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Broken line
Requirement or prohibition 1. Whoever is driving a vehicle must not cross broken lines if this would endanger traffic. 2. Whoever is driving a vehicle may cross cycle lanes marked on the carriageway by broken lines only when necessary, in particular to avoid oncoming traffic. Cycling traffic must not be endangered in doing so. 3. Stopping is not permitted on cycle lanes marked by broken lines. Sentence 1 does not apply to bicycles and small electric vehicles within the meaning of the eKFV. Explanation The cycle lane is marked on the carriageway at regular intervals with the symbol “cycling traffic”.
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When you see the Zeichen
You may cross a broken centre line, for example when changing lanes, provided you do not endanger anyone by doing so. If it marks an advisory cycle lane, you may only cross it when necessary and must ensure that cyclists are not put at risk.
Rules
- You may only cross the broken centre line if doing so does not endanger other road users.
- Before crossing it, look to the side, check the traffic behind you and signal your lane change in good time.
- You may only cross an advisory cycle lane marked by centre lines when necessary, particularly to avoid oncoming traffic.
- You must not Halt with a motor vehicle on an advisory cycle lane; bicycles and electric micro-vehicles within the meaning of the eKFV are exempt from this Haltverbot.
Tips
- Pay attention to the type of line: a centre line is broken, whereas a lane boundary marked by Zeichen 295 is continuous and generally must not be crossed.
- Before crossing the centre line, check your mirrors and blind spot every time, and signal in good time.
- If you regularly see a bicycle symbol next to the centre line, it is an advisory cycle lane; only enter it when there is a genuine need and take particular care around cyclists.
Common misunderstandings
- A broken centre line does not mean that you may cross it at any time without regard for other road users.
- An advisory cycle lane is not an additional lane for motor vehicles and must not be used as a precaution or continuously.
- Many people confuse the centre line with the continuous lane boundary and overlook the fact that different rules apply to crossing these two markings.
Exam tip
Exam questions often focus on the difference between a broken centre line and a continuous lane boundary: you may cross the centre line if you can rule out any danger, but you may only cross a marked advisory cycle lane when necessary. Motor vehicles are already prohibited from Halten on the advisory cycle lane; the prohibition does not begin only with parking.
Did you know
Zeichen 340 can separate lanes from one another or mark an advisory cycle lane. An advisory cycle lane is additionally marked at regular intervals on the road with the symbol "bicycle traffic".
Frequently asked questions
May I cross a centre line to overtake or change lanes?
Yes, if the manoeuvre in question is permitted and doing so does not endanger anyone. Beforehand, you must observe the traffic and signal your lane change in good time.
May I briefly Halt on an advisory cycle lane marked by centre lines?
No. You must not Halt there with a motor vehicle. This also applies if you only want to let someone get in or out briefly.
When may I cross an advisory cycle lane by car?
Only when necessary, for example if you have to avoid oncoming traffic. You must not endanger cyclists or force them to carry out a dangerous evasive or braking manoeuvre.
How can I tell the difference between it and a lane boundary?
The centre line according to Zeichen 340 consists of broken lines. The lane boundary according to Zeichen 295 is a continuous line and generally must not be crossed, even partially.
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