BridgeGermany

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


12. Bridge

A bridge is a structure that carries a road, path or railway over an obstacle such as a river, valley, railway line or another road. A road bridge may carry one or more roadways together with pedestrian or cycling facilities.

Drivers should follow any speed, weight, height, width or vehicle-access restrictions applying to the bridge. Particular care may be necessary on narrow, exposed or movable bridges and when weather conditions such as wind, rain or ice affect the road surface.

Bridge
Warning for a movable bridge. (Krautsand, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Oxfordian_Kissuth • CC BY-SA
What is a bridge?

A bridge is a structure that carries a road, path or railway over an obstacle such as a river, valley, railway or another road.

Can a bridge carry several traffic lanes?

Yes. Road bridges may carry one or several traffic lanes and can also contain pavements, cycle facilities or public-transport infrastructure.

Can a bridge have a weight limit?

Yes. A bridge may have restrictions on the maximum vehicle mass or axle load that it can safely accommodate. Drivers of heavy vehicles must obey the applicable signs.

Can a bridge have a width or height restriction?

Yes. Narrow bridges or structures forming part of a bridge can have width, height or other dimensional restrictions indicated by traffic signs.

What is a movable bridge?

A movable bridge is a bridge that can open, lift, swing or otherwise move to allow ships or other traffic to pass beneath or through it.

What should you do when a movable bridge is opening?

Stop when required by the traffic lights, barriers or other signals and remain behind the designated stopping point until the crossing is reopened.

Can bridges become slippery?

Yes. Bridge surfaces can become wet, icy or slippery and may sometimes cool differently from the surrounding road. Drivers should adapt their speed to the actual conditions.

Can strong winds be dangerous on a bridge?

Yes. Exposed bridges can be affected by crosswinds, particularly for motorcycles, bicycles, high-sided vehicles and vehicles towing trailers.

Can you stop or park on a bridge?

This depends on the local traffic rules, road layout and signs. Stopping or parking may be prohibited where it would create danger, obstruct traffic or reduce the available road width.

Can pedestrians and cyclists use a bridge?

Yes, where permitted. Bridges may provide pavements, cycle paths or shared facilities, while high-speed or restricted bridges may prohibit certain road users.

Can traffic be restricted to one direction on a narrow bridge?

Yes. Priority signs, traffic lights or other traffic-management measures may control which direction passes first where two-way traffic cannot safely meet.

Should you overtake on a narrow bridge?

Only when overtaking is legal and clearly safe. Limited width or visibility can make overtaking inappropriate even where no specific prohibition is shown.

1 Germany 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Pedestrian warning 11 Tunnel 12 Bridge 13 Cycling street 14 Pedestrian zone 15 Toll road 16 Customs 17 One-way traffic 18 Quay 19 Slope 20 Bus lane 21 Bus stop 22 Dead end 23 Stop sign 24 Give way 25 Roundabout 26 Priority road 27 Road narrowing 28 Priority over oncoming traffic 29 Give way to oncoming traffic 30 Pedestrian crossing 31 Railway crossing 32 Mandatory direction 33 School area 34 Overtaking 35 Crossing animals 36 Slippery road 37 Rockfall 38 Aircraft 39 Curve 40 Chevron 41 Wrong-way driving 42 Roadworks 43 Crosswind 44 Height limit 45 Width limit 46 Length limit 47 Weight limit 48 Radar speed sign 49 Selective barriers 50 Low-emission zone 51 Intersection direction sign 52 Priority at the next junction 53 Traffic lights 54 Traffic lights warning 55 Pedestrian lights 56 Road markings 57 Junction layout 58 Bike box 59 Speed feedback 60 Driving licence 61 Location marker 62 Countdown markers 63 Traffic mirror 64 Emergency telephone 65 International border 66 Pedestrian underpass 67 Cycling route 68 End of restriction 69 Parking 70 No parking 71 No stopping 72 Parallel parking 73 Park and ride 74 Kiss and ride 75 Parking meter 76 Parking disc 77 Disabled parking 78 Traffic management 79 Reversing 80 Traffic jam 81 Detour 82 Uncontrolled crossroad 83 Road surface 84 Exit 85 Horse riding 86 Provisional licence 87 Hazardous cargo 88 Emergency exit 89 Runaway truck ramp 90 Oversize load 91 Cycle highway 92 Carsharing 93 City limit 94 Gantry 95 Distance board 96 Breakdown bay 97 Hiking 98 Pavement parking 99 Road church 100 Tourist attraction ...