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Delineator posts (left) (right)
To indicate the course of the road, delineator posts can generally be installed at the sides of the road at intervals of 50 m and more closely spaced in bends.
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When you see the Zeichen
Use the delineator posts to orient yourself by the course and edge of the road, especially in darkness, fog or on bends. Adjust your speed so that you can drive safely within the distance you can see; however, the delineator post itself does not prescribe a specific speed or direction of travel.
Rules
- Delineator posts mark the course of the road and are generally installed on both sides.
- On straight sections, they are usually spaced 50 metres apart; on bends, they may be installed closer together.
- The delineator post on the right has a rectangular reflector, while the one on the left has two round reflectors.
- Zeichen 620 by itself does not impose any requirement or prohibition and does not override any general traffic rule.
- Delineator posts do not block any part of the road; they must not be confused with guide barriers or construction-site barriers.
Tips
- In darkness, observe the sequence of reflectors to recognise bends and the further course of the road at an early stage.
- If the delineator posts appear to get closer together rapidly or disappear one after another, this may indicate a tight bend; reduce your speed in good time.
- Use the usual spacing of 50 metres only as a rough guide to distance, as the spacing may differ, especially on bends or at particular locations.
- Do not fix your gaze on a single delineator post; instead, look well ahead along the line of posts and the further course of the road.
Common misunderstandings
- Learner drivers mistake delineator posts for barriers. However, they merely mark the course of the road and do not prohibit driving on the carriageway.
- The sides are confused: the delineator post on the right has a rectangular reflector, while the one on the left has two round reflectors.
- The spacing of 50 metres is assumed to be an exception-free requirement. In fact, this is the standard spacing; the posts are often closer together, especially on bends.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap concerns identifying the sides: a rectangular reflector is visible on the right, while there are two round reflectors on the left. You must also not infer either a speed limit or a closure of the adjacent carriageway from a delineator post.
Did you know
Because of the usual spacing of 50 metres, delineator posts can serve as a rough guide to distance: Five intervals correspond to approximately 250 metres. In Germany, the reflectors on the left and right sides of the road differ, making the sides of the road recognisable even in darkness.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of delineator posts?
They indicate the course of the road and make it easier to orient yourself, especially in poor visibility and darkness. They do not themselves impose any requirement or prohibition.
How can I identify the left and right delineator posts?
There is a rectangular reflector on the right side of the road. Two round reflectors are fitted on the left side of the road.
Are delineator posts always exactly 50 metres apart?
No, 50 metres is the usual standard spacing. On bends and at particularly hazardous locations, the spacing may be shorter.
Do I have to drive more slowly because of a delineator post?
The delineator post does not prescribe a specific speed. However, if its arrangement indicates a bend or a section with limited visibility, you must adjust your speed to the visibility and the course of the road.
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