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Traffic managementGermany

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

78. Traffic management

Traffic management is the organised control, regulation and guidance of road users to improve safety, traffic flow and the efficient use of roads. It can include traffic lights, road signs, road markings, lane controls, variable speed limits, diversions and directions given by authorised persons.

Traffic management may be permanent or temporary. Temporary measures are commonly introduced during roadworks, congestion, collisions, public events or other incidents. Drivers and other road users must follow the signs, signals and instructions applying at the location, even when they differ from the normal traffic arrangement.

Traffic management
Variable-message traffic signs on the A67 motorway near Darmstadt. (Hesse, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Adl252 • CC BY-SA
What is traffic management?

Traffic management is the organised control and guidance of traffic using signs, signals, road markings, lane controls, speed restrictions, diversions and other measures.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 10 and 13–14; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Article 23(11); Annex 1, sections E II.1 and G V.1–2; sign-system reference

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 133–134; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 257–258; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, Know Your Traffic Signs, information signs

Can traffic management change the normal speed limit?

Yes. Temporary or variable speed-limit signs may impose a different maximum speed because of congestion, roadworks, weather, incidents or other conditions. Drivers must follow the limit currently displayed.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 10 and 13–14; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Article 23(11); Annex 1, sections E II.1 and G V.1–2; sign-system reference

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 133–134; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 257–258; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, Know Your Traffic Signs, information signs

What should you do when a traffic lane is closed?

Follow the signs and signals governing where the closure begins and how to merge. Move safely into an open lane at the instructed point; local merge-in-turn rules may apply in congestion. Do not drive beyond a signal or marking that prohibits use of the lane.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 10 and 13–14; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Article 23(11); Annex 1, sections E II.1 and G V.1–2; sign-system reference

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 133–134; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 257–258; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, Know Your Traffic Signs, information signs

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 ...