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Prohibition for motor vehicles
Regulatory prohibition Prohibition for motor vehicles and other multi-track motor vehicles
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When you see the Zeichen
You may not continue driving past this sign in a passenger car, lorry, motorhome or any other multi-track motor vehicle. Before turning or entering, check whether a Zusatzzeichen expressly exempts your vehicle or your specific purpose of travel from the prohibition.
Rules
- Zeichen 251 prohibits traffic by motor vehicles and other multi-track motor vehicles, in particular passenger cars, lorries, buses, motorhomes, quad bikes and multi-track tractors.
- Motorcycles, light motorcycles and mopeds are not covered by Zeichen 251 alone; for example, Zeichen 260 would be required for them.
- A passenger car with a trailer may not enter either, because the passenger car itself is covered by the prohibition.
- Zusatzzeichen may allow exceptions, for example for residents, visitors or agricultural and forestry traffic. The exception applies only if its conditions are actually met.
- The prohibition generally begins at the location of the sign and applies to the traffic area or stretch of road beyond it.
Tips
- Pay attention to the car shown: it does not represent passenger cars only, but motor vehicles and other multi-track motor vehicles.
- Look for a diversion or alternative route in good time instead of waiting until you are immediately in front of the sign to stop or entering unlawfully.
- Read Zusatzzeichen in full: with “Anlieger frei”, it is not enough merely to want to use the restricted road as a shortcut.
- Do not confuse this sign with Zeichen 260, which also shows a motorcycle.
Common misunderstandings
- Many learner drivers believe that the prohibition applies only to passenger cars. In fact, lorries, buses, motorhomes and other multi-track motor vehicles are also covered.
- Zeichen 251 is often confused with Zeichen 250. Zeichen 250 generally prohibits vehicles of all kinds, whereas Zeichen 251 does not cover bicycles and motorcycles in particular.
- Another misconception is that “Anlieger frei” allows all through traffic. It is permitted only if you have a genuine connection to a destination within the restricted area.
Exam tip
In exam questions, the typical trap is the difference from Zeichen 260: with Zeichen 251, a motorcycle may generally continue, whereas with Zeichen 260 it may not. A passenger car may not enter under either sign without an applicable exception.
Did you know
Zeichen 251 is often placed on narrow roads, roads through built-up areas or in areas that are intended to be kept free of multi-track motor vehicle traffic. Although only a passenger car is shown as the symbol, the prohibition covers a significantly larger group of vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
May I pass Zeichen 251 on a motorcycle?
Yes, a motorcycle is generally not covered by Zeichen 251 alone. However, be aware of any other traffic signs or Zusatzzeichen.
May I continue cycling?
Yes, Zeichen 251 does not prohibit bicycle traffic. A prohibition on bicycle traffic would be ordered in particular by Zeichen 254.
May a scheduled bus enter the road?
Generally not without an applicable exception, because a bus is a motor vehicle. For example, a Zusatzzeichen may expressly exempt scheduled services.
What does the Zusatzzeichen “Anlieger frei” mean?
You may enter if you have a legitimate destination within the restricted area, for example a resident, a business or a property. Simply passing through as a shortcut is not permitted.
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