Teorio
Queue
The sign warns of a queue.
When you see the sign
Reduce your speed and be prepared for traffic ahead to be stationary, including just after a bend, crest, or tunnel entrance. Keep a safe distance and adjust your speed so that you can stop in a controlled manner without colliding with the vehicle in front.
Rules
- The sign warns of congestion or a particular risk of congestion on the road ahead.
- You must adjust your speed to the visibility and traffic conditions and be able to stop within the stretch of road you can see clearly.
- The sign does not set a specific speed limit, but the conditions may require a significantly lower speed than the posted limit.
- The sign does not in itself prohibit overtaking, but overtaking is only permitted when it is legal and can be carried out without danger or unnecessary obstruction.
Tips
- Release the accelerator early and brake gradually so that the driver behind has time to react.
- Increase the distance to the vehicle in front because the queue may stop suddenly.
- Look well ahead for brake lights, flashing hazard lights, and stationary vehicles.
- Avoid unnecessary lane changes when traffic becomes heavier, especially at tunnel entrances and road narrowings.
Common misconceptions
- Some people think the sign means that the road is closed, but it only warns of congestion or a risk of congestion.
- Some interpret the sign as imposing a speed limit. It does not specify a particular speed, but requires you to adjust your speed to the hazard.
- Some confuse the car symbols with a warning that the road becomes narrower, but the sign warns of heavy or stationary traffic.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign warn about?
- ADangerous bends or a blind curve ahead
- BA queue or a particular risk of a queue ahead
- CA narrower road or a narrowed carriageway ahead
- DA steep hill or a substantial uphill gradient ahead
Medium
You pass this sign and see that traffic ahead is braking sharply. What should you do?
- APass the traffic immediately to avoid stopping
- BReduce your speed and keep enough distance to be able to stop safely
- CReduce your speed to 50 km/t regardless of visibility and traffic
- DMaintain the posted speed and brake only when the queue is close
Hard
Which statement about this sign is correct?
- AIt warns of a narrower road and automatically introduces a no-overtaking restriction along the stretch
- BIt warns of a queue, but establishes no specific speed limit or automatic no-overtaking restriction
- CIt warns of a queue and automatically introduces a speed limit of 50 km/t
- DIt warns of a closed road and requires all vehicles to stop immediately
Theory test tip
A common trap is to choose that the sign requires a specific lower speed or prohibits overtaking. The correct meaning is that it warns of congestion, while the driver must adjust their speed so that it is possible to stop safely.
Did you know
The sign is often used as a variable electronic sign on roads and in tunnels where congestion can develop quickly. When illuminated, it has the same meaning as a corresponding permanent sign.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to stop when I see the sign?
No, the sign does not require you to stop. However, you must reduce your speed and be ready to stop if the traffic ahead is stationary.
Does the posted speed limit still apply?
Yes, the speed limit still applies as the maximum permitted speed. The risk of congestion, visibility, and traffic conditions may mean that you have to drive considerably more slowly.
Is it prohibited to change lanes after the sign?
No, the sign does not introduce a specific prohibition on changing lanes. However, a lane change must be legal, clearly signalled, and possible to carry out without danger or unnecessary obstruction.
Why is the sign often placed near tunnels?
Stationary traffic in a tunnel can be difficult to detect and involve a particular risk of rear-end collisions. The sign gives drivers an opportunity to reduce their speed before reaching the end of the queue.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
