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Curve
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When you see the Zeichen
Reduce your speed in good time before the announced curve and adapt it to visibility, curve radius, road condition and traffic. Remain safely in your lane and expect oncoming traffic or obstacles, especially where the course is unclear.
Rules
- Sign 103 warns of a dangerous curve; the depiction shows whether the curve runs to the left or right.
- The sign does not prescribe a specific maximum speed. However, you must drive so that you can control the vehicle safely at all times and stop within the visible distance.
- Outside built-up areas, the Gefahrzeichen is generally placed 150 to 250 metres before the curve; an Zusatzzeichen may be attached if the distance differs significantly.
- The sign alone contains neither a no-overtaking rule nor a special Vorfahrt regulation.
Tips
- Brake to an appropriate speed before the bend and avoid heavy braking while steering.
- Look further ahead along the bend without losing sight of oncoming traffic or the edge of the road.
- Especially on left-hand bends, keep a sufficient distance from the centre of the road and do not cut the bend.
- Expect less grip in wet conditions or when there are leaves, snow or dirt on the road, and choose a correspondingly lower speed.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is confused with Zeichen 105 „Doppelkurve“. Zeichen 103 warns of a single dangerous bend, whereas Zeichen 105 warns of a series of at least two bends.
- Some learner drivers believe that the sign automatically prescribes a specific speed. It only warns of the danger; a specific maximum speed would have to be prescribed by Zeichen 274.
- The bend is cut because no oncoming traffic is visible. Especially when visibility is restricted, you must expect oncoming vehicles and stay in your lane.
Exam tip
In exam questions, remember that Zeichen 103 neither prescribes a fixed speed nor prohibits overtaking. The correct response is generally to adjust your speed before the bend to the visibility, the bend radius and the road conditions.
Did you know
The German traffic sign catalogue contains Zeichen 103 in two versions: 103-10 warns of a left-hand bend and 103-20 of a right-hand bend. The direction of the black bend symbol corresponds to the upcoming course of the road.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to slow down to a specific speed at Zeichen 103?
No, the sign does not specify a fixed speed. You must drive slowly enough to negotiate the bend safely and be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear.
Am I allowed to overtake after this sign?
Zeichen 103 alone does not prohibit overtaking. However, you must not overtake if the traffic situation is unclear or visibility is inadequate; other signs or road markings may also impose a prohibition.
How does Zeichen 103 differ from Zeichen 105?
Zeichen 103 warns of a single dangerous bend. Zeichen 105 warns of a double bend or a series of dangerous bends and also indicates the direction of the first bend.
How far before the bend is the sign placed?
Outside geschlossene Ortschaft, it is generally placed 150 to 250 metres before the hazard. If the distance is significantly different, a Zusatzzeichen may indicate the actual distance.
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