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End of the prohibition on overtaking single-track vehicles by multi-track motor vehicles and motorcycles with sidecars
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When you see the Zeichen
From this sign onward, the special ban on overtaking single-track vehicles with a multi-track motor vehicle or a motorcycle with a sidecar ends. However, you may only overtake if the general overtaking rules, adequate visibility and the required lateral clearance are observed.
Rules
- Zeichen 281.1 exclusively ends the overtaking ban previously imposed by Zeichen 277.1.
- The sign does not require you to overtake; it only lifts this special ban.
- When overtaking cyclists and electric micro-vehicles, you must keep a lateral clearance of at least 1.5 metres in built-up areas and at least 2 metres outside built-up areas.
- Other overtaking bans, road markings or prohibitions resulting from the general traffic situation remain in force.
Tips
- After the sign, first check for oncoming traffic, visibility and the width of the road before overtaking a single-track vehicle.
- Do not begin overtaking immediately just because the ban has ended.
- Pay particular attention to whether you can maintain the required lateral clearance from cyclists despite oncoming traffic.
- Expect bicycles or motorcycles to swerve sideways because of obstacles, wind or damage to the road surface.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is confused with the general end of all overtaking bans. However, it only ends the ban under Zeichen 277.1.
- Some learner drivers mistake it for a traffic or entry prohibition such as Zeichen 250 or 260. In fact, it lifts an overtaking ban that was previously in force.
- The end of the ban is interpreted as permission to overtake immediately. An unclear traffic situation, oncoming traffic or insufficient lateral clearance may still make overtaking impossible.
Exam tip
In test images, look at the crossed-out symbols: Zeichen 281.1 only ends the overtaking ban applying to single-track vehicles; it neither lifts all overtaking bans nor removes the required lateral clearances.
Did you know
Zeichen 281.1 is one of the traffic signs introduced in 2020 and is the counterpart to Zeichen 277.1, which improves the protection of single-track road users, particularly on narrow or unclear stretches of road.
Frequently asked questions
May I overtake a cyclist immediately after Zeichen 281.1?
Only if the traffic situation is clear and the entire overtaking manoeuvre can be carried out safely. A lateral clearance of at least 1.5 metres in built-up areas and 2 metres outside built-up areas is required.
Which vehicles does the ban end for?
It ends for multi-track motor vehicles and motorcycles with sidecars that were previously not allowed to overtake single-track vehicles. For a car driver, this means that the special ban no longer applies from this point onward.
Does Zeichen 281.1 also lift another posted overtaking ban?
No, it exclusively lifts the ban under Zeichen 277.1. Other overtaking bans and other traffic regulations continue to apply independently.
What is the difference between this sign and Zeichen 281?
Zeichen 281 ends the special overtaking ban for motor vehicles with a permissible maximum gross weight of more than 3.5 tonnes. Zeichen 281.1, by contrast, ends the ban on multi-track motor vehicles and motorcycles with sidecars overtaking single-track vehicles.
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Other Zeichen in the same category
Prohibition for vehicles of all kinds
Prohibition for motor vehicles
Prohibition for motor vehicles over 3.5 t
Prohibition for bicycle traffic
Prohibition for motorcycles
Prohibition for pedestrians
Prohibition for motor vehicles
Prohibition for motor vehicles carrying dangerous goods and subject to marking