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Beginning of a pedestrian zone
Requirement or prohibition 1. Traffic other than pedestrian traffic may not use the pedestrian zone. 2. If a Zusatzzeichen permits another type of traffic to use a pedestrian zone, number 2 for sign 239 applies accordingly.
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When you see the Zeichen
As a rule, you may not enter the Fußgängerzone in a motor vehicle. If a Zusatzzeichen permits your type of traffic or delivery traffic, you may drive only at Schrittgeschwindigkeit, must take particular care around pedestrians and wait if necessary.
Rules
- The Fußgängerzone is generally reserved exclusively for pedestrian traffic; other traffic may not use it.
- Vehicles may enter only if this is permitted by a Zusatzzeichen, for example “Cyclists permitted” or “Delivery traffic permitted”.
- Permitted vehicles may drive only at Schrittgeschwindigkeit.
- Pedestrians must neither be endangered nor obstructed; if necessary, you must stop and wait.
- These rules apply throughout the entire zone up to Zeichen 242.2 “End of a Fußgängerzone”.
Tips
- Before entering, check carefully whether a Zusatzzeichen actually applies to your vehicle and, where relevant, to a specific time period.
- Always expect pedestrians to use the entire width of the area or to change direction without warning.
- Keep a particularly large distance from children, elderly people and groups of pedestrians.
- Even if the Fußgängerzone appears empty, do not drive faster than Schrittgeschwindigkeit when you are permitted to enter.
Common misunderstandings
- A Zusatzzeichen such as “Delivery traffic permitted” is incorrectly understood as general permission to enter; entry is permitted only for actual delivery traffic.
- Many learner drivers believe that permitted vehicles may drive slowly, but faster than Schrittgeschwindigkeit.
- The sign is confused with the blue cycle path sign; however, the pedestrians shown indicate a Fußgängerzone, not a cycle path.
Exam tip
Pay particular attention to Zusatzzeichen and time indications in exam questions. Even if entry is permitted, Schrittgeschwindigkeit, particular consideration for pedestrians and, where necessary, the duty to wait still apply.
Did you know
Zeichen 242.1 does not designate just a single pedestrian area, but the beginning of a zone. Its rules apply along the rest of the road until the Fußgängerzone ends at Zeichen 242.2.
Frequently asked questions
May I cycle into a Fußgängerzone?
Only if a Zusatzzeichen permits cycle traffic. Without this permission, you must get off and push the bicycle; you are then considered a pedestrian.
How fast may I drive if I am permitted to enter?
You may drive only at Schrittgeschwindigkeit. Pedestrians must neither be endangered nor obstructed, and you must wait if necessary.
As a resident, may I always enter a Fußgängerzone?
No. Being a resident is not sufficient on its own. Entry must be permitted by an appropriate Zusatzzeichen or an official special permit.
If a Zusatzzeichen says “Delivery traffic permitted”, may I drive through the zone briefly?
No. The permission applies only to journeys actually made to deliver or collect goods. It does not permit simply driving through or carrying out private errands.
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