Sign 274-70, officially 'Zulässige Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 km/h', is a regulatory traffic sign that mandates a maximum speed of 70 km/h. This restriction is binding until it's officially cancelled, making it vital to observe and comply with. You’ll encounter this sign in various locations, often in conjunction with other traffic controls, so always pay attention to supplementary plates and road markings to understand its exact application. Failing to adhere to this speed limit can lead to fines and points on your licence.
Master the meaning and application of the 'Maximum speed limit 70 km/h' sign (274-70) crucial for your German theory test. This regulatory sign demands precise speed adaptation and understanding its context within German traffic rules is vital for safe driving and exam success.
German road sign 274-70, officially designated "Zulässige Höchstgeschwindigkeit 70 km/h", belongs to the regulatory signs group. It creates a binding restriction or prohibition that applies until it is cancelled, replaced, or limited by a supplementary plate. 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 274-70 means "Maximum speed liwith 70 km/h" and is officially listed as "Zulässige 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.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 274-70 - Maximum speed liwith 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.
The main purpose of sign 274-70 is to inform drivers that the maximum permissible speed on the road or in a specific area is 70 km/h. It’s a regulatory sign that imposes a binding speed limit that must be followed.
No, the speed limit only applies from the point where the sign is displayed and continues until it is cancelled by another sign (like an 'end of speed limit' sign), a supplementary plate, or a junction, depending on specific German traffic rules. Always check for supplementary plates that might limit the rule to certain times, vehicle types, or conditions.
Common mistakes include assuming the speed limit ends at the next junction without an explicit cancellation sign, or not considering supplementary plates that modify the rule (e.g., for trucks only, or during specific hours). Learners might also struggle to differentiate between mandatory speed limits and advisory speeds, though 274-70 is always mandatory.
If sign 274-70 is combined with other signs, such as supplementary plates, you must consider all instructions. For example, a supplementary plate might state the 70 km/h limit only applies to heavy goods vehicles, or only during specific times. Always integrate the information from all signs present to understand the complete traffic regulation.
The speed limit imposed by sign 274-70 typically ends when a sign indicating the end of the restriction (often a circular sign with diagonal stripes over the speed limit number) is encountered, or when a new speed limit is indicated. German traffic rules also specify that certain types of junctions might implicitly end a speed limit, but it's safest to look for an explicit cancellation sign.
A clear reference image of the 274-70 - Maximum speed liwith 70 km/h road sign used in Germany.

The 274-70 - Maximum speed liwith 70 km/h road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 274-70 - Maximum speed liwith 70 km/h road sign is part of the German Regulatory Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing signs like 'Maximum speed liwith 70 km/h' with others in the same category sharpens your recognition and reduces confusion, essential for theory test revision. Understanding subtle differences aids in correct sign interpretation and effective traffic sign comparison during your exam preparation.

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 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