German Road Markings (2024)

General road markings in Germany are in white. Though there are some special cases. One of these special cases is road construction areas. Several different kinds of materials are used to paint these markings. Some of these are prominently higher than the road surface. For example, road boundary lines. When a tire rolls over the boundary line it makes a special kind of noise to warn the driver. All of these markings are discussed below.

  1. Solid White Line
  2. Broken White Line
  3. Solid and Broken White Line
  4. Directional Arrows
  5. Advance Notice Arrow
  6. Arrow Indicating a Lane End
  7. Stop Line
  8. Wait Line
  9. No Parking Road Marking
  10. Pedestrian Crossing Marking
  11. Road Markings in a Construction Area
  12. Cycle Lane
  13. Tipps regarding Road Markings and Speed Limits
  14. Bus Lane
  15. Parking Lot Striping

1. Solid White Line

Solid White Line

A solid white line in the middle of the road (Fahrstreifenbegrenzung ) prohibits traffic from passing on either side. Passing is not allowed on such a road becasue vehicles must not cross the solid white line, nor is it authorized for motorcyclists to lean over the solid line. Parking is only allowed if there is at least three meters distance between the parked vehicle and the solid line in the middle of the road.On the Autobahn network, metallic rails are installed to separate the opposite traffic. White solid lines on the Autobahn don't separate the oncoming traffic but the traffic in the same direction.

The solid white line at the edge of the road, also called the boundary of a road (Fahrbahnbegrenzung) is somewhat prominently higher than the road surface (about a half of the centimeter). It separates the driveway from hard shoulders or other special paths. Parking or stopping on the left of the line is prohibited.

There are few exceptions when a solid white line can be crossed.In some special conditions, sign 223.1-51allows progressing on to hard shoulders, while sign 511indicates all the traffic on the adjacent lane to the hard shoulder must shift to the hard shoulder, crossing the solid white line. For more details please visit Driving on Autobahn page.

If there's a property behind a solid white line and there's no other way to drive through, the solid white line can be crossed. By doing so, the driver who is crossing the solid line has no priority and must yield to other road users and traffic flow must not be endangered.

2. Broken White Line

The single broken white line, also the guideline (Leitlinie) serves the purpose of guiding. Crossing this line is permitted (Turning left over this line, making a U-turn, or passing other vehicles is permitted).

There are two types of broken white lines:

  1. Thick lines
  2. Thin lines

Thin lines are used to separate the traffic on a roadway into two or more lanes.
They are used to separate the roadway for oncoming traffic. Pleasesee the following image.

Thick broken line separating the exit

Thick lines are used to separate different routes before crossings or junctions.
They also separate the Autobahn acceleration and exit lanes.

If you are new in German traffic and are confused about thick and thin lines then a simple rule of thumb is to always organize the vehicle in a way that thick lines are on your right side and thin lines are on the left side.

3. Solid and Broken White Line

Vehicles traveling on the side of the broken line may cross the line and pass other vehicles but vehicles having the solid line on their left are not allowed to cross it and pass other vehicles. In German, this division of a roadway is called Einseitige Fahrstreifen­be­grenz­ung.

Parking is only allowed if there is at least three meters distance between the parked vehicle and white solid line. So, the lane with the broken line has a little bit more space to park than the side with the solid line. Violation of solid line can cause a fine of up to 150 Euros, and in case of causing an accident or endangering other road users, a fine of up to 300 Euros and a driving ban of one month.

4. Directional Arrows

Directional arrows

Directional arrows (Pfeilmarkierungen) are painted before crossings or junctions. They warn drivers to adjust their vehicles in the correct lane. Lanes can be changed until they are broken. Once a vehicle approaches the solid white line, changing lane is no more allowed. Parking or stopping is prohibited on these lanes.

5. Advance Notice Arrow

Advance Notice Arrow

An Advance Notice Arrow (Vorankündi­gungs­pfeil) indicates the end or beginning of an authorized passing. When the arrowhead is pointing towards the left, it indicates an authorized passing area or broken line is approaching. If the arrowhead is pointing towards the right it warns about merging back into the lane.

6. Arrow Indicating a Lane End

Arrows indicating the end of a lane

A steeper arrow in the middle of the lane indicates an end of the lane. Vehicles in this lane must merge into the adjacent lane.

7. Stop Line

Stop line

The stop line on the road (Haltlinie) is a white thick solid line. It indicates the driver must come to a complete stop before proceeding. A stop line without a stop sign is equivalent to the hexagonal red stop sign, even if there is no stop sign installed.

8. Wait Line

Wait line

A thick white broken line is a waiting line (Wartelinie). It indicates the driver must yield to the traffic on the upcoming priority road/lane. If necessary, come to a complete stop to allow traffic on the priority road to clear before proceeding. A waiting line is equivalent to a yield sign, even if there is no yield sign installed.

9. No Parking Road Markings

No parking road markings

Zigzag pattern markings on the road (Grenzmarkierung für Halt- oder Parkverbote) indicate no parking or no stopping area. These marking are often to be seen at bus and streetcar stops.

10. Restricted Area Road Markings

Restricted area road markings

An area marked in a striped pattern (Sperrfläche) is prohibited to enter. It is used to increase or decrease the number of lanes on the road.

11. Pedestrian Crossing Marking

Pedestrians have the right way over the pedestrian crosswalk (Fußgänger­über­weg). It's recommended to slow the vehicle on approaching a pedestrian crosswalk and pay attention to both ends of the pedestrian crossing. Stopping or parking within five meters of a pedestrian crosswalk is prohibited.

To read more about pedestrian crosswalk rules in Germany please visit the page Important Road Signs in Germany. To read about road crossing rules for pedestrians, please visit the page Right of Way.

12. Road Markings in a Construction Area

Under construction road areas in Germany are often painted with additional yellow lines. These lines have precedence over normal white lines. All other rules of white lines also apply to these temporary yellow lines.

13. Cycle Lane

Please note that it is a junction and not a crossing, as turningleft is prohibited due to the solid line. Vehicles turning rightover the bicycle lane must yield to cyclists.

Cycle lane can be just in road color or it may be painted in maroon color. It is separated by a solid white line from other lanes. Parking or stopping on Bicycle lane is prohibited.

Sometimes the bicycle lane is on the pavement. It may or may not share the pedestrian walking area. On the pavement, maroon color for cycle lane is not necessary. It can be without any color (default pavement color). Cyclists don't have any special priority or right of way. They are considered a normal vehicle.

14. Tipps regarding Road Markings and Speed Limits (Inside City Limits)

In case there is no speed limit indication. The roads without a centerline marking generally have a speed limit of 30 km/h. On these roads right before left is applicable, unless the priority of the way is shown by a sign. The driver should remain alert at every junction and crossing of the right approaching traffic.

If there is a middle guideline (solid or broken) present, then the speed limit is normally 50 km/h, unless indicated otherwise. Traffic on these roads has normally priority. Either indicated by signor sign. However, if there are no priority signs, only the centerline markings doesn't establish the priority of a road.

15. Bus Lane

In some cities, a separate lane on the road is designated for buses. Other vehicles are not allowed to drive, park or stop on the bus lane. Passing slow buses is allowed. Streetcars don't have any designated lanes. Their tracks can be in between normal traffic or separated. A streetcar moving in between normal traffic doesn't have any exceptional priority or right of way unless indicated by a traffic sign.

16. Parking Lot Striping

Often parking lines are also painted on the ground as shown in the supplementary signs 1053-38and sign 1053-39.These types of markings regulate the arrangement of parking areas and their demarcation from the flowing traffic. The striping indicates in which way and on which surfaces vehicles are to be parked. If the walking path for pedestrians is not restricted, parking stripings can also be marked on sidewalks. These stripings are painted in form of narrow lines and can be displayed in both solid and broken patterns. However, at least the four corners of the individual parking lot must be recognizable.

Perpendicular parking striping

Parking inclined to the road

Parallel parking lots are also sometimes marked. Other ground markings in the parking area can be, reserved parking for disabled persons.

Parallel parking striping

Parallel parking striping for special people


Multiple parking striping

German Road Markings (2024)

FAQs

What do the zig zag road markings mean Germany? ›

Zigzag pattern markings on the road (Grenzmarkierung für Halt- oder Parkverbote) indicate no parking or no stopping area. These marking are often to be seen at bus and streetcar stops.

What does a red circle mean in Germany? ›

Like speed limit signs, most regulatory signs in Germany are round. A red circle is prohibitive (meaning you should not do the action depicted) while a blue circle is prescriptive (meaning you should follow the action depicted).

What do German stop signs say? ›

German Road Signs: Warning

In Germany, both the yield and stop signs are identical to the signs you would find in the United States. Yield signs are an upside down triangle (pictured right), Stop signs are a red octagon (pictured left).

What does a flashing yellow arrow mean in Germany? ›

Where used, a flashing yellow almost always indicates that you must yield or stop. However, you may have to stop or yield even if there is no flashing yellow-- watch for the signs. There is no flashing red signal in Germany.

Can you turn right on red in Germany? ›

In Germany, right turns on red are only permitted when a sign is present at the traffic light, after a complete stop. This rule was first introduced in 1978 in East Germany.

What does double zigzag line mean? ›

Double yellow zigzag lines. No stopping on this side of the road at all times. Violation of this rule attracts demerit points and a fine. Continuous white line. Vehicles should keep to the left of this line.No parking on either side of the road at all times.

What is the minimum speed on the autobahn? ›

On a six lane road – the minimum speed for the fast lane is 110 km/h, middle lane is 90 km/h, and slow lane is 60 km/h.
...
What is the speed limit on German motorways?
Type of roadSpeed limit
Autobahn (red sign)130 km/h (recommended)
Non-urban area100 km/h
Urban area50 km/h
Some city roads30 km/h
1 more row
May 19, 2022

What does a red upside down triangle mean when driving? ›

Combined with its red background, the unique shape makes it easily recognizable even at great distances. An upside-down triangle road sign always means “yield.”

What is a green badge in Germany? ›

The German environmental badge for fine particles

Only the green badge allows the entrance to the around 60 German environmental zones. The obligation of bearing the environmental badge in Germany has been introduced for all cars, buses and trucks.

Who has the right of way in Germany? ›

In Germany, drivers have to yield to the right when no signs or traffic lights indicate otherwise, Savovski said. This applies most of the time to residential or industrial areas or 30 kph zones. Most roundabouts have yield signs, which means cars in the circle have the right of way, Savovski said.

What country has no stop signs? ›

In Paris, cars don't come to a full stop at any intersection without a traffic light.

Where does pare mean stop? ›

While the Spanish "PARE" or "ALTO" are used on stop signs in Spanish-speaking countries once colonized by Spain, "STOP" is used in the mother country of Spain (the result of European Union rules specifying English as the language of road signs in order to standardize road travel across EU countries).

What does yellow diamond mean Germany? ›

This yellow diamond indicates the start of a priority road at all upcoming intersections before the 'End of priority' sign. It features three horizontal stripes to show that the priority road has ended.

What does yellow envelope mean in Germany? ›

Beware of the Yellow Envelop: Garnishment in Germany

Eventually, your case is referred to a local collections agency and you may receive a warning letter demanding payment of the amount owed, plus fees, including attorney's fees. The fees are sometimes greater than the amount owed.

What does red light mean in Germany? ›

Traffic lights: The colors on the signals represent the same things in Germany as they do just about everywhere else: Green: Proceed with caution. Yellow: Prepare to stop. Red: Stop.

Is driving in Germany difficult? ›

Is driving a car in Germany easy? Driving in Germany will be easy if you are used to driving on the right. If you normally drive on the left, you may want to get used to driving on the right side of the road first. You can practice this, for example, in the parking lot or with someone who normally drives on the right.

Is it difficult for an American to drive in Europe? ›

Is it difficult for an American to drive in Europe? Not really. If you prepare ahead of time and get the right documentation (IDP) and a rental car you're comfortable with (automatic transmission), you should be fine.

Can you pass on both the right and left on the autobahn? ›

You can only pass slower cars using the left lane. You are not allowed to pass a vehicle using the right lane on the Autobahn. When there is traffic congestion, all drives must either pull over and drive on the right-hand side or left-hand side. This opens a center lane for emergency vehicles.

What is yellow zig-zag line? ›

The yellow zigzag line marks the area of the road where parking is prohibited, as it is reserved for another purpose. Therefore, we often see these markings at bus stops or loading and unloading areas. In other words, it is forbidden to park with any vehicle.

What does double yellow mean? ›

Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, unless there are signs that specifically indicate seasonal restrictions. The times at which the restrictions apply for other road markings are shown on nearby plates or on entry signs to controlled parking zones.

Can I drop someone off on a double yellow line? ›

You can pull over on double yellow lines to drop off or pick somebody up, as long as there are no stopping restrictions.

What is the fastest speed ever recorded on the Autobahn? ›

The fastest speed ever officially recorded on the autobahn was set by famed German racing driver Rudolf Caracciola in 1938 when he reached 432.7 km/h (268 mph) in the Mercedes-Benz W125 Rekordwagen on a closed section.

What is the highest speed limit in the world? ›

As of 2018 the highest posted speed limit in the world is 160 km/h (99 mph), applied on two motorways in the UAE.

Can you still go as fast as you want on the Autobahn? ›

SPEED LIMIT ON THE AUTOBAHN IN GERMANY

The German government recommends a maximum speed of 130 kph, so about 80 mph per hour on autobahns, but drivers are free to go as fast as they want in de-restricted sections of the autobahns. Yes, as fast as you want!

What does a diamond on the road mean? ›

The " HOV symbol" is a white lines formed in a diamond shape symbol. The "Enter and Exit Movements Prohibited" figure shows full-time concurrent lane(s) where enter/exit movements are prohibited. One preferential lane is shown as the leftmost lane of a total of four lanes on the roadway.

What does a black triangle mean driving? ›

Explanation: When a diversion route has been put in place, drivers are advised to follow a symbol, which may be a black triangle, square, circle or diamond shape on a yellow background. Category: Road and traffic signs.

What does a sideways yellow triangle mean? ›

The sideways-pointing triangle of a pennant sign on the road tells drivers to stay in their lane and not pass other vehicles. This particular shape is not used for any other type of message on the road.

What is TÜV in Germany? ›

TÜV is short for Technischer Überwachungsverein in German, which means Technical Inspection Association. These associations are independent companies that test, inspect, and certify technologies, products, and systems to ensure potential hazards and prevent damages.

How do I get a German green sticker for my car? ›

Where can I get the green badge? Even if you are a tourist, you can get the sticker at the vehicle registration office, vehicle testing centres such as TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ, FSP and KÜS, as well as the roughly 850 authorised inner city garages in Berlin. The environmental sticker is valid throughout Germany.

What is Germany's Umweltzone? ›

Environmental zones are designated by the sign “UMWELTZONE”, and can only be entered by vehicles meeting the standards of pollutant classes 2 to 4 according to EU exhaust standards (Euro-Standards).

What must you carry in your car in Germany? ›

If you wish to drive in Germany you must carry a valid driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents with you in the vehicle at all times. If the vehicle does not belong to the driver, written permission from the registered owner may also be requested.

Does Germany have jaywalking laws? ›

Anyone who has driven in Germany knows that Germans are just as inclined as anyone else to break the law. Jaywalking is against the law here, but it is also governed by amorphous culture rules. Germans are happy to jaywalk, but they generally don't if there is a child there to witness it.

Do Germans have a right to remain silent? ›

You are not threatened with any adverse consequences as a result of exercising your right of silence. However, it should be emphasised that this only applies to a summons from the police. If you have received a summons from the public prosecutor's office or the court, you are obliged to appear.

Why Paris has no stop signs? ›

Set in the 16th arrondissem*nt, Quai Saint-Exupéry, the sign was stolen lots of times because of its fame. The City of Paris eventually found it more pertinent to stop replacing it.

Why does America use stop signs? ›

A stop sign is one of our most valuable and effective control devices when used at the right place and under the right conditions. It is intended to help drivers and pedestrians at an intersection decide who has the right-of-way.

What are stop signs called in England? ›

Compared to some countries, the UK does not utilize a great deal of stop signs and instead the give way sign is most frequently used. Both the give way and stop sign are regulatory signs, meaning that they are giving an order.

Does Basta mean stop? ›

Basta is the imperative form of the Italian verb bastare, “to stop.” It's a forceful way to command: That's enough!

What does Bajo mean? ›

Adverb. bajo. low. down (location) down, quietly, softly (volume)

What is Morenos? ›

Etymology. From moreno, a nickname in Spanish and Portuguese meaning "dark".

Can you drive in Germany with a US license? ›

As of January 1, 1999, U.S. driver's license holders must be in possession of a German license six months after entering the country, if they wish to continue driving. U.S. citizens planning to stay less than a year, however, may legally drive in Germany for up to 364 days in Germany on their U.S. driver's licenses.

What two safety items must be carried in your car in Europe? ›

Required equipment for driving in Europe
  • Reflective jackets (there must be one for each passenger and be kept within the cabin of the car)
  • Warning triangle (compulsory in most countries)
  • Headlamp beam deflectors (depending on your car, you'll either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually)
May 20, 2022

What is the correct procedure for turning left at a roundabout in Europe? ›

Turning Left - To turn left, get in the left lane (if present) and turn on your left signal. After entering the roundabout, proceed to the inner- most lane, indicating right immediately after the exit prior to your own.

How do you dispose of toilet paper in Germany? ›

Toilet paper belongs into the toilet unless your sitting in an automobile caravan. Never throw tampons, sanitary towels or similar materials in the toilet but use the pedal bin.

What does Blue Card in Germany mean? ›

The EU Blue Card is the main residence permit for university graduates from abroad. It is a simple and unbureaucratic procedure geared to third-country nationals keen to put their talents to use in Germany.

How do you dispose of glass bottles in Germany? ›

Glass Recycling

Corks go to waste, and aluminium lids need to be placed in 'Wertstoffe' – the yellow bin. The bins that take glass are identified by colour. Most often you'll see 'Weißglas' – white glass- , 'Braunglas' – brown glass -, and 'Grünglas' – green glass.

Why can't you turn right on red in Germany? ›

In Germany, right turns on red are only permitted when a sign is present at the traffic light, after a complete stop. This rule was first introduced in 1978 in East Germany. It was derided as the "socialist right turn" in West Germany, which planned to eliminate it after German reunification in 1990.

What does a green light mean in Germany? ›

The traffic signals used in Germany are the same red-yellow-green type found in the US and elsewhere. Red, of course, means "STOP". Green means "PROCEED with caution", and yellow means "PREPARE TO STOP".

What does a flashing yellow light mean in Germany? ›

Flashing yellow light alone: the intersection is not regulated by traffic lights, proceed with caution.

Why do European roads have zig zag lines? ›

Zigzag line road markings explained

They are designed to indicate that parking and overtaking in these zones is strictly prohibited. The same rule applies to yellow zigzag lines, which are found outside of schools, hospitals, police and fire stations.

What is that zig zag symbol mean? ›

The zigzag line as the symbol of life and the cross as symbol of soul.

How do you recognize the Autobahn? ›

There are 8,080 miles1 of Autobahn throughout Germany, with the distinctive roads being easily identified by a unique set of blue and white signs. Another set of highways in Germany, the Gelbe Autobahn (yellow Autobahn), features yellow signs.

What is the meaning of zigzag path? ›

a line or pattern that looks like a Z or a row of Zs joined together: a zigzag path/road/coastline.

Can you cross a solid white line in Europe? ›

You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10mph or less. If traveling in the left-hand lane the same rules apply as for the double solid white line, see above.

Why do American roads have black lines? ›

While these road scars may look messy, they're typically nothing to worry about. The black lines are simply crack sealing that has been used to patch up the road. The vast majority of modern roads in the US are paved with asphalt, which is essentially a sticky, black, semi-solid form of petroleum.

Why are British road lines crooked? ›

It was one of more than a dozen European traffic management techniques VDOT zeroed in on to test locally. The zig zag markings reduced motorist speeds approaching the trail at Sterling Road by about 5 mph, according to VDOT. The effect remained strong over time. Graph from Streetsblog.

What is the wiggly symbol called? ›

Te tilde (~ , pronounced TILL-duh or TILL-dee and sometimes called a "twiddle" or a "squiggle") is a special character found on most keyboards and used in a wide range of IT-related applications, including mathematics, programming, file systems, directories and URL addressing.

What does the double spiral symbol mean? ›

The double spiral is thought to signify balance, no doubt owing to the symmetry of the dual spirals. This symbolism is sometimes further extended, suggesting that the double spiral represents the equinox, when day and night are of equal length and an important time in much of early Celtic culture and religion.

What symbol is Tilda? ›

The tilde is the mark "~" placed on top of a symbol to indicate some special property. -tilde." The tilde symbol is commonly used to denote an operator. In informal usage, "tilde" is often instead voiced as "twiddle" (Derbyshire 2004, p.

Why can't America have an autobahn? ›

In more or less decreasing order of importance, why America cannot handle high-speed autobahn-type freeways: Car control. It's too easy to get a driver's license in America, i.e., formal car control courses are not required and are required for speeds greater than 70 or 80 mph / 130 kph.

Do people actually drive fast on the autobahn? ›

In fact, over two thirds of the network has no speed limit, although these stretches still have a 'recommended speed' of 80 mph (130 km/h). It may be no surprise to learn that drivers regularly top speeds of 100 mph on these parts of the autobahn, averaging 150 mph in the left lane.

Is there actually no speed limit on Autobahn? ›

SPEED LIMIT ON THE AUTOBAHN IN GERMANY

The German government recommends a maximum speed of 130 kph, so about 80 mph per hour on autobahns, but drivers are free to go as fast as they want in de-restricted sections of the autobahns. Yes, as fast as you want! (Still.)

What are yellow zigzag lines for? ›

The yellow zigzag line marks the area of the road where parking is prohibited, as it is reserved for another purpose. Therefore, we often see these markings at bus stops or loading and unloading areas. In other words, it is forbidden to park with any vehicle.

Why do the children climb the hill in a zigzag way? ›

Answer and Explanation: It is easier to climb a mountain on a Zigzag path because for the zigzag path we are traveling on a longer path and less force is needed for moving up when we climb straight up we cover the shortest distance and the gravitational pull for each step is more than in the longer path.

What is the zig zag pattern called? ›

Herringbone is a pattern made up of equal-size, rectangular pieces, arranged in a staggered zig-zag pattern.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ouida Strosin DO

Last Updated:

Views: 6210

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ouida Strosin DO

Birthday: 1995-04-27

Address: Suite 927 930 Kilback Radial, Candidaville, TN 87795

Phone: +8561498978366

Job: Legacy Manufacturing Specialist

Hobby: Singing, Mountain biking, Water sports, Water sports, Taxidermy, Polo, Pet

Introduction: My name is Ouida Strosin DO, I am a precious, combative, spotless, modern, spotless, beautiful, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.