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Permitted maximum speed
Regulatory or prohibitory sign 1. Anyone driving a vehicle must not drive faster than the indicated maximum speed. 2. If the sign permits specific speeds above 50 km/h within built-up areas, this applies to vehicles of all kinds. 3. Outside built-up areas, the maximum speeds applicable to specific types of vehicles (§ 3 paragraph 3 number 2 letters a and b and § 18 paragraph 5) remain unaffected if the sign permits a higher speed. Explanation The sign may be integrated into a lane board, narrowing board or widening board. In that case, the permitted maximum speed applies only to the respective lane for which the maximum speed has been prescribed.
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When you see the Zeichen
Adjust your speed so that, by the time you reach the sign at the latest, you are travelling no faster than the number shown in km/h. Take braking distance, road conditions and following traffic into account; avoid heavy braking only once you are immediately at the sign.
Rules
- The number in the red circle indicates the permitted maximum speed in km/h; it must not be exceeded from the location of the sign onward.
- As a rule, the restriction remains in force until it is cancelled or replaced by Zeichen 278, Zeichen 282 or a new speed limit. An intersection or junction does not automatically cancel it.
- If Zeichen 274 is incorporated into a lane diagram sign, lane reduction sign or lane widening sign, the indicated maximum speed applies only to the designated lane.
- Zusatzzeichen may limit the restriction to certain times, types of vehicle or conditions such as wet roads.
- If a speed higher than the statutory maximum speed for a particular type of vehicle is permitted outside built-up areas, the lower vehicle-specific maximum speed remains in force.
Tips
- Ease off the accelerator and brake smoothly in good time so that you have already reached the indicated speed when you reach the sign.
- When there are several lanes, check carefully whether the speed limit applies only to a particular lane.
- Check Zusatzzeichen carefully: if they state „bei Nässe“, the restriction applies only when the road is covered by a continuous film of water.
- Remember the prescribed speed after passing the sign and actively look for a sign cancelling it or a new speed limit.
Common misunderstandings
- Many learner drivers believe they are allowed to brake only after passing the sign. However, the indicated maximum speed must already be observed at the sign.
- An intersection or junction is often mistakenly regarded as automatically marking the end of the speed restriction.
- A higher speed permitted outside built-up areas by Zeichen 274 does not cancel the lower statutory maximum speeds for certain types of vehicle, such as a car with a trailer.
Exam tip
In exam questions, pay particular attention to Zusatzzeichen and the type of vehicle. If the sign shows 100 km/h outside built-up areas, for example, a car with a trailer is not automatically allowed to drive at 100 km/h.
Did you know
If Zeichen 274 permits a speed of more than 50 km/h within built-up areas, this permission applies under the StVO to vehicles of all types. Outside built-up areas, however, lower statutory maximum speeds for certain types of vehicle remain in force despite the higher number shown on the sign.
Frequently asked questions
Does the speed restriction already apply at the sign?
Yes. When passing the sign, you may be travelling at no more than the indicated speed; waiting until afterwards to brake is too late.
Does Zeichen 274 end at the next intersection?
No, an intersection or junction does not automatically cancel the restriction. As a rule, it ends only when it is cancelled, a new speed limit is introduced or the end of the relevant stretch is clearly defined.
What does Zeichen 274 together with the Zusatzzeichen „bei Nässe“ mean?
The indicated maximum speed applies only when the road is wet. The road is considered wet when it is visibly covered by a continuous film of water; a few damp patches are not enough.
If there is a higher speed limit, may I always drive as fast as indicated?
No. Outside built-up areas, lower statutory maximum speeds for certain types of vehicle remain in force, for example for cars with trailers. In addition, you must always adapt your speed to visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
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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