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German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

End of the 100 km/h Speed Limit Sign (278-100)

278-100 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/h German road sign meaning

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.

Interpreting "End of 100 km/h Speed Limit"

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.

Definition of 278-100

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.

Meaning of 278-100

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.

Allowed actions for 278-100

Comply with the rule from the point where the sign applies and adjust speed or lane choice before reaching it.Yield, stop, change lane, continue straight, turn, or avoid the route according to the exact instruction shown.Check road markings and traffic lights because they may work together with the sign.Use an alternative route or legal stopping place if your intended movement is restricted.Resume normal driving only when the restriction is cancelled or no longer applies to your vehicle and direction.

Prohibited actions for 278-100

Do not drive, stop, park, turn, enter, overtake, or use a traffic area in a way that conflicts with the sign.Do not rely on what other drivers are doing if the sign gives you a different legal instruction.Do not assume the rule ends at the next junction unless German traffic rules or an end sign clearly cancel it.Do not overlook supplementary plates that limit the rule to certain vehicles, times, directions, distances, or conditions.

278-100 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/h road sign FAQ

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.

What does the German sign 278-100 mean?

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.

What should I do when I see the end of speed limit 100 km/h sign?

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.

Are there any situations where I shouldn't speed up after seeing sign 278-100?

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.

What are common exam traps related to the 'End of Speed Limit' signs in Germany?

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.

Does sign 278-100 apply to all vehicles?

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.

278-100 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/h road sign image

A clear reference image of the 278-100 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/h road sign used in Germany.

278-100 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/h road sign

Other names for the 278-100 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/h

The 278-100 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/h road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 278-100German traffic sign 278-100StVO sign 278-100End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/h signEnde der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 100 km/hregulatory signs 278-100

German Regulatory Signs road sign category

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.

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