This regulatory sign, officially 'Ende der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/h', signals the termination of a previously imposed 100 km/h speed limit. As a binding regulatory sign under German StVO, it means you can now drive faster if conditions and other limits permit. Drivers should recognize this sign as a signal to potentially increase speed, but always remain aware of road conditions, markings, and any other traffic signs or signals that may still apply.
This explanation clarifies German Road Sign 278-100, signaling the end of a 100 km/h speed restriction. Grasping this sign's specific meaning is crucial for your theory test revision and safe driving practice in Germany, helping you adjust your speed correctly.
German road sign 278-100, officially designated "Ende der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/h", 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. An end version marks the point where that specific rule, facility, or marked section ceases to apply. 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 278-100 means "End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/h" and is officially listed as "Ende der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/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 278-100 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/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 278-100, officially 'Ende der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/h', means that a previously established maximum speed limit of 100 km/h no longer applies at this point. You are permitted to exceed 100 km/h, provided no other speed restrictions are in effect and road conditions are safe.
Upon seeing sign 278-100, you can legally resume a higher speed if conditions allow and no other limits apply. It’s crucial to check your surroundings and any other signs or road markings, as they might introduce new rules or indicate specific zones. The main action is to adjust your speed upwards cautiously, if appropriate.
Yes, absolutely. This sign only cancels the 100 km/h limit. You must still obey any other applicable speed limits, such as those for urban areas, specific road sections (like construction zones), or general limits. Always check for other signs, traffic lights, road conditions, and general traffic flow before increasing your speed.
A common trap is assuming that seeing an 'end of speed limit' sign means you can immediately drive at maximum Autobahn speed. Learners often forget to check for other potential restrictions or safe driving conditions. Another trap is confusing the 'end of limit' sign with a 'new limit' sign; 278-100 specifically cancels a previous limit, it doesn't set a new one.
Sign 278-100 is a general regulatory sign that cancels the 100 km/h speed limit for all vehicles, unless a supplementary plate indicates otherwise. Supplementary plates can restrict the cancellation to certain vehicle types, specific times, or particular directions. Always look for such plates to understand the exact application.
A clear reference image of the 278-100 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/h road sign used in Germany.

The 278-100 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/h road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 278-100 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/h road sign is part of the German Regulatory Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing related road signs like "End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/h" with others helps solidify your knowledge of German traffic rules. This focused review improves your sign recognition and reduces common errors, crucial for passing your theory test.

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