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Pedestrian crossing (Fußgängerüberweg)
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When you see the Zeichen
Approach the Fußgängerüberweg at a moderate speed and observe both sides of the road. If pedestrians or wheelchair users clearly want to use the crossing, you must allow them to cross and wait if necessary.
Rules
- At a Fußgängerüberweg, pedestrians and wheelchair users have priority if they clearly intend to use it.
- You may approach the crossing only at a moderate speed and must stop if necessary.
- You must not stop on the Fußgängerüberweg or within 5 metres before it.
- Overtaking is prohibited at a Fußgängerüberweg.
- In slow-moving traffic, you must not drive onto the crossing if you would have to wait on it.
Tips
- Take your foot off the accelerator early and pay particular attention to people turning towards the edge of the road or already walking towards the crossing.
- Expect children, older people and people with limited vision or mobility to enter the road suddenly or slowly.
- Stop with sufficient distance before the white stripes so that pedestrians remain visible and can cross without obstruction.
- On roads with several lanes, check whether a vehicle next to you is already slowing down or waiting before the crossing; never overtake there.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign does not merely indicate a possible crossing point: the special priority and conduct rules of § 26 StVO apply at the associated Fußgängerüberweg.
- Cyclists do not have priority when crossing simply because they are riding over the Fußgängerüberweg. If they get off and push their bicycle, they are treated as pedestrians.
- The stopping prohibition applies not only to the white stripes but also to the area up to 5 metres before them.
Exam tip
Exam questions often show a cyclist riding over the Fußgängerüberweg: anyone who remains on the bicycle does not have the special priority under § 26 StVO there; nevertheless, you must avoid endangering them and brake if necessary.
Did you know
Zeichen 350 marks the Fußgängerüberweg, whose white stripes on the road are marked as Zeichen 293. In everyday language, this combination is called a zebra crossing because of its stripe pattern.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to stop if someone is merely standing next to the Fußgängerüberweg?
You must wait if it is clear that the person wants to use the crossing. Indications include looking towards the traffic, moving towards the edge of the road or stepping onto the crossing.
May I overtake at a Fußgängerüberweg?
No, overtaking is prohibited at Fußgängerüberwege. This also applies if you cannot initially see anyone crossing.
Do cyclists have priority on the Fußgängerüberweg?
Only someone who gets off and pushes the bicycle is treated there as a pedestrian. Anyone riding across the crossing cannot claim the special priority under § 26 StVO.
Where must I wait if traffic is slow-moving behind the Fußgängerüberweg?
Wait before the crossing if you would not be able to clear it completely. The white stripes must remain clear for people crossing.
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