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Road narrows
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When you see the Zeichen
Reduce your speed in good time and assess how much the road narrows from both sides. Pay particular attention to oncoming traffic and be prepared to wait before the narrowing if it is not possible to pass safely.
Rules
- Zeichen 120 warns of a road narrowing on both sides, but by itself does not prescribe a specific speed.
- The sign does not regulate Vorfahrt at the narrowing. A priority rule may only result from Zeichen 208 or 308.
- If the narrowing cannot be passed at the same time as oncoming traffic and no priority rule applies, those involved must communicate with each other and wait if necessary.
- If there is also an obstacle on your side of the road, under § 6 StVO you must let oncoming traffic pass if it would otherwise be endangered.
- You must adjust your speed so that you can stop safely within the area you can see.
Tips
- Observe road markings, kerbs and approaching vehicles early on to assess the actual width of the narrowing.
- Keep as far to the right as possible, but maintain a sufficient lateral clearance from kerbs, roadworks equipment, cyclists and pedestrians.
- Avoid overtaking shortly before or within the narrowing if the available width or visibility does not allow you to overtake safely.
- When large vehicles are approaching, it is better to wait before the narrowing than to attempt to pass with very little clearance.
Common misunderstandings
- Many driving-school students believe that Zeichen 120 gives them priority over oncoming traffic. In fact, it contains no priority rule.
- The sign is confused with Zeichen 121: Zeichen 120 shows a narrowing from both sides, while Zeichen 121 shows a narrowing on one side.
- A common mistake is to brake only when directly at the narrowing, even though oncoming traffic and the reduced road width were already apparent earlier.
Exam tip
In exam images, check whether Zeichen 208 or 308 is displayed in addition to Zeichen 120. Only these signs can indicate a priority rule at the narrowing; you must not infer that you have priority from Zeichen 120 alone.
Did you know
Outside geschlossene Ortschaften, Gefahrzeichen are generally placed 150 to 250 metres before the hazard. If the narrowing is substantially closer or farther away, a Zusatzzeichen can indicate the distance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to stop at Zeichen 120?
No. You only have to stop or wait if the narrowing cannot be driven through safely, for example because oncoming traffic has already entered it or it is impossible to pass safely.
Who may go first at a narrowing on both sides?
Zeichen 120 does not determine this. Without Zeichen 208 or 308, the road users must communicate with each other; if there is also an obstacle on your side, you must let oncoming traffic pass if it would otherwise be endangered.
Is a lower maximum speed automatically applicable at the narrowed road?
No, Zeichen 120 does not impose a fixed maximum speed. However, you must drive slowly enough to negotiate the narrowing safely and stop within the area you can see.
How does Zeichen 120 differ from Zeichen 121?
Zeichen 120 visually warns of a narrowing on both sides of the road. Zeichen 121, on the other hand, indicates that the road narrows on only one side.
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