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Oncoming traffic
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When you see the Zeichen
From the announced section onward, expect vehicles coming towards you, especially after a previously separated or one-way carriageway. Reduce your speed if necessary, consistently keep to the right and overtake only when the entire stretch is clearly visible and safe.
Rules
- Zeichen 125 warns of oncoming traffic; on its own, it neither prohibits overtaking nor prescribes a specific maximum speed.
- You must drive as far to the right as possible, especially where the road layout is unclear, the carriageway is narrow or there is oncoming traffic.
- You must adjust your speed so that you can stop within the distance you can see; on narrow carriageways, it must be possible to stop within half the visible distance.
- Outside geschlossene Ortschaft, Gefahrzeichen are generally placed 150 to 250 metres before the hazard; a significantly different distance may be indicated by a Zusatzzeichen.
Tips
- At the end of a one-way street, a roadworks layout or a physically separated carriageway, check whether oncoming traffic is being directed onto the same carriageway.
- Use the right edge of the carriageway as your guide and do not cut corners, even if there is no centre line.
- On a narrow carriageway, allow lateral safety space for oncoming vehicles and be prepared to brake.
- Do not overtake if crests, bends, roadworks equipment or narrowing carriageways could conceal oncoming traffic.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is mistakenly understood as a no-overtaking sign. It only warns of oncoming traffic; a no-overtaking restriction would have to be ordered separately.
- Learner drivers confuse it with Zeichen 102 and expect an intersection where priority is given to traffic from the right. However, Zeichen 125 announces oncoming traffic on the same carriageway.
- Some people believe that the sign automatically prescribes a specific speed. In fact, your speed must be adapted to the actual visibility, road and traffic conditions.
Exam tip
In theory-test questions, the typical trap is assuming that the sign automatically prohibits overtaking. The usual correct response is: expect oncoming traffic, keep to the right, adjust your speed and overtake only when there is sufficient visibility.
Did you know
Zeichen 125 is often placed where a previously physically separated or one-way route changes to a section with oncoming traffic, for example at roadworks or at the end of a separated carriageway.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to brake immediately at Zeichen 125?
No specific braking manoeuvre is prescribed. However, you must adjust your speed so that you can safely deal with the announced oncoming traffic and stop within the required visible distance.
May I overtake after the sign?
The sign alone does not prohibit overtaking. However, because oncoming traffic is expected, you may overtake only if any danger throughout the entire manoeuvre can be ruled out and no other restrictions apply.
What does the sign mean at roadworks?
It may indicate that vehicles travelling in both directions are temporarily using the same carriageway. Expect narrower lanes, a diverted traffic layout and reduced lateral distances.
Does priority to the right apply after Zeichen 125?
No, Zeichen 125 does not establish a Vorfahrt rule. Priority to the right applies at intersections and junctions only when Vorfahrt is not determined by traffic signs, traffic lights or other regulations.
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