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Town sign, front side
The town sign determines: Here begins a built-up area.
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When you see the Zeichen
A geschlossene Ortschaft begins at the Ortstafel. Reduce your speed to no more than 50 km/h by the time you reach the sign at the latest, unless a lower maximum speed has been imposed, and be prepared for denser traffic within the built-up area.
Rules
- From this sign, a maximum speed of 50 km/h generally applies to motor vehicles in built-up areas.
- A lower maximum speed imposed by a traffic sign, for example 30 km/h, must still be observed.
- The Ortstafel regulates neither Vorfahrt nor priority; existing Vorfahrt signs and traffic lights remain decisive.
- The geschlossene Ortschaft begins exactly at the location of the Ortstafel, not at the first houses that come into view.
Tips
- Brake in good time before the sign so that you pass it at no more than 50 km/h.
- Expect pedestrians, cyclists, side roads and parked vehicles immediately after the sign.
- Look out for additional speed-limit signs, as a 30 km/h limit may be imposed directly after the Ortstafel, for example.
- Pay attention to whether you are seeing the front of the Ortstafel with the place name or its rear, as only the front marks the beginning of the geschlossene Ortschaft.
Common misunderstandings
- Many learner drivers only reduce their speed to 50 km/h after passing the Ortstafel. However, the maximum speed for built-up areas already applies from the sign.
- The Ortstafel does not automatically mean that rechts vor links applies at every following intersection. Vorfahrt signs, traffic lights and special road layouts must still be observed.
- The beginning of the geschlossene Ortschaft is not determined by the municipal boundary, street lighting or the first house, but by Zeichen 310.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap shows the Ortstafel only shortly before the vehicle: the question asks for the speed at the sign, not several metres farther on. Without any different signs, you must already pass Zeichen 310 at no more than 50 km/h.
Did you know
The Ortstafel marks the traffic-law boundary of the geschlossene Ortschaft; this does not necessarily coincide with the political boundary of the municipality.
Frequently asked questions
Does a speed limit of 50 km/h always apply from the Ortstafel?
For motor vehicles, a maximum speed of 50 km/h generally applies in built-up areas. However, another traffic sign may impose a lower maximum speed.
Does a 30 km/h zone automatically begin at the Ortstafel?
No, Zeichen 310 alone does not indicate a 30 km/h zone. Separate zone signage is required for this.
Does rechts vor links automatically apply after the Ortstafel?
No, the Ortstafel does not directly change the Vorfahrt. Rechts vor links applies only at intersections and side roads without another Vorfahrt regulation and without a special exception.
How do I recognise the end of the geschlossene Ortschaft?
The end is marked by the rear of the Ortstafel, Zeichen 311. After this, a maximum speed of 100 km/h generally applies to passenger cars without trailers on ordinary roads, unless another rule or sign applies.
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