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German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

End of the 60 km/h Speed Limit Road Sign (278-60)

278-60 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 60 km/h German road sign meaning

This regulatory sign, officially 'Ende der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 60 km/h', signifies that a previously imposed maximum speed limit of 60 km/h no longer applies. You should be aware of this change as you approach the sign and prepare to adjust your driving accordingly. Always observe your surroundings, as supplementary plates or other traffic controls might still modify the rules at this location.

Understanding Sign 278-60: End of 60 km/h Speed Limit

This section provides a clear interpretation of German road sign 278-60, signifying the end of a 60 km/h speed restriction. Essential for your theory test revision, understanding this sign helps you adjust your driving decisions correctly when specific speed limits are lifted.

Definition of 278-60

German road sign 278-60, officially designated "Ende der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 60 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 278-60

German road sign 278-60 means "End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 60 km/h" and is officially listed as "Ende der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 60 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 278-60

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 278-60

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.

278-60 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 60 km/h road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 278-60 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 60 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 road sign 278-60 mean for drivers?

Sign 278-60, also known as 'End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 60 km/h', indicates that the legally binding maximum speed of 60 km/h, which was previously in effect, is now lifted. You are no longer restricted to 60 km/h, but you must still drive at a speed appropriate for the road conditions and general traffic rules.

What should I do when I see the end of speed limit sign 278-60?

When you see sign 278-60, it means you can now drive faster than 60 km/h if conditions allow. However, you must still adhere to any general speed limits (e.g., in built-up areas) or any other signs that might be present. It’s important to assess the current situation and drive at a safe and appropriate speed.

Are there any specific situations where the 60 km/h limit might still apply even after sign 278-60?

Yes, it's crucial to check for supplementary plates (Zusatzzeichen) attached to or near sign 278-60. These plates can modify the rule, for instance, by only ending the limit for certain vehicle types, at specific times, or on particular sections of the road. Always combine the main sign with any additional information provided.

What's a common mistake learners make with speed limit signs like 278-60 in the German theory test?

A common trap is assuming that all speed limits are removed once you see an 'end of limit' sign. Learners might forget that general speed limits still apply, such as the 50 km/h limit in built-up areas unless otherwise indicated. Sign 278-60 specifically cancels the 60 km/h limit, not all speed restrictions.

Does sign 278-60 mean I can immediately drive at full speed?

Not necessarily. Sign 278-60 only lifts the specific 60 km/h maximum speed restriction that was in place. You must still adhere to the general speed limits applicable to the road type and location (e.g., built-up areas, rural roads) and adjust your speed based on traffic, visibility, and road conditions for safety.

278-60 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 60 km/h road sign image

A clear reference image of the 278-60 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 60 km/h road sign used in Germany.

278-60 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 60 km/h road sign

Other names for the 278-60 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 60 km/h

The 278-60 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 60 km/h road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 278-60German traffic sign 278-60StVO sign 278-60End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 60 km/h signEnde der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 60 km/hregulatory signs 278-60

German Regulatory Signs road sign category

The 278-60 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 60 km/h road sign is part of the German Regulatory Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Recognition of Similar Road Signs

Comparing signs like the 'End of 60 km/h Speed Limit' with others helps solidify your understanding and recall for the German theory test. Sharpen your traffic sign recognition by actively reviewing these distinctions, which is crucial for effective exam preparation and safe driving.

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