Teorio
Crosswinds
The sign warns of a place where strong crosswinds often occur.
When you see the sign
Be prepared for sudden gusts of side wind, and reduce your speed if the wind makes it difficult to maintain a steady course. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and be especially alert when driving onto bridges, across open stretches, or past areas that have sheltered you from the wind.
Rules
- The sign warns of a place or stretch of road where strong side winds often occur.
- The sign does not impose a specific speed, but you must adjust your speed so that you remain in control of the vehicle.
- You must maintain sufficient lateral clearance from oncoming and overtaking traffic because gusts of wind can cause your vehicle to deviate sideways.
- An additional plate may indicate the distance to the exposed location or the length of the exposed stretch.
Tips
- Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel, but avoid sudden or forceful steering movements.
- Reduce your speed before bridges and open sections where the wind may suddenly hit the vehicle.
- Be extra cautious when passing lorries, rock cuttings and noise barriers, as the wind pressure may change abruptly.
- Give motorcycles, cyclists, caravans and high-sided vehicles extra room, as they are more easily affected by side winds.
Common misconceptions
- Some people think the sign warns of dangerous bends, but the symbol shows a windsock and warns of strong side winds.
- Some interpret the sign as a prohibition against continuing to drive in strong winds, but it is a warning sign, not a prohibition sign.
- Some people think they can maintain the speed limit shown on the sign regardless of the conditions, but they must reduce their speed if the side wind makes it impossible to maintain full control.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign warn about?
- AA road section with a particularly steep hill
- BA place where strong crosswinds often occur
- CA place where the road becomes considerably narrower
- DA road section with several dangerous bends
Medium
You encounter strong gusts after the sign while driving at 80 km/t. What should you do?
- AIncrease your speed to pass the exposed stretch more quickly
- BMaintain the same speed and drive closer to oncoming traffic
- CStop immediately in the lane and wait until the wind subsides
- DReduce your speed if necessary and increase your lateral distance from other traffic
Hard
The road bends immediately after the sign, and a supplementary sign indicates «2 km». Which interpretation is correct?
- AThe warning concerns crosswind, and the supplementary sign may indicate the length of the exposed stretch
- BThe warning concerns dangerous bends, and the supplementary sign indicates the length of the winding section
- CThe warning concerns a narrower road, and the supplementary sign indicates the length of the narrowing
- DThe warning concerns a driving prohibition, and the supplementary sign indicates the length of the closed section
Theory test tip
Look for the windsock in the symbol. A common trap is to choose «dangerous bends» because the shape may be perceived as a curved line, but the sign warns of wind, not the road's curvature.
Did you know
The sign is used particularly on bridges, mountain passes and exposed coastal stretches where strong winds are common. At some of these locations, wind gauges and variable signs may also provide additional warnings or result in the road being closed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to reduce my speed when I see the sign?
The sign does not prescribe a specific speed. However, you must reduce your speed if the wind conditions make this necessary to retain full control of the vehicle.
Which side is the wind coming from?
The main meaning of the sign is that strong side winds often occur at the location. You should observe windsocks, vegetation and other signs to assess the current wind direction.
Which vehicles are most at risk?
Motorcycles, vehicles towing caravans, and tall or light vehicles are particularly affected. Even an ordinary passenger car can be pushed sideways by powerful gusts of wind.
Why can the wind feel particularly strong when passing a lorry?
The lorry may initially shelter your car from the wind. When this shelter suddenly disappears, the side wind can hit the car and cause a rapid deviation from its course.
Practise for the theory test
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