Location markerGermany

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Germany. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


61. Location marker

A location marker is a roadside reference showing a measured position along a road. It normally identifies a kilometre, mile or smaller interval measured from an established starting point on that route.

Kilometre and hectometre markers help road users, emergency services, road authorities and maintenance crews identify an exact section of road. They do not impose a speed limit, priority rule or access restriction.

Location marker
Section 82 and kilometre 2.6 of road B172. (Saxony, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Raspunicum • CC BY-SA
What does a roadside location marker tell you in Germany?

A roadside location reference identifies a position along a road, rather than a speed limit or the distance to the next town. Formats can vary. For example, Bavaria’s stationing system divides roads into sections and starts stationing again at zero in each section. Read the complete reference instead of assuming one national continuous-distance format.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§3,12,18,39–42; official stationing and emergency-location guidance

🔗 polizei.bayern.de • Bavarian Police: road stationing systems, 24 July 2025

How can a location marker help in an emergency in Germany?

If you can see a marker safely, give the emergency operator the route number or road name, travel direction and marker reading. Additional landmarks, exits and GPS position can help. Do not leave a safe place or enter traffic to read a post.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§3,12,18,39–42; official stationing and emergency-location guidance

🔗 grevenbroich.kommunalportal.nrw • City of Grevenbroich: emergency location reporting

Does a location marker set a speed limit or permit stopping in Germany?

No. A location marker is for orientation and road management; it does not itself set a speed limit, change priority or permit parking. Follow the actual traffic signs and stop only where the law and safety allow.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§3,12,18,39–42; official stationing and emergency-location guidance

🔗 polizei.bayern.de • Bavarian Police: stationing is a road reference

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 ...