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German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Prepare for a Movable Bridge with Warning Sign 101-55

101-55 - Movable bridge German road sign meaning

German traffic sign 101-55, officially 'Bewegliche Brücke', is a crucial danger warning sign. It alerts you to a movable bridge ahead, a situation that requires early adaptation of your speed and attention. Because these bridges can pose unique hazards, this sign is placed to give you ample time to react and ensure safety before you reach the controlled area. Always be prepared to adjust your driving based on this warning, especially when combined with other traffic controls like lights or supplementary plates.

Interpreting the Movable Bridge Sign (101-55)

This German road sign (101-55) alerts drivers to upcoming movable bridges, requiring careful attention and speed adjustment. Understanding its specific meaning is crucial for your German driving theory test revision and overall road safety.

Definition of 101-55

German road sign 101-55, officially designated "Bewegliche Brücke", belongs to the danger warning signs group. It warns about a road-layout, clearance, weather, or surface condition that can reduce control, sight distance, grip, or available space before the driver reaches the hazard. You may see it in approaches to hazards, rural roads, urban conflict points, railway crossings, roadworks, and weather-sensitive sections, depending on how the road authority has arranged the location. The practical meaning is not just the symbol itself, but the driving decision it triggers: adjust speed, position, priority, route choice, stopping behaviour, or attention before the situation becomes urgent. For learners, the key skill is anticipating what could go wrong before the hazard is visible. Always combine the sign with road markings, traffic lights, police instructions, and any supplementary plates at the same location.

Meaning of 101-55

German road sign 101-55 means "Movable bridge" and is officially listed as "Bewegliche Brücke". In practice, it tells drivers to recognise the situation early, adapt before reaching the controlled area, and check whether markings or supplementary plates change how the rule applies.

Allowed actions for 101-55

Reduce speed early enough to keep full control before reaching the hazard.Scan both sides of the road, mirrors, lanes, shoulders, and crossing areas for the risk shown by the sign.Increase following distance and be ready to brake smoothly if another road user reacts suddenly.Choose a lane position that leaves safe clearance from the warned danger while staying within your lane and markings.Continue only when your speed and observation match the hazard, road surface, and available sight distance.

Prohibited actions for 101-55

Do not treat the warning as optional or wait until the hazard is directly in front of you.Do not overtake, accelerate, or follow closely when the sign points to reduced visibility, unstable road surface, crossing traffic, or vulnerable road users.Do not assume the danger is limited to the exact sign location; it may begin shortly after the sign and continue through the affected section.Do not ignore weather, darkness, traffic density, or roadworks conditions that can make the warned hazard more serious.

101-55 - Movable bridge road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 101-55 - Movable bridge road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the German driving theory exam in Germany.

What does the 'Movable Bridge' sign (101-55) mean?

Sign 101-55 warns you that you are approaching a movable bridge. This type of bridge can be raised or opened for water traffic, meaning the road surface you expect to use will change or disappear. The sign's purpose is to make you aware of this potential hazard well in advance so you can adjust your speed and be ready to stop or react accordingly.

What action should I take when I see the 101-55 sign for a movable bridge?

When you see the 'Movable Bridge' sign (101-55), you should reduce your speed early enough to maintain full control. Be prepared to stop if necessary, as the bridge may be in operation. Always look for additional signals like traffic lights or signs that might indicate whether it's safe to proceed or if you need to halt.

Are there any specific dangers associated with movable bridges that I should be aware of?

Yes, the main danger is that the bridge may be open or in the process of opening when you arrive. This can create a gap in the road, a change in elevation, or moving parts. The sign (101-55) is a warning to anticipate these possibilities and not to approach too quickly, especially if visibility is reduced or road conditions are poor.

How does the movable bridge sign relate to the theory test?

In the theory test, sign 101-55 is used to assess your understanding of hazard perception and your ability to react appropriately to warning signs. Examiners want to know that you can anticipate potential dangers, adjust your speed in advance, and understand that warning signs require a change in driving behaviour, not just an observation.

Can I overtake other vehicles when I see the 101-55 sign?

Generally, you should not overtake when approaching a hazard like a movable bridge, especially if visibility is limited or if there are other conditions that make it unsafe. The primary instruction from sign 101-55 is to be cautious and prepared to stop. Overtaking would be a prohibited action in such circumstances.

101-55 - Movable bridge road sign image

A clear reference image of the 101-55 - Movable bridge road sign used in Germany.

101-55 - Movable bridge road sign

Other names for the 101-55 - Movable bridge

The 101-55 - Movable bridge road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 101-55German traffic sign 101-55StVO sign 101-55Movable bridge signBewegliche Brückedanger warning signs 101-55

German Danger Warning Signs road sign category

The 101-55 - Movable bridge road sign is part of the German Danger Warning Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Understanding of Similar Signs

Comparing the Movable bridge sign (101-55) with similar German road signs helps solidify your memory and recognise subtle differences critical for the theory test. Practicing traffic sign comparison and actively reviewing these distinctions improves your overall sign recognition for safer driving.

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