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Beginning of a 30 km/h zone
Regulatory or prohibitory sign Anyone driving a vehicle must not drive faster than the indicated maximum speed within this zone. Explanation In traffic-calmed commercial areas, zone speed restrictions of less than 30 km/h may also be prescribed with the sign.
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When you see the Zeichen
Reduce your speed to no more than 30 km/h, or to the lower speed indicated there, at the latest from the sign onward. The restriction applies throughout the entire zone until the sign “End of a 30 km/h Zone”.
Rules
- The indicated maximum speed applies from Zeichen 274.1 on all roads within the zone.
- The zone regulation is normally not signed again after intersections and junctions.
- The restriction only ends at Zeichen 274.2 “End of a 30 km/h Zone”.
- The sign only regulates the permitted maximum speed; it does not automatically impose “priority to the right” or special parking rules.
- In traffic-calmed commercial areas, the zone sign may also indicate a lower maximum speed than 30 km/h.
Tips
- Pay particular attention to the zone sign at every entrance to a residential or commercial area, as it is usually not repeated later.
- Adjust your speed before the sign so that you are driving at no more than 30 km/h when passing it.
- Remember while driving that you are in a zone, even if there is no further speed-limit sign after an intersection.
- Check Vorfahrt at intersections independently of the zone sign; if there are no traffic lights or signs regulating Vorfahrt, “priority to the right” generally applies.
Common misunderstandings
- Many learner drivers believe that the restriction applies only to the road where the sign is located. In fact, it generally covers the entire road network within the zone.
- After an intersection, drivers mistakenly accelerate back to 50 km/h because the 30 km/h sign was not repeated.
- The sign is confused with a speed limit applying to a specific stretch of road: Zeichen 274.1 also bears the word “ZONE” and applies throughout the area until the end of the zone.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap shows an intersection within a 30 km/h zone without another speed sign. The maximum speed nevertheless remains in force; at the same time, you must assess Vorfahrt separately because the zone sign itself does not regulate Vorfahrt.
Did you know
30 km/h zones are signed at their entrances, so there is generally no need to repeat the speed restriction continuously within the area. In traffic-calmed commercial areas, zone signs can even indicate speeds below 30 km/h.
Frequently asked questions
Does the speed limit revert to 50 km/h after an intersection within the zone?
No. The zone restriction continues to apply after intersections and junctions, even though it is normally not signed again there.
When does a 30 km/h zone end?
It ends at Zeichen 274.2 “End of a 30 km/h Zone”. Only after that does the permitted speed depend on the subsequent signs and the general regulations.
Does “priority to the right” automatically apply in every 30 km/h zone?
No, Zeichen 274.1 only regulates the speed. However, if there are no traffic lights or traffic signs regulating Vorfahrt, “priority to the right” generally applies at intersections and junctions.
Can a zone sign also show a lower number than 30?
Yes. In traffic-calmed commercial areas, zone speed restrictions of less than 30 km/h may be ordered; the number shown on the sign is decisive.
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Prohibition for bicycle traffic
Prohibition for motorcycles
Prohibition for pedestrians
Prohibition for motor vehicles
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