German road sign 162-21, officially 'Einstreifige Bake mit Entfernungsangabe - Aufstellung links', is a crucial danger warning sign indicating a railway crossing ahead. This single-striped board, placed on the left side of the road, signals that you are approaching a level crossing and need to prepare for potential hazards. Drivers must adapt their speed, increase observation, and be ready to stop well before reaching the tracks, combining the sign's warning with any other signals like road markings or lights.
Master the interpretation of German road sign 162-21, a key marker indicating distance to a railway crossing on the left approach. This explanation is vital for your theory test revision and ensures you can correctly identify and react to hazards on German roads, preparing you for safe driving.
German road sign 162-21, officially designated "Einstreifige Bake mit Entfernungsangabe - Aufstellung links", belongs to the danger warning signs group. It prepares the driver for a railway crossing sequence, where speed, observation, and stopping readiness must be planned well before the tracks. 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. This left-side version is used where the sign is placed on the left side of the carriageway or where a mirrored symbol fits the approach direction. Any left reference should be read as part of the direction, road side, lane arrangement, or placement shown by the sign. 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.
German road sign 162-21 means "Einlanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the left" and is officially listed as "Einstreifige Bake mit Entfernungsangabe - Aufstellung links". 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 162-21 - Einlanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the left 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.
The single stripe on sign 162-21, officially an 'Einstreifige Bake mit Entfernungsangabe - Aufstellung links', indicates that the railway crossing is approximately 200 meters ahead. These distance marker boards are placed at intervals to help you gauge your distance to the tracks, allowing ample time to adjust your speed and alertness.
Sign 162-21, 'Aufstellung links', means it is installed on the left side of the carriageway. The side placement is determined by the road authority based on the approach direction and road layout. Regardless of which side it's on, it serves the same purpose: to warn you of an approaching railway crossing on that side of the road.
Upon seeing sign 162-21, you should immediately prepare for a railway crossing. This means reducing your speed to ensure you can stop safely if necessary, checking your mirrors and surroundings for other traffic, and actively scanning for trains or the crossing signals. Always be ready to stop before the crossing.
Yes, in Germany, you will often see a sequence of distance marker boards before a railway crossing. Sign 162-21 is the single-striped one, typically indicating about 200 meters. You might also encounter double-striped (approx. 100 meters) and triple-striped (approx. 300 meters) versions, each requiring you to progressively adjust your approach.
A common trap is treating the warning as optional or only reacting when the crossing is directly visible. Learners might also forget to check for other traffic or fail to adjust their speed adequately. Remember, this sign requires proactive preparation, not a last-minute reaction, and understanding the sequence of distance markers is key for the exam.
A clear reference image of the 162-21 - Einlanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the left road sign used in Germany.

The 162-21 - Einlanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the left road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 162-21 - Einlanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the left road sign is part of the German Danger Warning Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing similar road signs like this one helps cement your understanding and reduces confusion during your theory test revision. Practicing traffic sign comparison sharpens your recognition skills, essential for accurate exam preparation and safe driving.

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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.
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