German road sign 1010-55, officially 'Viehtrieb', is a supplementary sign that modifies the meaning of the sign above it. It alerts you to the possibility of cattle on or near the road, warning drivers to be vigilant and prepare to slow down or stop. Always interpret this sign in conjunction with the main sign it's attached to and any other plates, as these provide the full context for how the rule applies.
This supplementary sign, "Cattle Crossing," requires careful attention to its placement alongside main traffic signs. Understanding its specific context is crucial for safe driving decisions and passing your German theory test.
German road sign 1010-55, officially designated "Viehtrieb", belongs to the supplementary signs group. It changes how the sign above is applied by adding a distance, direction, time period, vehicle class, exception, condition, or parking detail. You may see it in below a main traffic sign, where it limits, extends, explains, or creates an exception to the rule shown above it, 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 reading the entire sign stack from top to bottom before deciding whether the rule applies to your vehicle. Always combine the sign with road markings, traffic lights, police instructions, and any supplementary plates at the same location.
German road sign 1010-55 means "Cattle crossing" and is officially listed as "Viehtrieb". 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.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 1010-55 - Cattle crossing 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.
Sign 1010-55, known as 'Viehtrieb', is a supplementary sign. It means that cattle might be crossing or present on the road. It must always be used with a primary traffic sign above it, which it then modifies to specify the exact rule related to the cattle crossing.
When you see sign 1010-55, you should immediately become more alert. Check the main sign above it and any other supplementary plates to understand the specific situation. Be prepared to reduce your speed significantly or stop entirely if cattle are present on the road or about to cross.
No, sign 1010-55 is a supplementary sign and cannot be used by itself. It always accompanies a main traffic sign positioned above it. The combination of signs provides the complete instruction, so never assess sign 1010-55 in isolation.
While the sign itself doesn't specify times or locations, 'Viehtrieb' (cattle drive) signs are typically found in rural areas where livestock farming is common. The supplementary plate attached to sign 1010-55 might indicate specific distances, directions, or times of day when the cattle crossing is most likely.
A common mistake is to only look at the main sign and ignore the supplementary plates, or to not understand how the plate modifies the main sign's rule. For sign 1010-55, learners might also fail to anticipate the need to stop if cattle are unexpectedly present, even if the main sign doesn't explicitly mandate a stop.
A clear reference image of the 1010-55 - Cattle crossing road sign used in Germany.

The 1010-55 - Cattle crossing road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 1010-55 - Cattle crossing road sign is part of the German Supplementary Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing related road signs side-by-side helps reinforce correct recognition and recall, reducing confusion and errors during your German theory test revision. Effective traffic sign comparison is key to confident navigation and understanding official German driving requirements.

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