or depression that develops in a road surface when the pavement becomes damaged or deteriorates.

Potholes can develop through a combination of water, temperature changes, traffic loads and deterioration of the road material. Cracks can gradually expand until pieces of the surface break away.

A pothole can cause a vehicle to change direction suddenly, lose stability or suffer tyre, wheel or suspension damage. Deep potholes can present a particularly serious hazard at higher speeds.

Reduce speed when necessary, maintain control of the vehicle and avoid abrupt steering or braking. Only move around the pothole when this can be done safely without endangering other road users.

If possible, reduce your speed before reaching the pothole. Sudden heavy braking or steering while passing over a damaged surface can make the vehicle less stable.

Yes. A pothole can disturb the steering or balance of a motorcycle and may cause the rider to lose control.

Yes. Bicycle wheels can be strongly affected by deep holes or sharp edges, particularly when the cyclist has little time or space to avoid the hazard.

Yes. Severe impacts can damage tyres, wheel rims, suspension components, steering parts or wheel alignment.

No. A sudden evasive movement may create a greater danger by bringing the vehicle into conflict with cyclists, pedestrians, oncoming traffic or vehicles in another lane.

Yes. Depending on the country's traffic-sign system, an uneven-road or general-danger warning sign may be used where poor road conditions create a significant hazard.

Private property is land, buildings or other property owned or controlled by a private person, company or organisation.

Examples include homes, driveways, private roads, company grounds, shopping-centre car parks and privately owned parking facilities.

No. Some private property is restricted to its owner or authorised users, while other privately owned areas are open to customers, visitors or the general public.

No. A private road is only one type of private property. Private property can also include buildings, car parks, yards and other land.

Yes. Ownership and public accessibility are separate issues. A privately owned road can be made available to public traffic and may then be subject to traffic rules that normally apply to public roads.

Not necessarily. The applicable rules depend on the legal status and accessibility of the area. A driveway used only by its owner is different from a privately owned road that is open to general traffic.

Yes, subject to applicable law. Access may be limited using gates, barriers, permits, signs or other conditions established by the owner or operator.

Yes. A privately owned supermarket, shopping-centre or commercial car park can be accessible to customers or the general public even though the land remains privately owned.

This depends on local law and the circumstances. Owners or authorised operators may have procedures for dealing with vehicles that are unlawfully parked or obstruct access.

Enter carefully and follow the applicable rules for joining traffic from a driveway or adjoining property. In many countries, the driver entering the road must give way to road users already using it.

Yes. Owners may use signs to indicate access, parking or safety conditions, although their legal status and enforceability can differ from official road signs installed on public roads.

Because traffic laws often depend on the legal status and accessibility of the place rather than simply on who owns the land.

A path is a relatively narrow route intended primarily for pedestrians and, where permitted, other road users or small vehicles.

Not necessarily. A footpath is specifically intended for pedestrians, while a path may also permit cyclists or other users according to local rules.

No. A cycle path is specifically designated for bicycles and other permitted users. An ordinary path does not automatically have that legal status.

This depends on the legal status, width and signs applying to the path. Some paths permit cyclists, while others are reserved for pedestrians or particular users.

This depends on local law. Some paths prohibit motor vehicles entirely, while narrow vehicles may be permitted on other paths unless traffic signs restrict access.

Yes. A narrow path can legally form part of the public-road network even when it is unsuitable for ordinary cars.

No. Paths can be paved, gravelled, compacted or unsurfaced depending on their location and purpose.

Yes. Signs can reserve a path for particular road users or prohibit certain vehicles, regardless of whether they could physically fit on it.

The applicable local priority rules determine who must give way. Special rules often apply when a minor path joins an ordinary road.

Yes, where both are permitted. Faster users should adapt their speed and avoid endangering or unnecessarily obstructing pedestrians.

Yes. At the crossing, users must follow the applicable priority signs, traffic lights, road markings and general right-of-way rules.

No. Its legal classification depends on the definitions and regulations of the country concerned. A narrow route might instead be a footpath, cycle path, private access road or another type of facility.

Particulates, or particulate matter, are very small solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in the air.

PM10 refers to particles with a diameter of up to approximately 10 micrometres. PM2.5 refers to finer particles with a diameter of up to approximately 2.5 micrometres.

Road traffic can produce particles through engine exhaust, brake wear, tyre wear and road-surface wear. Passing traffic can also resuspend dust already present on the road.

Yes. Combustion in diesel engines can produce very small soot particles. Modern diesel vehicles commonly use particulate filters to capture a large proportion of these exhaust particles.

A particulate filter is an exhaust-treatment device designed to trap particulate matter produced by an engine. Diesel particulate filters are commonly known as DPFs.

Yes. Petrol engines can also produce particulate emissions, particularly certain direct-injection engines. Appropriate emission-control systems may therefore include particulate filters.

Fully electric vehicles produce no exhaust particulates from a combustion engine, but particles can still result from tyre wear, road wear and braking.

Vehicle-emission regulation is increasingly addressing non-exhaust emissions. The European Euro 7 framework includes requirements concerning brake-particle emissions and tyre abrasion.

No. Particulate matter consists of tiny airborne particles, while carbon dioxide is a gas. They are different types of vehicle emissions and are regulated for different environmental reasons.

Measures include effective particulate filters, cleaner vehicle technologies, correctly maintained emission-control systems and reductions in brake, tyre and road-wear emissions.

Air pollution is contamination of the air by gases, particles or other substances that can adversely affect human health, the environment or ecosystems.

Vehicles produce pollutants through fuel combustion, exhaust systems, brake wear, tyre wear and road-surface interaction. Moving traffic can also resuspend dust already present on the road.

Important traffic-related pollutants include nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Their relative importance depends on the vehicle, fuel and driving conditions.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is an air pollutant associated particularly with combustion processes and road traffic. High concentrations are commonly found near busy roads and densely trafficked urban areas.

Particulate matter consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in the air. Road traffic can produce particles from exhaust, brakes, tyres and road surfaces.

No. Carbon dioxide is primarily regulated as a greenhouse gas because of its contribution to climate change. Local air-quality pollution generally focuses on substances such as nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, ozone and other pollutants that directly affect air quality and health.

Fully electric vehicles produce no combustion-engine exhaust emissions while driving, but they can still contribute to non-exhaust particulate emissions through tyres, brakes and road wear.

Yes. Concentrations of traffic-related pollutants can be higher close to heavily trafficked roads because many emissions occur close to ground level and near where people live and travel.

A low-emission zone is an area where access by more polluting vehicles is restricted in order to reduce traffic-related air pollution. Access criteria may depend on factors such as fuel type, vehicle category and emission standard.

Measures include cleaner vehicles, stricter emission standards, effective emission-control equipment, low-emission zones, public transport, cycling and walking, as well as traffic-management measures that reduce unnecessary congestion and emissions.