Warning signsGermany

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Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Warning signs

A warning sign is a traffic sign that alerts drivers to a potential danger or change in road conditions ahead, giving them enough time to slow down and react safely. These signs warn about hazards such as sharp bends, pedestrian crossings, slippery surfaces, merging traffic, animals on the road, or upcoming intersections. Their purpose is not to forbid or command anything, but simply to prepare drivers for situations that require extra attention.

Warning for a double curve, first left then right.

Warning for a double curve, first right then left.

Warning for a road narrowing on the left.

Warning for a road narrowing on the right.

Warning for a road with two-way traffic.

Warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign.

Warning for loose chippings on the road surface.

Warning for a railway crossing without barriers.

Warning for a railway crossing with one track.

1. Stop and give way

This traffic sign means stop and give way. You must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and give way to traffic that has priority. Proceed only when it is safe.

2. Give way

This traffic sign means give way. Slow down and give way to traffic that has priority. Stop if necessary and proceed only when it is safe.

3. Warning for an uncontrolled crossroad

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled crossroad. An intersection without traffic signals or signs assigning priority lies ahead. Reduce speed, watch for traffic approaching from other directions and follow the applicable local priority rules.

4. Priority at the junction

This traffic sign indicates that you have priority at the next intersection. Side roads join from the left and right, and traffic entering from those side roads must give way.

5. Warning for a curve to the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a curve to the left. A left-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.

6. Warning for a curve to the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a curve to the right. A right-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.

7. Warning for a double curve, first left then right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for successive curves, with the first curve to the left. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and be prepared for further changes in direction.

8. Warning for a double curve, first right then left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for successive curves, with the first curve to the right. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and be prepared for further changes in direction.

9. Warning for a road narrowing

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing. The available width of the road or carriageway decreases ahead. Reduce speed, maintain sufficient lateral clearance and watch carefully for approaching or adjacent traffic.

10. Warning for a road narrowing on the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing on the left. The available road width decreases from the left side ahead. Reduce speed, follow the lane markings and maintain sufficient clearance from other traffic and the road edge.

11. Warning for a road narrowing on the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing on the right. The available road width decreases from the right side ahead. Reduce speed, follow the lane markings and maintain sufficient clearance from other traffic and the road edge.

12. Warning for a road with two-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a warning for two-way traffic. Oncoming traffic will use the same road or carriageway ahead. Keep to the correct side of the road and overtake only where it is permitted and clearly safe.

13. Warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign. It's a general warning sign used when there is a hazard ahead that does not have its own dedicated warning sign. For example: road accidents, flooded roads and roads blocked by fallen trees. It usually has a supplementary sign attached that tells drivers of what hazard to expect.

14. Warning for a bad road surface

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a bad or uneven road surface. Potholes, bumps, depressions or other surface irregularities may affect vehicle stability and braking. Reduce speed and avoid sudden manoeuvres.

15. Warning for a steep ascent

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a steep ascent. A steep uphill gradient lies ahead and may cause heavy or low-powered vehicles to lose speed. Select a suitable gear, maintain a safe following distance and be prepared for slower traffic.

16. Warning for a steep descent

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a steep descent. A steep downhill gradient lies ahead and the vehicle may gain speed quickly. Reduce speed before the descent, select a suitable gear and use engine braking where appropriate. Allow extra distance for heavy or towing vehicles.

17. Warning for a movable bridge

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a movable bridge. The bridge ahead can open, lift or move to allow water traffic to pass. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop when required by barriers, traffic lights or other signals.

18. Warning for a quayside or riverbank

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a quayside or riverbank. The road approaches or runs close to an edge beside water, where a vehicle could leave the roadway and enter the water. Reduce speed, identify the road edge carefully and take extra care in darkness or poor visibility.

19. Warning for low-hanging branches

This traffic sign indicates a warning for low-hanging branches. Branches or vegetation may extend over the roadway and reduce the available clearance. Drivers of tall vehicles should pay particular attention to the available height and avoid contact with overhanging vegetation.

20. Warning for traffic lights ahead

This traffic sign indicates a warning for traffic lights ahead. Traffic signals are located ahead and may not be visible early enough without advance warning. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop if the signal requires it.

21. Warning for roadworks

This traffic sign indicates a warning for roadworks. Construction or maintenance work is taking place on or beside the road. Reduce speed where necessary and be prepared for workers, machinery, temporary traffic signals, changed lane layouts or uneven road surfaces.

22. Warning for loose chippings on the road surface

This traffic sign indicates a warning for loose chippings. Loose stones or gravel may reduce tyre grip and can be thrown up by passing vehicles. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering movements.

23. Warning for traffic queues

This traffic sign indicates a warning for traffic queues. Slow-moving or stationary traffic may occur ahead, sometimes unexpectedly. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and be prepared to stop.

24. Warning for a slippery road surface

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a slippery road surface. The road ahead may provide reduced tyre grip because of water, ice, mud, oil or another surface condition. Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering movements.

25. Warning for strong crosswinds

This traffic sign indicates a warning for strong crosswinds. Side winds may suddenly affect vehicle stability and steering. Reduce speed, keep a firm but controlled grip on the steering wheel and take extra care with high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and trailers.

26. Warning for crossing deer

This traffic sign indicates a warning for crossing deer. Deer or other wild animals may enter the road unexpectedly, especially around dawn or dusk. Reduce speed, watch the roadside carefully and be prepared for more than one animal to cross.

27. Warning for children

This traffic sign indicates a warning for children. Children may be present on or near the road and may cross unexpectedly. Reduce speed, scan both sides of the road carefully and be prepared to stop.

28. Warning for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates a warning for pedestrians. Pedestrians may be walking near or crossing the road ahead. Reduce speed, watch carefully and be prepared to stop.

29. Warning for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a warning for cyclists. Cyclists may be riding along or crossing the road ahead. Reduce speed, watch carefully for cyclists and maintain the passing distance required by the applicable local rules.

30. Warning for a railway crossing without barriers

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing without barriers. It alerts drivers to an upcoming level crossing where railway tracks cross the road and no barriers or gates are present to stop traffic. Drivers should slow down and look both ways for trains.

31. Warning for a railway crossing with one track

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing with one track. It alerts drivers to a level crossing where a single railway track crosses the road. Drivers should approach with caution and be prepared to stop, even if no barriers or warning lights are active.