German road sign 1040-31 is a supplementary traffic sign used to limit the application of a main sign to specific time periods: 8:00 to 11:00 and 16:00 to 18:00. You must always read this sign in conjunction with the main sign it is placed beneath, as it modifies the rule shown. This means you need to adjust your driving behaviour and decide if the restriction applies to you during these specified hours.
This supplementary sign clarifies time-based restrictions (8-11h and 16-18h) affecting the primary traffic sign above it, crucial for your driving theory test revision. Mastering this sign interpretation ensures you comply with German traffic rules regarding specific hours.
German road sign 1040-31, officially designated "Zeitliche Beschränkung (8 - 11 h, 16 - 18 h)", 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 1040-31 means "Zeitliche Beschränkung (8 - 11 h, 16 - 18 h)" and is officially listed as "Zeitliche Beschränkung (8 - 11 h, 16 - 18 h)". 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 1040-31 - Zeitliche Beschränkung (8 - 11 h, 16 - 18 h) 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 1040-31 is a supplementary sign that restricts the rule of the main sign above it to specific times of the day: between 8 AM and 11 AM, and again between 4 PM and 6 PM. Outside of these hours, the main sign's rule may not apply or may be different.
Always read the main sign first to understand the general rule, then read sign 1040-31 to understand when that rule is active. You must adapt your speed, parking, or other driving behaviour according to the main sign's instruction only during the specified times (8-11h and 16-18h).
Sign 1040-31 itself restricts the time, not the vehicle type. However, it is always used with a main sign, and that main sign (or another supplementary sign) might specify vehicle classes. Always check the entire sign stack to confirm which vehicles are affected during the restricted hours.
A common trap is failing to check the time of day you are taking the test or driving. Learners might also forget to combine the supplementary sign with the main sign above it, leading to incorrect assumptions about traffic rules during or outside the specified hours.
Outside of these specified times, the restriction indicated by sign 1040-31 is not in effect. This means the rule of the main sign placed above it would typically apply fully, or not apply at all, depending on the main sign's meaning and any other supplementary signs present.
A clear reference image of the 1040-31 - Zeitliche Beschränkung (8 - 11 h, 16 - 18 h) road sign used in Germany.
The 1040-31 - Zeitliche Beschränkung (8 - 11 h, 16 - 18 h) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 1040-31 - Zeitliche Beschränkung (8 - 11 h, 16 - 18 h) road sign is part of the German Supplementary Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Reviewing similar German road signs and their specific meanings is crucial for accurate understanding and fewer errors in your theory test revision. This targeted comparison helps solidify your grasp of traffic sign nuances and improves your overall sign recognition skills.
Understand German Sign 1000-10: Direction, Pointing Left Supplementary Sign
German Road Sign 1000-11: Advance Notice, Pointing Left
Understand German Supplementary Sign 1000-12: Pedestrians Use Sidewalk Opposite, Pointing Left
Understand the 'Umleitungsbeschilderung Dreiviertelkreis' Supplementary Sign (1000-13)
Understand the 'Umleitungsbeschilderung Viertelkreis' Supplementary Sign
Understand German Supplementary Sign 1000-30: Opposing Directional Arrows
This Supplementary Sign Explains How to Apply the Main Sign Above it.
Understand When Cycle Traffic Crosses or Travels Opposite with Sign 1000-32
Deepen your understanding of specific road sign categories or test your knowledge with practice questions. Explore our themed sign groups for targeted study or jump into quizzes to reinforce your recognition skills for the official German theory exam.
All German Road Signs List