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Width limitGermany

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

45. Width limit

A width limit prohibits vehicles or vehicle combinations whose total width exceeds the value shown from entering or passing a road section, bridge, tunnel, gateway or other narrow passage. The width includes the vehicle’s load and any equipment or objects extending from its sides.

Drivers must know the maximum travelling width of their vehicle and load, observe advance warnings and use an alternative route when necessary. They should never enter when sufficient lateral clearance is uncertain.

Width limit
Width-restriction sign near Waldkirchen. (Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Manfred Schröter, Berga • CC BY-SA
What does a posted vehicle-width restriction mean in Germany?

A width restriction limits entry to a passage that cannot legally accommodate vehicles above the indicated width. Look for the local sign near railway bridges, tunnels and urban routes and read any advance warning or exception plate. Measurements are generally given in metres.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: Annex 2, common rule for signs 262–266 and sign 264, including mirrors

Vehicles wider than indicated prohibited. Vehicles wider than indicated prohibited.

English • Traffic sign 264 • Actual width (the sub-number represents the numerical value).

Deutsch • Verkehrszeichen 264 • Tatsächliche Breite (Unternummer steht jeweils für den Zahlenwert).

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de • VzKat, Anhang (Gesamtübersicht)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
erstes Hochladen einer Datei durch Andreas 06; nach den offiziellen Vorgaben 2017 interpretiert und digital umgesetzt durch Mediatus • Public domain • Source revision 2017-12-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.

How should you check the width of a loaded vehicle in Germany?

For Germany’s signed width restriction, use the vehicle’s actual width, including its outside mirrors and load. Do not substitute the narrower body width from registration or a manufacturer’s specification. Allow additional physical clearance for safe passage.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: Annex 2, common rule for signs 262–266 and sign 264, including mirrors

Can a driver ignore a width restriction if the road looks wide enough in Germany?

No. A regulatory width limit must be obeyed unless an applicable exemption or authorised arrangement permits entry. Check your route before driving a wide van, trailer or load through a narrow town, bridge or roadworks section.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: Annex 2, common rule for signs 262–266 and sign 264, including mirrors

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 ...