Road numberGermany
Traffic rules
Germany
1. Road number
A road number is a number or combination of letters and numbers used to identify a particular road or route within a road network. Road numbers help drivers follow routes, distinguish between different types of roads and navigate between cities, regions and countries.
Road numbers are commonly displayed on route markers and direction signs. Their format, colour and prefixes vary between countries and may indicate whether a route is a motorway, national road, regional road or international route.
How are road or route numbers identified in Germany?
Common examples include A Autobahnen and B Bundesstraßen. Follow the route shield and destination signs, because some routes share a section of road or change designation at a border.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§3,18,39–42; Annex 3, signs 401,405 and direction signs
Ordinary road number.
English • Traffic sign 401 • Federal roads.
Deutsch • Zeichen 401 Bundesstraßen.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Gesetze-im-internet.de • Amtliche Abbildung
🔗 Gesetze-im-internet.de • StVO, Anlage 3 • Zeichen 401
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
nach den historischen Vorgaben digital umgesetzt durch Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-05-19. Wikimedia original unmodified.
E-route number.
English • Traffic sign 410 • European routes.
Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 410 • Europastraßen.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Andreas 06, Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2016-04-03. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Does a route number by itself establish a speed limit in Germany?
No. A route number is an identification and navigation reference. Legal speed limits and other restrictions come from the applicable road category, vehicle rules and regulatory signs; the same route number may include sections with different limits.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§3,18,39–42; Annex 3, signs 401,405 and direction signs
What should you check when following a numbered route in Germany?
Check the route number, destination, direction and junction or exit signs. If the route shares the road with another number or continues onto a different road class, follow the signs rather than relying solely on a navigation app.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§3,18,39–42; Annex 3, signs 401,405 and direction signs
