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Pedestrian crossing (Fußgängerüberweg)
Requirement or prohibition Whoever is driving a vehicle must not stop on Fußgängerüberwegen or up to 5 m before them.
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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 people using wheelchairs clearly intend to use the crossing, you must allow them to cross and wait if necessary. Do not stop on the crossing or within 5 m before it.
Rules
- Stopping is prohibited on the Fußgängerüberweg and within 5 m before it.
- Pedestrians and people using wheelchairs who clearly intend to use the crossing must be allowed to cross.
- You must approach the Fußgängerüberweg at a moderate speed and wait if necessary.
- You must not overtake at a Fußgängerüberweg.
- If traffic is backed up, you must not drive onto the Fußgängerüberweg if you would have to wait on it.
Tips
- Take your foot off the accelerator early and pay particular attention to children, older people, and anyone with limited vision or mobility.
- Watch both sides of the pavement; someone on the opposite side may also intend to use the crossing.
- Stop at a sufficient distance before the stripes so that the crossing remains clear and others can see the people waiting.
- Continue only when nobody is at risk or prevented from crossing safely.
Common misunderstandings
- Some people assume that the Haltverbot applies only to the white stripes. However, it also applies within 5 m before them, but not solely because of the sign to 5 m behind them.
- Some learner drivers confuse the transverse stripes with a stop line. Zeichen 293 marks the Fußgängerüberweg, whereas Zeichen 294 indicates where you must stop because of a stop or waiting requirement.
- Cyclists are automatically treated like pedestrians when riding across the crossing. As a rule, they only have the special priority at a Fußgängerüberweg once they dismount and push their bicycle.
Exam tip
In test images, look for a vehicle that has stopped just before the Fußgängerüberweg or for people who clearly intend to cross. Typical correct responses are reducing your speed, being ready to brake, waiting if necessary, and not overtaking.
Did you know
Zeichen 293 is colloquially called a “zebra crossing” because of its alternating white and dark areas. It is a road marking and is often additionally announced or highlighted by the blue information sign Zeichen 350.
Frequently asked questions
Do I already have to wait if someone is still standing on the pavement?
Yes, if it is clear that they intend to use the Fußgängerüberweg. They do not have to have entered the road yet.
Am I allowed to overtake at a Fußgängerüberweg?
No, overtaking is prohibited at Fußgängerüberwegen. This also applies when nobody is currently crossing the road.
Am I allowed to stop directly after the Fußgängerüberweg?
The special Haltverbot indicated by Zeichen 293 applies on the crossing and within 5 m before it. However, other Haltverbote or general regulations may prohibit stopping after the crossing.
Do cyclists have priority on the zebra crossing?
Someone who rides across does not generally receive any special priority from the Fußgängerüberweg. Someone who dismounts and pushes the bicycle is considered a pedestrian and must be given the appropriate consideration.
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