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No overtaking by motor vehicles of all kinds
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When you see the Zeichen
From this sign onward, you may not overtake multi-track motor vehicles or motorcycles with sidecars. Stay behind these vehicles until the restriction is lifted. You may overtake single-track vehicles such as bicycles or motorcycles without sidecars only if this can be done safely and while maintaining the required lateral clearance.
Rules
- The no-overtaking restriction applies to drivers of motor vehicles of all kinds, including cars and motorcycles.
- You may not overtake multi-track motor vehicles such as cars, trucks and tractors, or motorcycles with sidecars.
- Single-track vehicles such as bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles without sidecars may generally be overtaken unless another rule prohibits it.
- When overtaking a bicycle, you must maintain a lateral clearance of at least 1.5 metres in built-up areas and 2 metres outside built-up areas.
- The restriction ends in particular at Zeichen 280, at Zeichen 282 or at a location indicated by a Zusatzzeichen; an intersection or side road does not automatically lift it.
Tips
- Before overtaking a bicycle, check whether you can maintain the required lateral clearance without crossing a solid lane boundary.
- Stay behind even a very slow-moving tractor: it is multi-track and may not be overtaken at Zeichen 276.
- Look out for Zusatzzeichen in good time, as they may announce the start of the restriction or indicate its length.
- Do not confuse passing a parked vehicle or an obstacle with overtaking; nevertheless, pay attention to oncoming traffic and road markings.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is confused with Zeichen 260. Zeichen 276 does not prohibit entry by motor vehicles; it prohibits a specific overtaking manoeuvre.
- Some learner drivers believe that slow-moving cars or tractors may still be overtaken. Their low speed does not create an exception.
- The red vehicle illustration is incorrectly interpreted as referring to red vehicles. The colour is only used to depict the restriction.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap shows Zeichen 276 together with a bicycle, a motorcycle without a sidecar and a tractor. With sufficient visibility and enough lateral clearance, the bicycle and motorcycle without a sidecar may generally be overtaken, but the multi-track tractor may not.
Did you know
Zeichen 276 is often installed at blind bends, brows of hills or sections of rural roads with a high accident rate. The Zusatz „für Kraftfahrzeuge aller Art“ refers to the vehicles whose drivers may not overtake, not to the fact that every vehicle without exception is prohibited as an overtaking target.
Frequently asked questions
May I overtake a tractor at Zeichen 276 if it is travelling very slowly?
No. A typical tractor is a multi-track motor vehicle and therefore falls under the no-overtaking restriction. Its low speed does not change this.
May I overtake a bicycle?
Yes. Zeichen 276 generally does not prohibit overtaking a bicycle. However, you must have sufficient visibility and maintain a lateral clearance of at least 1.5 metres in built-up areas and 2 metres outside built-up areas.
May I pass a parked car?
Yes. Passing a parked vehicle is Vorbeifahren, not overtaking. However, you must not cross or straddle a solid line, and you must not endanger oncoming traffic.
Does the no-overtaking restriction end at the next intersection?
No. An intersection or side road does not automatically cancel Zeichen 276. For road users already travelling through the restricted section, it remains in force until it is officially lifted or its end is indicated by an appropriate sign.
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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