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Children
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When you see the Zeichen
Expect children to suddenly and carelessly run into the road, especially near schools, kindergartens or playgrounds. Reduce your speed, watch both sides of the road and be ready to brake so that you do not endanger children under any circumstances.
Rules
- Zeichen 136 warns of a location where children may frequently enter the road.
- Under § 3 paragraph 2a StVO, you must behave towards children, in particular by reducing your speed and being ready to brake, in such a way that any danger is ruled out.
- The sign alone does not prescribe a specific maximum speed; a binding speed limit must be imposed by an appropriate Vorschriftzeichen.
- A Zusatzzeichen can indicate the distance, the length of the hazardous section or a specific time period.
Tips
- Take your foot off the accelerator early and keep an eye on both the right and left edges of the road.
- Pay particular attention to areas obscured by parked vehicles, bushes or bus stops, as children may be difficult to see until late.
- Expect a child to follow a person, a ball or an animal and run into the road without looking at the traffic.
- Keep a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front so that you can react safely if it brakes suddenly.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is incorrectly understood as an automatic 30 km/h speed limit. It warns of a danger but does not, by itself, set a specific maximum speed.
- Some learner drivers confuse it with Zeichen 101 “danger spot”. Zeichen 136 identifies the danger of children possibly running into the road through its image and name.
- It is assumed that children must wait at the edge of the road and are therefore responsible for their own safety. Drivers must specifically expect unpredictable behaviour from children and adapt their driving accordingly.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap is whether Zeichen 136 automatically allows you to drive at no more than 30 km/h. The correct answer is: without an additional speed-limit sign, there is no fixed maximum speed; nevertheless, you must adapt your speed significantly to the specific danger and be ready to brake.
Did you know
Zeichen 136 is typically installed where children may frequently cross or unexpectedly enter the road, for example near schools, kindergartens and playgrounds. Within built-up areas, Gefahrzeichen are generally placed immediately before the hazardous location; a different distance can be indicated by a Zusatzzeichen.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to slow down to 30 km/h at Zeichen 136?
No, the sign alone does not impose a 30 km/h speed limit. However, you must drive slowly enough and be ready to brake so that children are not endangered; depending on visibility and the situation, a significantly lower speed may also be necessary.
Does the warning apply only during school or kindergarten hours?
No, it generally applies regardless of the time of day. It is subject to a time restriction only if this is clearly indicated by a Zusatzzeichen.
What should I do if children are already standing at the edge of the road?
Reduce your speed significantly, be ready to brake and watch the children carefully. Continue only when it is certain that they will not suddenly step into the road.
Should I expect a child if there is a ball in the road?
Yes, a child may run immediately after the ball. Reduce your speed at once and be prepared to stop.
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