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Prohibition on falling below the specified minimum distance
Regulatory prohibition Anyone driving a motor vehicle with a permissible maximum mass over 3.5 t or a tractor may not fall below the specified minimum distance from a motor vehicle of the same type travelling ahead. Passenger cars and buses are exempt.
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When you see the Zeichen
Check whether you are driving a motor vehicle with a permissible gross vehicle mass over 3.5 t or a tractor unit. If so, you must not fall below the distance shown on the sign from a motor vehicle of the same type ahead; passenger cars and buses are exempt.
Rules
- The number shown indicates the prescribed minimum distance in metres.
- The prohibition applies to motor vehicles with a permissible gross vehicle mass over 3.5 t and to tractor units.
- The minimum distance must be maintained from a motor vehicle of the same type ahead.
- Passenger cars and buses are exempt from this sign regardless of their permissible gross vehicle mass.
Tips
- Pay attention to the distance shown on the sign. Use roadside delineator posts to estimate the distance; on straight roads, they are usually spaced 50 metres apart.
- Start slowing down early and smoothly if the distance to the heavy vehicle ahead becomes too short.
- After another heavy vehicle moves into your lane, immediately allow enough space without braking abruptly.
- Do not confuse the sign with Zeichen 253: Zeichen 273 does not prohibit continuing to drive; it only prohibits falling below the specified minimum distance.
Common misunderstandings
- Learner drivers mistake the sign for an entry ban for vehicles over 3.5 t. In fact, these vehicles may continue driving, but they must maintain the specified minimum distance.
- The distance shown is confused with a speed limit. It specifies a distance, not a maximum permitted speed.
- It is assumed that every passenger car with a trailer is affected. What matters is the vehicle types expressly covered by the sign; passenger cars are exempt.
Exam tip
In theory-test questions, the most common trap is confusing it with Zeichen 253. With Zeichen 273, an affected truck may use the road, but must, for example, maintain the 70-metre distance specified on the sign from a motor vehicle of the same type ahead.
Did you know
Zeichen 273 is often placed before particularly sensitive sections of road, such as bridges, tunnels or downhill stretches. The greater distance between heavy vehicles can help reduce the risk of accidents there and prevent high vehicle loads from becoming too heavily concentrated in one area.
Frequently asked questions
Does Zeichen 273 apply to a normal passenger car in category B?
No, passenger cars are expressly exempt. This also applies if the passenger car is towing a trailer.
What does a value such as 70 m on the sign mean?
It indicates the minimum distance that an affected vehicle must maintain from a motor vehicle of the same type ahead. The number is not a speed limit.
Does the sign also apply to buses over 3.5 t?
No. Like passenger cars, buses are expressly exempt from this rule.
Does Zeichen 273 prohibit heavy vehicles from entering?
No. Unlike Zeichen 253, it does not impose an entry ban; instead, it requires a specific minimum distance between the vehicles covered by the 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