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One-way street
Requirement or prohibition Anyone driving a vehicle may use the one-way street only in the direction of the arrow. Explanation The sign prescribes the direction of travel for vehicular traffic on the carriageway.
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When you see the Zeichen
Enter the one-way street only in the direction of the white arrow and, as a general rule, continue travelling only in this direction. Look out for Zusatzzeichen that may, for example, allow bicycles to travel in the opposite direction.
Rules
- Vehicles may use the carriageway only in the direction indicated by the arrow.
- The sign does not grant Vorfahrt; the Vorfahrt rules in force at junctions and side roads continue to apply.
- Bicycles may travel against the direction of the one-way street only if this is expressly permitted by a Zusatzzeichen.
- In one-way streets, vehicles may also be parked along the left-hand edge of the carriageway, provided this is not prohibited by any other Halt- or Parkverbot.
- U-turns are generally prohibited because you would then be travelling against the prescribed direction of travel.
Tips
- For a left turn, position yourself as far to the left as possible, and for a right turn as far to the right as possible, unless road markings or other traffic guidance specify otherwise.
- If a Zusatzzeichen allows bicycles to travel in the opposite direction, be especially prepared for oncoming bicycles at side roads and when turning.
- When entering, check that the arrow actually marks the beginning of a one-way street and do not confuse it with a round blue directional arrow.
- Despite the one-way rule, watch out for vehicles reversing into or out of parking spaces, as well as permitted traffic travelling in the opposite direction.
Common misunderstandings
- Zeichen 220 is confused with Zeichen 209 or 211. Those signs prescribe a direction of travel at a particular point, whereas Zeichen 220 indicates that a street may be used only in the direction of the arrow.
- Some learner drivers believe that Vorfahrt automatically applies in a one-way street. However, the sign says nothing about Vorfahrt.
- It is often overlooked that a Zusatzzeichen can permit bicycles to travel in the opposite direction.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap shows Zeichen 220 together with permitted bicycle traffic travelling in the opposite direction. In that situation, you must be especially prepared for oncoming bicycles when turning left; at the same time, the one-way street sign does not grant you Vorfahrt.
Did you know
A one-way street is one of the few types of street where vehicles may generally also be parked along the left-hand edge of the carriageway. This is permitted provided that it is not prohibited by other regulations, traffic signs or road markings.
Frequently asked questions
Am I allowed to reverse in a one-way street?
Reversing briefly to park or leave a parking space, or to manoeuvre, is permitted provided that nobody is endangered. However, you may not reverse along a longer stretch of the one-way street against the direction of the arrow.
Am I allowed to park on the left in a one-way street?
Yes, as a general rule, vehicles may also be parked along the left-hand edge of the carriageway in one-way streets. Haltverbote, Parkverbote, road markings and the required remaining carriageway width must nevertheless be observed.
Are bicycles allowed to travel against the direction of a one-way street?
Only if the opposite direction has been opened to bicycle traffic by an appropriate Zusatzzeichen. Without such permission, the prescribed direction of travel also applies to bicycles using the carriageway.
Do I automatically have Vorfahrt when leaving a one-way street?
No, Zeichen 220 regulates the direction of travel exclusively. Vorfahrt is determined by traffic lights, Vorfahrt signs or, if no such rules apply, generally by the rule of priority to the right.
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