Teorio
Bridleway
Requirement or prohibition 1. Anyone riding a horse may not use the carriageway but must use the bridleway. This also applies to leading horses (mandatory bridleway use). 2. Other traffic may not use it. 3. If a Zusatzzeichen permits another type of traffic to use a bridleway, that traffic must take equestrian traffic into consideration, and vehicular traffic must, where necessary, adapt its speed to equestrian traffic.
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When you see the Zeichen
Do not use the designated bridleway with a motor vehicle or bicycle unless this is expressly permitted by a Zusatzzeichen. Be particularly alert for horses at junctions and intersections, and adapt your driving so that the animals are not frightened or endangered.
Rules
- Anyone riding a horse must use the designated bridleway and may not ride alongside it on the carriageway.
- The obligation to use the bridleway also applies to people leading a horse.
- Other traffic is generally not permitted to use the bridleway.
- If a Zusatzzeichen permits another type of traffic, it must give consideration to equestrian traffic; vehicle drivers must adjust their speed if necessary.
Tips
- Look out for horses at bridleway crossings, even if they are approaching only slowly.
- Pass horses calmly, leaving sufficient lateral distance and without unnecessary horn use or heavy acceleration.
- If your vehicle is permitted to use the bridleway by a Zusatzzeichen, reduce your speed early when encountering horses and stop if necessary.
- Do not confuse the horse symbol with a mere indication of frequent equestrian traffic: Zeichen 238 designates a bridleway that must be used.
Common misunderstandings
- Some learner drivers believe that the bridleway is intended only for people riding horses. In fact, people leading a horse must also use it.
- The sign does not automatically permit bicycles or motor vehicles to use the bridleway; an appropriate Zusatzzeichen is required for this.
- Zeichen 238 does not mean that horses on the bridleway automatically have priority over all crossing traffic. At intersections, the applicable Vorfahrt and priority rules apply.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap concerns leading a horse: even anyone who is not in the saddle but is leading the horse is subject to the obligation to use the bridleway at Zeichen 238.
Did you know
Bridleways are designated particularly in heavily wooded areas, local recreation areas and regions with a strong equestrian tradition, in order to separate equestrian traffic from carriageways as well as footways and cycle paths.
Frequently asked questions
May I ride my bicycle on a bridleway?
Generally, no. This is permitted only if a Zusatzzeichen expressly allows cycle traffic; in that case, you must show particular consideration for riders and led horses and adjust your speed if necessary.
Do I have to use the bridleway if I am only leading my horse?
Yes. The obligation to use the bridleway expressly also applies to people leading a horse.
May I briefly stop or park my car on the bridleway?
No, because the use of the bridleway by other traffic is generally prohibited. An exception can be considered only if it is expressly permitted by a Zusatzzeichen.
Do riders automatically have Vorfahrt when crossing a road?
No. Zeichen 238 alone does not give riders automatic priority when crossing a carriageway; the decisive factors are the specific traffic layout, any other traffic signs and the general Vorfahrt rules.
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