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German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

German Sign 365-52: Filling Station (Tankstelle) Guidance

365-52 - Filling station German road sign meaning

This German road sign, officially 'Tankstelle', is a guide and information sign that alerts you to the presence of a filling station. While it doesn't impose a direct prohibition, it signals the need to plan ahead for potential lane changes, speed adjustments, or route decisions. Always combine this sign's information with road markings, supplementary plates, and other traffic controls to ensure safe navigation.

Understanding the "Filling Station" Sign (365-52)

This vital guide and information sign, "Tankstelle," helps you anticipate the need for fuel. Proper interpretation of this road sign is crucial for navigating Germany's roads safely and efficiently during your theory test revision.

Definition of 365-52

German road sign 365-52, officially designated "Tankstelle", belongs to the guide and information signs group. It provides official information that supports orientation and safer decisions without usually creating a prohibition by itself. You may see it in route guidance, priority-road sections, motorway services, parking facilities, tourist destinations, diversions, and local information points, 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 using the information early while still obeying mandatory signs and markings. Always combine the sign with road markings, traffic lights, police instructions, and any supplementary plates at the same location.

Meaning of 365-52

German road sign 365-52 means "Filling station" and is officially listed as "Tankstelle". 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 365-52

Use the sign to plan your route, lane position, destination choice, or stopping decision early.Keep scanning for follow-up signs because guide information is often repeated or refined before the actual turn or facility.Match the sign information with navigation instructions, road markings, and the real traffic situation.Move gradually into the correct lane when the sign indicates a direction, motorway exit, service area, parking area, or detour.Continue to obey all mandatory signs and priority rules even when the information sign is your main route cue.

Prohibited actions for 365-52

Do not make abrupt lane changes, braking manoeuvres, or route decisions after reading the sign too late.Do not confuse information signs with permission to ignore separate prohibitions, priority rules, or lane markings.Do not stop or park near an information sign unless the surrounding rules clearly allow it.Do not assume a service, route, or parking option is suitable for your vehicle without checking detailed plates or local restrictions.

365-52 - Filling station road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 365-52 - Filling station 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 is the main purpose of the German road sign 365-52 (Filling Station)?

The primary purpose of sign 365-52, 'Tankstelle', is to inform drivers that a filling station is ahead. It serves as a guide, prompting drivers to proactively adjust their driving behaviour, such as speed or lane position, before reaching the facility, rather than reacting suddenly.

Does the 'Filling Station' sign (365-52) mean I must stop or refuel?

No, sign 365-52 does not mandate stopping or refueling. It's an informational sign, meaning you are being advised of the facility's presence. Your decision to stop or not depends on your needs, but you must always adhere to other traffic rules, such as parking or stopping prohibitions, if they apply.

What are common theory test traps related to sign 365-52?

A common trap is assuming this sign grants special privileges or overrides other traffic rules. Learners might mistakenly think they can change lanes abruptly or ignore priority signs to reach the filling station. Always remember to integrate this information with all other traffic signs and rules.

How should I behave when I see the 'Tankstelle' sign (365-52)?

When you see sign 365-52, begin to scan for the filling station's location and any directional indicators. Prepare to adjust your speed gradually and position your vehicle appropriately for a potential turn or exit. Crucially, continue to observe all mandatory signs, priority rules, and road markings.

Can supplementary plates change the meaning of sign 365-52?

Yes, supplementary plates are very common with informational signs like 365-52. They can specify distances, directions, the types of services available, or restrictions. Always read these additional plates carefully as they refine how the sign applies to your specific situation.

365-52 - Filling station road sign image

A clear reference image of the 365-52 - Filling station road sign used in Germany.

365-52 - Filling station road sign

Other names for the 365-52 - Filling station

The 365-52 - Filling station road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 365-52German traffic sign 365-52StVO sign 365-52Filling station signTankstelleguide and information signs 365-52

German Guide and Information Signs road sign category

The 365-52 - Filling station road sign is part of the German Guide and Information Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

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