German traffic sign 101-55, officially 'Bewegliche Brücke', is a crucial danger warning sign. It alerts you to a movable bridge ahead, a situation that requires early adaptation of your speed and attention. Because these bridges can pose unique hazards, this sign is placed to give you ample time to react and ensure safety before you reach the controlled area. Always be prepared to adjust your driving based on this warning, especially when combined with other traffic controls like lights or supplementary plates.
This German road sign (101-55) alerts drivers to upcoming movable bridges, requiring careful attention and speed adjustment. Understanding its specific meaning is crucial for your German driving theory test revision and overall road safety.
German road sign 101-55, officially designated "Bewegliche Brücke", belongs to the danger warning signs group. It warns about a road-layout, clearance, weather, or surface condition that can reduce control, sight distance, grip, or available space before the driver reaches the hazard. You may see it in approaches to hazards, rural roads, urban conflict points, railway crossings, roadworks, and weather-sensitive sections, 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 anticipating what could go wrong before the hazard is visible. Always combine the sign with road markings, traffic lights, police instructions, and any supplementary plates at the same location.
German road sign 101-55 means "Movable bridge" and is officially listed as "Bewegliche Brücke". 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 101-55 - Movable bridge 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 101-55 warns you that you are approaching a movable bridge. This type of bridge can be raised or opened for water traffic, meaning the road surface you expect to use will change or disappear. The sign's purpose is to make you aware of this potential hazard well in advance so you can adjust your speed and be ready to stop or react accordingly.
When you see the 'Movable Bridge' sign (101-55), you should reduce your speed early enough to maintain full control. Be prepared to stop if necessary, as the bridge may be in operation. Always look for additional signals like traffic lights or signs that might indicate whether it's safe to proceed or if you need to halt.
Yes, the main danger is that the bridge may be open or in the process of opening when you arrive. This can create a gap in the road, a change in elevation, or moving parts. The sign (101-55) is a warning to anticipate these possibilities and not to approach too quickly, especially if visibility is reduced or road conditions are poor.
In the theory test, sign 101-55 is used to assess your understanding of hazard perception and your ability to react appropriately to warning signs. Examiners want to know that you can anticipate potential dangers, adjust your speed in advance, and understand that warning signs require a change in driving behaviour, not just an observation.
Generally, you should not overtake when approaching a hazard like a movable bridge, especially if visibility is limited or if there are other conditions that make it unsafe. The primary instruction from sign 101-55 is to be cautious and prepared to stop. Overtaking would be a prohibited action in such circumstances.
A clear reference image of the 101-55 - Movable bridge road sign used in Germany.

The 101-55 - Movable bridge road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 101-55 - Movable bridge road sign is part of the German Danger Warning Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing the Movable bridge sign (101-55) with similar German road signs helps solidify your memory and recognise subtle differences critical for the theory test. Practicing traffic sign comparison and actively reviewing these distinctions improves your overall sign recognition for safer driving.

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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.
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