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Pass on the right
Requirement or prohibition Anyone driving a vehicle must follow the prescribed passing direction. Explanation “Pass on the left” is prescribed accordingly.
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When you see the Zeichen
Pass the obstacle, traffic island or roadworks barrier on the right-hand side as indicated by the arrow. Move into the correct lane in good time and adjust your speed to the narrowed or diverted carriageway.
Rules
- Passing on the right as indicated is mandatory; passing the sign on the left is generally prohibited.
- The sign only specifies which side of an obstacle you must pass. It does not require you to turn right.
- The sign grants neither Vorfahrt nor priority. In the event of oncoming traffic, bottlenecks or additional traffic signs, the applicable priority rules continue to apply.
- If the prescribed passage is temporarily blocked, you must wait and must not independently pass on the prohibited side.
Tips
- Pay attention early on to whether the arrow ends at the bottom right or bottom left, so that you do not confuse the prescribed side.
- Expect a traffic island, carriageway divider or roadworks barrier immediately after the sign.
- Check your mirrors and your blind spot before moving into position if this requires changing lanes.
- Keep a sufficient lateral distance from the obstacle and pay particular attention to pedestrians waiting or crossing at traffic islands.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is confused with “Right” or “Right here”. However, Zeichen 222 does not require you to turn; it requires you to pass on the right-hand side.
- Some learner drivers believe that the sign gives them priority over oncoming traffic. It does not contain such a priority rule.
- The arrow is understood merely as a recommendation. As a mandatory sign, it requires you to pass on the specified side.
Exam tip
In pictures, check carefully whether the arrow indicates passing an obstacle or turning at an intersection. With Zeichen 222, you must pass the obstacle on the right, but you must not infer either an obligation to turn or priority from this.
Did you know
In Germany, Zeichen 222 is particularly common at traffic islands, carriageway dividers and roadworks obstacles. The mirror-image version correspondingly requires passing on the left.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to turn right at the next intersection when I see Zeichen 222?
No. The sign only regulates which side you must use to pass the immediately associated obstacle or carriageway divider.
May I pass on the left if there is more space there?
No, passing on the right is mandatory. You may not choose the other side simply for convenience or because it provides a shorter route.
Do I have priority over oncoming vehicles because of the sign?
No. Zeichen 222 does not regulate priority; the specific traffic situation and any additional signs, such as those regulating a narrowing of the carriageway, are decisive.
What must I do if the passage on the right is blocked?
You must generally wait and must not simply pass the sign on the left. If necessary, follow the instructions of the police or an authorised person, or follow the changed traffic routing.
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