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Beginning of a traffic-calmed area
Mandatory or prohibitory sign 1. Anyone driving a vehicle must drive at Schrittgeschwindigkeit. 2. Anyone driving a vehicle must neither endanger nor obstruct pedestrian traffic; if necessary, they must wait. 3. Anyone on foot must not unnecessarily obstruct vehicular traffic. 4. Anyone driving a vehicle must not park outside the areas marked for that purpose, except for boarding or alighting and loading or unloading. 5. Anyone on foot may use the road over its entire width; children's games are permitted everywhere.
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When you see the Zeichen
From this sign onwards, you must drive at Schrittgeschwindigkeit and be prepared at all times for people or children playing anywhere across the full width of the road. Do not endanger or obstruct pedestrian traffic, and wait if necessary.
Rules
- Schrittgeschwindigkeit applies to all vehicles; the StVO does not specify a fixed speed in km/h for this.
- People on foot may use the entire width of the road, and children are allowed to play anywhere.
- Motor traffic must neither endanger nor obstruct pedestrian traffic; if necessary, drivers must wait.
- Parking is permitted only in specially marked areas. Outside these areas, you may only stop to let people get in or out or to load or unload.
- People on foot must not unnecessarily obstruct motor traffic.
Tips
- Slow down immediately from the sign and be ready to brake; be especially alert for children who may suddenly run in front of your vehicle.
- Keep a large lateral distance from people and objects, even if this means having to wait briefly.
- Before parking, look for clearly marked parking areas; an empty space at the edge of the carriageway is not enough.
- When leaving the area, look out for other road users in good time, because you must rule out endangering them.
Common misunderstandings
- Schrittgeschwindigkeit is confused with the speed limit within a built-up area or with 30 km/h. Both are far too fast.
- Many people believe that pedestrians may only walk along the edge of the road. In fact, they may use the entire width of the road.
- A common misconception is that parking is allowed anywhere as long as nobody is obstructed. In principle, parking is permitted only in marked areas.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap concerns leaving the verkehrsberuhigter Bereich: Anyone driving out must rule out endangering other road users. The rule “Vorfahrt” does not simply apply as “priority to the right”, even if the junction looks like a normal intersection.
Did you know
verkehrsberuhigte Bereiche are often colloquially called “play streets”. Legally, however, a genuine play street is a road closed to vehicles with a Zusatzzeichen permitting children to play; Zeichen 325.1 allows vehicle traffic under special rules.
Frequently asked questions
How fast may I drive in the verkehrsberuhigter Bereich?
You may drive only at Schrittgeschwindigkeit. The StVO does not specify a fixed numerical value; what matters is a very slow speed at which you can react safely at any time.
May pedestrians walk in the middle of the road?
Yes, they may use the entire width of the road, and children are allowed to play anywhere. However, they must not unnecessarily obstruct motor traffic.
Where may I park my car?
Parking is permitted exclusively in areas marked for this purpose. Outside these areas, you may stop only to let people get in or out or to load or unload.
Do I have Vorfahrt when leaving the verkehrsberuhigter Bereich if I am coming from the right?
No. When driving out, you must behave in such a way that endangering other road users is ruled out; the rule “priority to the right” does not give you Vorfahrt there.
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