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Road narrowingGermany

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.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Germany

27. Road narrowing

A road narrowing is a section where the available width of the road or carriageway becomes smaller. The narrowing may occur on both sides, on one side only, or because one or more traffic lanes end.

Drivers should reduce speed, observe approaching and adjacent traffic, maintain sufficient lateral clearance and merge when necessary. Warning signs do not always determine priority, so drivers must follow any priority signs, lane markings and local traffic rules.

Narrow section of Zehnthausstraße. (Bullay, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • M_H.DE • CC BY-SA
What does a road-narrowing warning mean in Germany?

Germany’s Verengte Fahrbahn and Einseitig verengte Fahrbahn warnings identify narrowing on both sides or on one side. A separate priority sign can regulate opposing traffic through the restricted section.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§3,6,7(4); Annex 1, signs 120–121

Does a narrowing warning give you priority in Germany?

No. A warning describes the reduced width, rather than allocating priority or setting a numerical speed limit. Follow any separate priority signs, signals and meeting rules, and slow enough to pass safely or wait before entering.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§3,6,7(4); Annex 1, signs 120–121

What should you do if traffic lanes merge at a narrowing in Germany?

Germany requires the Reißverschlussverfahren where a lane ends or is obstructed and the conditions in the Road Traffic Regulations apply. Vehicles from the affected lane merge alternately immediately before the restriction.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§3,6,7(4); Annex 1, signs 120–121

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