German road sign 206, officially 'Halt. Vorfahrt gewähren', is a critical regulatory sign demanding you stop and yield priority. You will typically encounter this sign at junctions or areas where priority is not otherwise established, requiring you to check for and allow other traffic to pass before proceeding. This sign is crucial for maintaining order and preventing collisions, especially in complex traffic situations. Always combine its instruction with road markings, supplementary plates, and other traffic controls to ensure safe navigation.
This explanation helps you grasp the critical meaning of the German "Stop and Yield" road sign (Sign 206), a key element in your theory test revision. Master this sign's interpretation to confidently navigate German intersections and fulfil legal requirements for safe driving.
German road sign 206, officially designated "Halt. Vorfahrt gewähren", belongs to the regulatory signs group. It controls priority and waiting behaviour, so the driver must decide who may proceed before entering the conflict area. You may see it in junctions, restricted streets, cycle and pedestrian facilities, parking areas, low-emission zones, and roads with binding lane or speed rules, 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 knowing whether the sign commands, forbids, limits, or cancels a rule. Always combine the sign with road markings, traffic lights, police instructions, and any supplementary plates at the same location.
German road sign 206 means "Stop and yield" and is officially listed as "Halt. Vorfahrt gewähren". 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 206 - Stop and yield 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 206, officially 'Halt. Vorfahrt gewähren', means you must come to a complete stop and then yield to other traffic before entering the intersection or controlled area. It's a mandatory stop and yield instruction.
You must stop at the designated stopping line or, if none is present, before entering the conflict area. After stopping, you must check for and wait for other traffic to pass safely before you can proceed.
A standard yield sign (often sign 301) requires you to give way but not necessarily stop if traffic allows. Sign 206 explicitly mandates a complete stop first, regardless of traffic conditions, before yielding.
Generally, no. Sign 206 requires a mandatory stop. However, supplementary plates or specific traffic light signals at the location can modify or cancel its direct effect, so always check for additional information.
Sign 206 is often accompanied by a thick white stop line on the road. Supplementary plates can further define the rule, for instance, by specifying which vehicles must yield or during certain times. Always consider these in conjunction with the main sign.
A common trap is confusing sign 206 with a regular yield sign, assuming you only need to slow down. Another mistake is failing to stop completely at the stop line, or not checking for traffic after stopping. Remember, sign 206 always means 'STOP first, then yield'.
A clear reference image of the 206 - Stop and yield road sign used in Germany.

The 206 - Stop and yield road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 206 - Stop and yield road sign is part of the German Regulatory Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing this 'Stop and yield' sign (206) with similar German regulatory signs helps solidify your knowledge and improve sign recognition for the theory test. Practicing this traffic sign comparison sharpens your ability to distinguish critical differences, ensuring you are better prepared for exam scenarios.

Master the Standing Railway Crossbuck (Andreaskreuz - stehend) Sign

Understand the Railway Crossbuck with Blitzpfeil (Sign 201-51) in Germany

German road sign 201-52: The Railway Crossbuck 'Andreaskreuz - liegend'

Germany's Railway Crossbuck Sign 201-53 with Blitzpfeil: What You Need to Know

Understand the German "Yield" Sign (Sign 205 - Vorfahrt gewähren)

Sign 208: You Must Yield to Oncoming Traffic on This Road

Mandatory Direction - Right: Sign 209 Explained

Follow the Arrow: Sign 209-10 Mandates a Left Turn or Direction.
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