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German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

German Sign 278-20: End of the 20 km/h Speed Limit

278-20 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 20 km/h German road sign meaning

This sign, officially 'Ende der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 20 km/h', indicates that a previously imposed speed limit of 20 km/h no longer applies. As a regulatory sign, it signifies the conclusion of a restricted zone or rule. Drivers should resume normal speed, but always remain aware of their surroundings and check for any other signs or road markings that might impose new rules or hazards.

Understanding Sign 278-20: End of 20 km/h Speed Limit

Sign 278-20 marks the termination of a mandatory 20 km/h speed restriction, signalling that the previous limit no longer applies. This regulatory sign is crucial for your German driving theory test revision, requiring drivers to correctly interpret its meaning and adjust their speed accordingly.

Definition of 278-20

German road sign 278-20, officially designated "Ende der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 20 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 278-20

German road sign 278-20 means "End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 20 km/h" and is officially listed as "Ende der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 20 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 278-20

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 278-20

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.

278-20 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 20 km/h road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 278-20 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 20 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 road sign 278-20 mean?

Sign 278-20 signifies the end of a mandatory 20 km/h speed limit. It means you are no longer legally required to adhere to that specific low speed and can increase your speed, provided it is safe and within general legal limits.

When can I start driving faster after seeing sign 278-20?

You can resume normal driving speed once you have passed the sign 278-20. However, always check your surroundings for other traffic, road conditions, and any potential new speed restrictions or hazards before accelerating.

Are there any situations where I should still drive at 20 km/h even after seeing sign 278-20?

Yes, although sign 278-20 cancels a specific 20 km/h limit, other factors might still necessitate a slow speed. Always observe road markings, traffic lights, police instructions, or specific area restrictions (like pedestrian zones or construction sites) that might require you to continue at a reduced speed for safety.

What is the difference between a speed limit sign and an end of speed limit sign like 278-20?

A speed limit sign (like a circular sign with a red border and a number inside) *imposes* a maximum speed. Sign 278-20, however, is an 'end' sign that *removes* a previously imposed speed limit, allowing you to drive faster again.

Could sign 278-20 be combined with other signs?

Yes, it's common for regulatory signs like 278-20 to be supplemented by additional plates. These plates can specify conditions, times, vehicle types, or distances for which the end of the speed limit applies, or even indicate a new restriction immediately following. Always read any supplementary signs carefully.

278-20 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 20 km/h road sign image

A clear reference image of the 278-20 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 20 km/h road sign used in Germany.

278-20 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 20 km/h road sign

Other names for the 278-20 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 20 km/h

The 278-20 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 20 km/h road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 278-20German traffic sign 278-20StVO sign 278-20End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 20 km/h signEnde der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 20 km/hregulatory signs 278-20

German Regulatory Signs road sign category

The 278-20 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 20 km/h road sign is part of the German Regulatory Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Knowledge with Similar German Road Signs

Comparing signs like 'End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 20 km/h' with other speed limit signs helps solidify your understanding of German traffic rules. Effective traffic sign comparison and practicing sign recognition are crucial for passing your theory test revision.

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