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German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

End of the 70 km/h Speed Limit Sign: What You Need to Know

278-70 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 km/h German road sign meaning

This sign, German code 278-70, signifies the end of a mandatory 70 km/h speed limit. As a regulatory sign under the German StVO, it indicates that the previous speed restriction no longer applies from this point forward. Drivers should be alert and prepared to adjust their speed or driving behaviour if other signs, road markings, or traffic lights impose different rules. Always combine the sign's instruction with the overall traffic situation and any supplementary information.

Understanding "End of 70 km/h Speed Limit" Sign (278-70)

This regulatory sign (278-70) signifies the termination of a 70 km/h speed restriction, crucial for adapting your driving immediately. Mastering its meaning aids in your German driving theory test preparation and ensures adherence to traffic rules.

Definition of 278-70

German road sign 278-70, officially designated "Ende der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 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 278-70

German road sign 278-70 means "End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 km/h" and is officially listed as "Ende der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 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 278-70

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 278-70

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.

278-70 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 km/h road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 278-70 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 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 278-70 mean?

Sign 278-70, officially 'Ende der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 km/h', means that a previously imposed speed limit of 70 km/h is no longer in effect. You are free to drive at a different speed, provided no other signs or general rules apply.

Do I need to slow down when I see sign 278-70?

No, quite the opposite. Sign 278-70 indicates the *end* of a speed restriction. You do not need to slow down because of this sign; you may increase your speed if conditions and other traffic signs permit.

What should I do if I see sign 278-70 and there's another speed limit sign nearby?

Always obey the most restrictive applicable sign or rule. If sign 278-70 ends the 70 km/h limit, but another sign indicates a different limit (e.g., 50 km/h in a built-up area), you must follow the new limit. Pay close attention to all signs and road markings.

Are there any tricky aspects of sign 278-70 for the theory test?

A common trap is confusing this sign with signs that *introduce* a speed limit. Learners might instinctively slow down when seeing the number 70, forgetting that this sign means the restriction is *over*. Always read the sign carefully to determine if it's the start or end of a rule.

Does sign 278-70 mean I can drive as fast as I want?

No, it only means the specific 70 km/h limit imposed by a previous sign is cancelled. You must still adhere to general speed limits (like the default 50 km/h in built-up areas) and any other regulatory signs or traffic lights you encounter.

278-70 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 km/h road sign image

A clear reference image of the 278-70 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 km/h road sign used in Germany.

278-70 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 km/h road sign

Other names for the 278-70 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 km/h

The 278-70 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 km/h road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 278-70German traffic sign 278-70StVO sign 278-70End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 km/h signEnde der zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 km/hregulatory signs 278-70

German Regulatory Signs road sign category

The 278-70 - End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 km/h road sign is part of the German Regulatory Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Road Sign Recognition

Master German road signs by comparing related signs, such as "End zulässigen Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 km/h" with other speed limit signs. This focused traffic sign comparison enhances your recognition and reduces errors during your theory test revision.

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