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Traffic light
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When you see the Zeichen
Expect traffic lights that may be difficult to see in good time or may be unexpected at this location. Reduce your speed if necessary, watch the traffic ahead and be ready to brake so that you can stop safely when the lights change to yellow or red.
Rules
- Zeichen 131 warns of traffic lights ahead; it does not indicate which colour the lights are currently showing.
- The Gefahrzeichen itself does not prescribe a specific maximum speed. However, you must adjust your speed so that you can stop in good time.
- Your further conduct is determined by the traffic lights: red means Halt, yellow generally requires you to wait for the next signal, and green permits traffic to proceed while observing the other rules.
- Outside geschlossene Ortschaften, Gefahrzeichen are generally placed 150 to 250 metres before the hazard; a different distance may be indicated by a Zusatzzeichen.
- If there is a stop line, it must be observed when the light is red. If there is no stop line, you must stop before the traffic lights or before the protected traffic area.
Tips
- Take your foot off the accelerator early and check the distance to the vehicle in front, as a queue may have formed at the traffic lights.
- Pay particular attention to traffic lights that are obscured or difficult to see, for example behind a bend, crest or roadworks.
- Do not just watch the colour of the lights; also look for brake lights and possible ends of queues before the traffic lights.
- Do not accelerate pre-emptively to catch the green light; be prepared for it to change to yellow at any time.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is confused with Zeichen 101 “hazardous location”. Zeichen 131 specifically indicates traffic lights ahead through its traffic-light symbol.
- Some learner drivers stop at the Gefahrzeichen itself. It only announces the traffic lights; you must stop only because of the traffic situation or an applicable light signal.
- Yellow is mistakenly understood as an instruction to accelerate. In fact, you must wait for the next signal before the junction, provided you can still stop safely.
Exam tip
The typical trap in exam questions is that the warning sign itself neither orders you to stop at a red light nor prescribes a fixed speed. The usual correct response is: adjust your speed, expect a queue and be ready to brake.
Did you know
Zeichen 131 is used particularly where traffic lights appear unexpectedly or are only visible at the last moment because of the course of the road. Outside built-up areas, it may therefore be placed well before the actual traffic lights.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to stop immediately at Zeichen 131?
No. The sign only warns of traffic lights ahead; you must stop only when required by the traffic lights, the traffic situation or another rule.
How far away are the traffic lights after the sign?
Outside geschlossene Ortschaften, Gefahrzeichen are generally placed 150 to 250 metres before the hazard. Within built-up areas, they are generally placed shortly beforehand; a Zusatzzeichen may specify a different distance.
Does the sign automatically mean that a lower maximum speed applies?
No, Zeichen 131 does not set its own maximum speed. However, you must choose your speed so that you can stop safely at a red light or at the end of a queue.
What should I do when the traffic light is yellow?
Yellow means that you must wait for the next signal before the junction. If you are already so close that heavy or dangerous braking would be necessary, you may clear the area promptly.
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