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German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

End of the 120 km/h Speed Limit: Sign 278-120

278-120 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 120 km/h German road sign meaning

This regulatory traffic sign, officially 'Ende der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 120 km/h', marks the point where a previously indicated maximum speed limit of 120 km/h no longer applies. While the 120 km/h limit is lifted, you must remain aware that other, potentially lower, speed limits might still be in effect, indicated by other signs or road conditions. Always be prepared to adjust your speed and check for any supplementary signs or road markings that could modify this situation.

Understanding the End of a 120 km/h Speed Limit

This section provides a crucial explanation of German road sign 278-120, marking the end of a mandatory 120 km/h speed limit. Essential for your theory test revision, this sign indicates where a previously imposed speed restriction no longer applies, requiring drivers to understand the changing road conditions and associated traffic rules.

Definition of 278-120

German road sign 278-120, officially designated "Ende der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 120 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 278-120

German road sign 278-120 means "End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 120 km/h" and is officially listed as "Ende der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 120 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 278-120

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 278-120

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.

278-120 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 120 km/h road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 278-120 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 120 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 German traffic sign 278-120 mean?

Sign 278-120 signifies the end of a mandatory 120 km/h speed limit. After passing this sign, you are no longer restricted to 120 km/h, but other speed restrictions might still apply.

After seeing sign 278-120, can I drive as fast as I want?

Not necessarily. Sign 278-120 only cancels the specific 120 km/h limit that was previously in effect. You must still adhere to any other posted speed limits, general speed limits for the road type, or conditions that necessitate a slower speed for safety.

What should I watch out for when I see sign 278-120?

You should remain attentive to other traffic signs, especially any that might indicate a new, lower speed limit or other restrictions. Also, be mindful of road conditions, junctions, and potential hazards that may require you to adjust your speed.

Is there a specific place where sign 278-120 is usually found?

This sign typically appears at the end of a stretch of road where a 120 km/h speed limit was imposed, such as after a zone with that restriction or on sections of Autobahn that are temporarily limited. It signals the return to normal speed regulations for that road.

Can supplementary signs affect the meaning of sign 278-120?

Yes, supplementary plates can modify the application of traffic signs. While sign 278-120 indicates the end of the 120 km/h limit, a supplementary plate might specify that this end applies only to certain vehicles, at certain times, or that a different rule takes effect.

278-120 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 120 km/h road sign image

A clear reference image of the 278-120 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 120 km/h road sign used in Germany.

278-120 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 120 km/h road sign

Other names for the 278-120 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 120 km/h

The 278-120 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 120 km/h road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 278-120German traffic sign 278-120StVO sign 278-120End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 120 km/h signEnde der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 120 km/hregulatory signs 278-120

German Regulatory Signs road sign category

The 278-120 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 120 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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