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Prohibition for bicycle traffic
Regulatory prohibition Prohibition for bicycle traffic and traffic with light electric vehicles within the meaning of the eKFV
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When you see the Zeichen
From this sign onwards, you may not continue riding a bicycle or an electric micro-vehicle, such as an e-scooter. If necessary, dismount beforehand and walk your bicycle; Zusatzzeichen may allow exceptions.
Rules
- Zeichen 254 prohibits bicycle traffic on the designated road or path.
- The prohibition also applies to electric micro-vehicles as defined by the eKFV, especially e-scooters.
- A bicycle being walked may be taken past the sign because the person walking it is legally considered a pedestrian.
- Zeichen 254 alone does not apply to cars or motorcycles; their traffic may nevertheless be prohibited by other signs.
- Zusatzzeichen such as “Residents only” or time restrictions may limit the area covered or specify exceptions.
Tips
- Look for the bicycle symbol in the red circle and do not confuse it with Zeichen 250, which prohibits vehicles of all kinds.
- Look for an approved alternative route in good time instead of switching to the road or pavement only immediately before the sign.
- Always check for Zusatzzeichen, as they may, for example, permit certain types of traffic to enter.
- If you are walking your bicycle, behave like a pedestrian and generally use the pavement where one is available.
Common misunderstandings
- Many learner drivers believe the sign prohibits bicycles only. It expressly also covers electric micro-vehicles such as e-scooters.
- The sign is confused with “No vehicles of any kind”. Zeichen 254 alone prohibits bicycle traffic and traffic involving electric micro-vehicles.
- Some people assume that a bicycle may not even be walked past the sign. Walking it is generally permitted unless pedestrian traffic is also prohibited.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap shows an e-scooter in front of Zeichen 254. The correct answer is that the e-scooter may not be ridden past the sign either; the prohibition is not limited to bicycles.
Did you know
Although the sign shows only a bicycle, under the StVO it expressly also applies to electric micro-vehicles as defined by the eKFV. These include e-scooters in particular, even though they are not shown in the pictogram.
Frequently asked questions
May I walk my bicycle past Zeichen 254?
Yes. Anyone walking a bicycle is considered a pedestrian and is not covered by the prohibition on bicycle traffic. However, any additional prohibition on pedestrians must be observed.
Does Zeichen 254 also apply to e-scooters?
Yes. The sign expressly prohibits traffic involving electric micro-vehicles as defined by the eKFV. This includes e-scooters with the appropriate operating authorisation in particular.
May I continue riding a standard pedelec?
No. A typical pedelec with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h is legally treated as a bicycle for traffic purposes. Zeichen 254 therefore also applies to its rider.
May a car drive past Zeichen 254?
Zeichen 254 alone does not prohibit a car from passing through. Other traffic signs, Zusatzzeichen or local regulations may nevertheless restrict entry.
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