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Crosswinds
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When you see the Zeichen
Expect sudden or strong crosswinds and reduce your speed enough to keep the vehicle safely in its lane. Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands and be especially alert on bridges, in open areas, and at the end of noise barriers or wooded areas.
Rules
- Zeichen 117 warns of a stretch of road where crosswinds can push the vehicle sideways or destabilise it.
- The sign does not prescribe a specific maximum speed; however, your speed must be adapted to the wind conditions and the vehicle.
- Outside geschlossene Ortschaften, a Gefahrzeichen is generally placed 150 to 250 metres before the hazard; a different distance may be indicated by a Zusatzzeichen.
- Vehicles with a large side area are particularly sensitive, such as motorhomes, vans, and passenger cars with caravans or other trailers.
- The sign does not indicate the current wind direction and, by itself, does not establish either a no-overtaking restriction or a Fahrverbot.
Tips
- Reduce your speed before reaching the hazardous section and avoid sudden steering or heavy braking.
- Keep a sufficient lateral distance from bicycles, motorcycles and larger vehicles, as they too can be pushed sideways by gusts of wind.
- When emerging from the slipstream of an HGV or reaching the end of walls, embankments or wooded areas, expect a sudden lateral impact.
- On sections particularly exposed to wind, overtake only when there is enough space and you can control the vehicle safely despite changing wind forces.
Common misunderstandings
- The direction of the windsock shown is interpreted as the actual or binding wind direction. However, the sign only gives a general warning of crosswinds.
- Learner drivers confuse the sign with Zeichen 114 and expect a slippery road surface. With Zeichen 117, however, the danger is the vehicle being pushed sideways by the wind.
- Some assume that Zeichen 117 automatically imposes a specific speed limit or a no-overtaking restriction. Such measures would have to be indicated by additional traffic signs.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap is a question about what to do when overtaking or leaving the slipstream of an HGV: crosswinds can suddenly become much stronger there. Reduce your speed, keep a sufficient lateral distance and be prepared for possible sideways movement.
Did you know
Zeichen 117 uses a stylised windsock as an easily recognisable symbol. It is particularly common on bridges exposed to wind, elevated open terrain, coastal stretches and roads where wind protection suddenly ends.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to slow down to a specific speed at Zeichen 117?
No, the sign does not specify a fixed maximum speed. However, you must drive slowly enough to remain in safe control of your vehicle despite possible gusts.
Does the windsock on the traffic sign show the actual wind direction?
No, it is only a hazard symbol. You may be able to identify the current wind direction from actual windsocks, vegetation, flags or the behaviour of other vehicles.
Why are crosswinds particularly dangerous when overtaking an HGV?
At first, when you are alongside the HGV, you are partly in its slipstream. After passing it, the crosswind can suddenly hit your vehicle with full force again and push it sideways.
Which vehicles are particularly at risk in crosswinds?
Motorhomes, vans, vehicles with trailers and other vehicles with a large side area are particularly sensitive. Even light two-wheeled vehicles can be pushed significantly off their intended line by gusts.
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