German road sign 274.1-20 signals the start of a mandatory 20 km/h speed limit within designated business areas that are also traffic-calmed zones. As a regulatory sign, it requires your strict adherence to the reduced speed. Drivers must proactively adjust their speed before entering this zone, as indicated by the sign's placement. Always pay attention to supplementary plates or road markings that might refine the rule for specific situations or vehicle types.
This regulatory sign indicates the start of a 20 km/h speed limit zone in designated business areas, requiring drivers to adjust their speed accordingly for safe driving. Mastering road sign meaning is crucial for your German driving theory test revision and overall road safety.
German road sign 274.1-20, officially designated "Beginn einer Tempo 20-Zone in verkehrsberuhigten Geschäftsbereichen - einseitig", belongs to the regulatory signs group. It gives a binding rule under the German StVO and must be followed rather than treated as advisory information. 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. A start version normally marks the beginning of the controlled section. 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 274.1-20 means "Start of Tempo 20-Zone in verkehrsberuhigten Geschäftsbereichen - single-sided" and is officially listed as "Beginn einer Tempo 20-Zone in verkehrsberuhigten Geschäftsbereichen - einseitig". 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 274.1-20 - Start of Tempo 20-Zone in verkehrsberuhigten Geschäftsbereichen - single-sided 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 274.1-20 indicates the beginning of a special zone where the maximum allowed speed is strictly limited to 20 km/h. This zone is specifically located within business areas that are also designated as traffic-calmed streets (verkehrsberuhigte Geschäftsbereiche). It aims to increase safety and reduce speed for all road users in these areas.
Upon seeing sign 274.1-20, you must immediately prepare to reduce your speed to 20 km/h or less before you enter the controlled zone. This sign is a binding regulation, meaning you must comply. You should also be aware that other rules of traffic-calmed zones might still apply, such as giving priority to pedestrians and children playing.
Generally, sign 274.1-20 applies to all vehicles unless a supplementary plate specifies otherwise. For example, an additional sign might exempt certain types of vehicles or indicate that the speed limit only applies during specific times or days. Always check for these supplementary signs near the main 274.1-20 sign.
A common trap is confusing this sign with other speed limit signs or general traffic-calmed zone rules. Learners might forget that this is a specific 'start' sign, meaning the 20 km/h limit begins immediately after it. Another trap is assuming the zone ends at the next junction without seeing an explicit end sign or a sign indicating the zone's termination.
The primary rule is to adhere to 20 km/h. However, the sign 274.1-20 is often accompanied by supplementary plates that can modify its application. These plates might restrict the speed limit to certain times, vehicle types, or even cancel it entirely for specific movements. Always look for these additional signs.
A clear reference image of the 274.1-20 - Start of Tempo 20-Zone in verkehrsberuhigten Geschäftsbereichen - single-sided road sign used in Germany.
The 274.1-20 - Start of Tempo 20-Zone in verkehrsberuhigten Geschäftsbereichen - single-sided road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 274.1-20 - Start of Tempo 20-Zone in verkehrsberuhigten Geschäftsbereichen - single-sided road sign is part of the German Regulatory Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
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