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Traffic jam
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When you see the Zeichen
Expect a traffic jam tail to appear suddenly or already be stationary, and reduce your speed early. Increase your following distance, monitor the traffic behind you and be ready to brake; at Schrittgeschwindigkeit or when traffic is stationary, a Rettungsgasse must be formed immediately if necessary.
Rules
- Zeichen 124 warns of a traffic jam, but on its own does not impose a specific maximum speed.
- Your speed must be adjusted so that you can stop safely before an unexpected traffic jam tail.
- On Autobahn and roads outside built-up areas with at least two lanes in each direction, a Rettungsgasse must be formed between the left lane and the lane immediately to its right when traffic is moving at Schrittgeschwindigkeit or is stationary.
- The Warnblinkanlage may be switched on to warn vehicles behind you of a traffic jam tail that appears suddenly.
Tips
- Take your foot off the accelerator early and brake as evenly as possible instead of braking hard only immediately before the traffic jam tail.
- Check the rear-view mirror while slowing down so that you can see whether the traffic behind you has noticed the danger in time.
- Keep a sufficient distance from the last vehicle so that a safety gap remains in the event of a rear-end collision.
- Move into the correct position for the Rettungsgasse as soon as traffic first starts to slow: keep fully to the left in the left lane, and move as far right as possible in all other lanes.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is mistakenly understood as a speed limit. It merely warns of the danger; the appropriate speed depends on the traffic situation and, where applicable, on additional traffic signs.
- Many drivers form the Rettungsgasse only when an emergency vehicle can be seen or heard. It must already be kept clear when traffic is moving at Schrittgeschwindigkeit or is stationary.
- Some people confuse Zeichen 124 with Zeichen 101 Gefahrstelle. By depicting a line of vehicles, Zeichen 124 explicitly indicates the danger of a traffic jam.
Exam tip
In exam questions, it is often crucial that Zeichen 124 neither automatically imposes a speed limit of 80 nor a no-overtaking restriction. Typical correct answers include reducing speed, being ready to brake, watching for a traffic jam tail and forming a Rettungsgasse in good time.
Did you know
Zeichen 124 is often displayed not only as a permanent sign but also on Wechselverkehrszeichen before Autobahn sections prone to traffic jams, roadworks or tunnels. This makes it possible to warn specifically of a current risk of congestion.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to brake hard immediately when I see Zeichen 124?
No. You should slow down early and in a controlled manner so that you can stop safely before a possible traffic jam tail. Harsh, sudden braking can put the traffic behind you at additional risk.
Do I have to switch on the Warnblinkanlage at the end of a traffic jam?
The Warnblinkanlage may be used to warn of a traffic jam tail that appears suddenly. It should be switched off again as soon as the special warning is no longer necessary.
Where is the Rettungsgasse formed when there are three lanes?
It is formed between the far-left lane and the lane immediately to its right. Vehicles in the left lane should move as far left as possible, while vehicles in the middle and right lanes should move as far right as possible.
Does Zeichen 124 cancel the permitted maximum speed or set a new one?
No. The sign does not contain its own speed specification. Regardless of the otherwise permitted speed, you must reduce your speed as much as the risk of congestion requires.
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