Teorio
Roadworks
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When you see the Zeichen
Expect roadworks and therefore narrowed or shifted lanes, people on the road, construction machinery, dirt and possible uneven surfaces. Reduce your speed as appropriate for the situation, keep a sufficient distance and obey the following traffic signs, traffic lights and road markings.
Rules
- Zeichen 123 warns of a work site, but on its own does not impose a specific maximum speed.
- As a Gefahrzeichen, it requires increased attention; in particular, your speed must be adapted to visibility, road conditions, traffic routing and construction activity.
- Outside geschlossene Ortschaften, the sign is generally placed 150 to 250 metres before the hazard; in built-up areas, it is generally placed shortly before it. Deviating distances may be indicated by Zusatzzeichen.
- Temporary yellow road markings override conflicting white markings in the roadworks area and must be followed.
- Additional regulations such as speed limits, no-overtaking restrictions, temporary traffic lights or priority signs are binding and apply independently of Zeichen 123.
Tips
- Look out for shifted lanes early and position yourself according to the yellow markings instead of following old white lines.
- Keep a greater distance because vehicles ahead may brake suddenly before bottlenecks, bumps or temporary traffic lights.
- Expect workers, construction vehicles or materials immediately beside the road and pass them with sufficient lateral clearance.
- At a narrowed road, check the additional signs to determine which direction has priority; the roadworks sign itself does not regulate priority.
Common misunderstandings
- Zeichen 123 is mistakenly understood as an automatic speed limit. A specific maximum speed applies only if it has been ordered separately; nevertheless, your speed must be adapted to the hazard.
- Learner drivers continue to follow the white markings through roadworks. If temporary yellow markings are present, they take priority.
- The sign is confused with Zeichen 112 “Uneven road”. Zeichen 123 shows a worker and gives a general warning of a work site, whereas Zeichen 112 specifically warns of uneven road surfaces.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap is the question of whether Zeichen 123 automatically imposes a specific maximum speed or a priority rule. Both are false: what matters is adapting your speed, as well as obeying additional signs, traffic lights and yellow markings.
Did you know
Zeichen 123 can also be used to warn of mobile work sites or work sites set up only for a short time. Because of the general placement rules for Gefahrzeichen, it is often positioned outside built-up areas as much as 150 to 250 metres before the actual work area.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to slow down to 30 km/h at Zeichen 123?
No, the sign does not set a fixed maximum speed. However, you must drive slowly enough to react in time to bottlenecks, people, machinery or damage to the road surface.
Which road markings apply in roadworks?
If temporary yellow markings are present, they override conflicting white markings. Without yellow markings, the existing regular markings continue to apply.
Who has priority at a single-lane roadworks site?
Zeichen 123 does not regulate priority. Temporary traffic lights, traffic signs or, where applicable, the actual traffic situation are decisive; if there is an obstruction in your lane, you must let oncoming traffic pass if necessary.
How far before the roadworks is Zeichen 123 placed?
Outside geschlossene Ortschaften, Gefahrzeichen are generally placed 150 to 250 metres before the hazard; in built-up areas, they are generally placed shortly before it. A Zusatzzeichen may indicate a different distance or the length of the hazard area.
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