This regulatory traffic sign, officially known as 'Bussonderfahrstreifen' (Sign 245), indicates a designated bus lane. You must follow its instructions from the point where it applies, which often involves adjusting your speed or lane choice well before reaching the controlled area. Always pay close attention to road markings, traffic lights, and any supplementary plates, as these can significantly alter how the sign's rule applies to your specific situation, especially for the German theory test.
This sign indicates a dedicated lane for buses, requiring you to understand its specific meaning and adjust your driving accordingly. Mastering road sign meaning and traffic sign explanation is crucial for your German theory test revision.
German road sign 245, officially designated "Bussonderfahrstreifen", belongs to the regulatory signs group. It assigns a required direction, lane, route, or traffic area and must be followed from the point where the sign applies. 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 245 means "Bus lane" and is officially listed as "Bussonderfahrstreifen". 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 245 - Bus lane 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 245, or 'Bussonderfahrstreifen', designates a specific lane or route exclusively for buses. When you see this sign, you must understand that this lane has a special purpose and you are likely prohibited from using it unless specific supplementary plates indicate otherwise. It's crucial to recognise the situation early and prepare to adjust your driving.
Generally, you are prohibited from driving, stopping, parking, turning, entering, or overtaking in a way that conflicts with the sign's instruction. If sign 245 designates a bus lane, you must not use that lane unless a supplementary plate explicitly allows certain other vehicles or under specific conditions. Always check for additional signs or markings.
You can typically only use a lane indicated by sign 245 if a supplementary plate explicitly permits it. For example, some signs might allow specific types of vehicles, or permit usage during certain times. Without such an indication, assume the lane is exclusively for buses and other vehicles are not permitted to use it.
Sign 245 is often used in conjunction with specific road markings, such as white lines that are dashed or solid, and sometimes traffic lights. You must always consider these elements together. For instance, markings might delineate the bus lane, and traffic lights might control access or flow. Always obey the most restrictive or specific instruction given by the combination of signs, lights, and markings.
A common exam trap is assuming that a lane marked as a bus lane is always prohibited for all other traffic, without checking for supplementary plates. Another trap is not noticing that the restriction might only apply during certain hours or for specific vehicle types. Always read supplementary plates carefully and understand that the rule may not be absolute for all times and all drivers.
A clear reference image of the 245 - Bus lane road sign used in Germany.

The 245 - Bus lane road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 245 - Bus lane road sign is part of the German Regulatory Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing this sign with similar traffic signs helps you quickly distinguish them, which is crucial for accurate theory test revision. Improving your sign recognition skills through direct comparison minimizes confusion and prevents mistakes during your official German driving theory exam.

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 206: Stop and Yield – You must stop and give way

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

Mandatory Direction - Right: Sign 209 Explained
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