German road sign 298, officially named 'Sperrfläche', indicates a hatched marking. This is a regulatory sign that provides a binding rule according to the German StVO. It's crucial to recognise these markings early and adapt your driving behaviour before reaching the controlled area. Always pay attention to how road markings, traffic lights, police directions, or supplementary plates might alter the sign's application.
This section details the German road sign 298, known as Sperrfläche or Hatched Marking, vital for understanding traffic rules and passing your theory test. Learn its practical meaning, how it affects your driving decisions, and ensure accurate sign interpretation.
German road sign 298, officially designated "Sperrfläche", 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. 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.
German road sign 298 means "Hatched marking" and is officially listed as "Sperrfläche". 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.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 298 - Hatched marking 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.
Sign 298, the hatched marking or 'Sperrfläche', is a regulatory sign that prohibits certain actions within the marked area. It means you must not drive, stop, park, turn, enter, or use the area in a way that conflicts with the sign's intention. You need to adapt your speed and position before reaching it.
You can see Sign 298 in various locations like junctions, restricted streets, pedestrian and cycle paths, parking areas, and roads with specific lane or speed rules. Its exact placement by road authorities dictates the specific driving situation it applies to.
A common trap is assuming the hatched marking only applies to traffic lights or road markings. Remember Sign 298 is a binding regulatory sign on its own. Another trap is overlooking supplementary plates that might restrict its application to certain times, vehicles, or directions. Always combine the sign with all other traffic controls present.
Yes, you must avoid driving, stopping, or parking in the hatched area if it conflicts with the sign's intention. However, the sign might be used in conjunction with traffic lights or other signals that guide you on how to proceed, or it might be indicating an area you should not enter at all. Always follow the primary instruction and any supplementary information.
You must always follow the binding rule of Sign 298. If road markings or traffic lights seem to offer a different instruction, check carefully. Often, markings and signs work together, but the regulatory sign usually takes precedence unless it's clearly superseded by a traffic light or police officer's direction. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and seek clarification from the markings or supplementary plates.
A clear reference image of the 298 - Hatched marking road sign used in Germany.

The 298 - Hatched marking road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 298 - Hatched marking road sign is part of the German Regulatory Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Studying related road signs side-by-side sharpens your recognition skills and helps you avoid common errors on the German theory test. Effective traffic sign comparison is key to mastering the diverse symbols and ensuring you understand all nuances for your driving licence.

Master the Standing Railway Crossbuck (Andreaskreuz - stehend) Sign

Understand the Railway Crossbuck with Blitzpfeil (Sign 201-51) in Germany

German road sign 201-52: The Railway Crossbuck 'Andreaskreuz - liegend'

Germany's Railway Crossbuck Sign 201-53 with Blitzpfeil: What You Need to Know

Understand the German "Yield" Sign (Sign 205 - Vorfahrt gewähren)

Sign 206: Stop and Yield – You must stop and give way

Sign 208: You Must Yield to Oncoming Traffic on This Road

Mandatory Direction - Right: Sign 209 Explained
Deepen your understanding of these specific road markings by exploring related traffic rules and situational hazard perception exercises. Applying the official StVO regulations ensures you recognize critical signage accurately during your theory test.
Master the rules for German Autobahn service areas and rest stops.
Master German Merging Rules for a Smooth and Safe Drive
After any traffic accident in Germany, knowing the correct procedure is paramount. This guide details the mandatory actions you must take according to German law, including securing the accident scene, providing necessary information to other parties, and understanding the implications of §142 StGB (Fahrerflucht). Mastering these steps is vital for both safe driving and succeeding in your German driving theory test.
As electric mobility increases on German roads, car drivers must distinguish between standard pedelecs, which function like bicycles, and higher-powered S-pedelecs that share the road with cars. This article breaks down the legal classifications and operational realities, such as speed differentials and lane usage, to ensure you are prepared for both real-world driving and the theory test. Mastering these interactions is a key step in reducing accident risks and demonstrating hazard perception proficiency.
German road sign 229-21, officially designated "Taxenstand - Anfang - Aufstellung links", 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. This left-side version is used where the sign is placed on the left side of the carriageway or where a mirrored symbol fits the approach direction. A start version normally marks the beginning of the controlled section. Any left reference should be read as part of the direction, road side, lane arrangement, or placement shown by the sign. 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.
German road sign 229-31, officially designated "Taxenstand - Mitte - Aufstellung links", 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. This left-side version is used where the sign is placed on the left side of the carriageway or where a mirrored symbol fits the approach direction. A middle version confirms that the same rule or facility continues through the marked section. Any left reference should be read as part of the direction, road side, lane arrangement, or placement shown by the sign. 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.
Deepen your understanding of specific road sign categories or test your knowledge with practice questions. Explore our themed sign groups for targeted study or jump into quizzes to reinforce your recognition skills for the official German theory exam.
All German Road Signs List