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End of use of hard shoulder
Mandatory or prohibitory sign The sign cancels the opening of the hard shoulder for use as a traffic lane.
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When you see the Zeichen
The release of the Seitenstreifen for use as a traffic lane ends. If you are driving on the Seitenstreifen, you must leave it in good time while taking the rest of the traffic into account and merge safely into the regular traffic lane.
Rules
- From Zeichen 223.2 onward, the Seitenstreifen may no longer be used as a regular traffic lane.
- When moving from the Seitenstreifen to the continuous traffic lane, you must not endanger anyone; the lane change must be signalled clearly and in good time.
- Once the release has ended, the Seitenstreifen is generally reserved for emergencies and breakdowns again.
- The sign only ends the release of the Seitenstreifen; it does not automatically end other speed limits or regulations.
Tips
- Watch the Wechselverkehrszeichen in good time and do not wait until you are immediately at the sign before merging.
- Check your interior and exterior mirrors, as well as your blind spot, and signal left in good time.
- Adjust your speed to fit into a sufficiently large gap in the regular traffic lane without forcing others to brake sharply.
- Also pay attention to road markings, illuminated arrows and other Wechselzeichen that guide the transition.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is confused with 223.1: 223.1 releases the Seitenstreifen for use, whereas 223.2 ends that release.
- Some driving students see 223.2 as an instruction to change lanes immediately and abruptly. In fact, you must merge in good time, but only when it is safe to do so.
- 223.2 is confused with 223.3: Zeichen 223.3 explicitly orders the Seitenstreifen to be cleared, whereas 223.2 ends its use as a traffic lane.
Exam tip
In exam images, pay close attention to the precise layout of the traffic lanes: with 223.2, the release of the Seitenstreifen ends. The typical trap is the answer that you may continue driving there until Zeichen 223.3 appears.
Did you know
Zeichen 223.2 is used particularly on heavily congested Autobahn sections where the Seitenstreifen is temporarily released as an additional traffic lane depending on traffic conditions. It therefore often appears as a Wechselverkehrszeichen on a traffic-control system.
Frequently asked questions
May I continue driving on the Seitenstreifen after Zeichen 223.2?
No, from the sign onward, the Seitenstreifen is no longer released for use as a traffic lane. You must leave it in good time and safely.
Do I have Vorfahrt when merging from the Seitenstreifen?
No, the sign does not give you Vorfahrt. You may change lanes only if endangering other road users is ruled out.
May I drive onto the Seitenstreifen after the sign if I have a breakdown?
In the event of a genuine breakdown or emergency, you may and should use the Seitenstreifen to leave the continuous traffic lanes. The vehicle must be secured, and the occupants should move behind the crash barrier if possible.
Does Zeichen 223.2 also cancel a speed limit?
No, it only ends the release of the Seitenstreifen for use as a traffic lane. An imposed speed limit remains in force until it is cancelled separately or replaced by another regulation.
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