Teorio
Uneven road
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When you see the Zeichen
Expect bumps, potholes or other uneven surfaces that could cause the vehicle to leave its lane. Reduce your speed in good time, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and increase your distance from the vehicle ahead. Avoid heavy braking and abrupt steering movements on the uneven section.
Rules
- Zeichen 112 warns of a road surface whose unevenness may affect vehicle control or driving comfort.
- Adjust your speed so that you can drive over the uneven surfaces safely and react within the distance you can see.
- The sign itself does not impose a specific maximum speed; a binding limit applies only if one is additionally ordered.
- Outside geschlossene Ortschaft, Gefahrzeichen are generally placed 150 to 250 metres before the hazard. A significantly different distance may be indicated by a Zusatzzeichen.
Tips
- Brake before reaching the uneven section if possible, then drive over it at a steady, appropriate speed.
- Keep a greater distance because the vehicle ahead may brake suddenly or be deflected by a pothole.
- Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel so that you can react to sideways vehicle movements.
- Take extra care of swaying when driving a loaded vehicle or towing a trailer, and avoid quick steering or braking manoeuvres.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is confused with Zeichen 114: Zeichen 112 warns of uneven surfaces, not specifically of the risk of skidding or sliding due to wetness or dirt.
- Some learner drivers believe the symbol announces a single speed bump. It generally warns of an uneven road surface and may refer to several uneven sections.
- The sign is incorrectly understood as a fixed speed limit. It requires a speed appropriate to the situation but does not itself specify a numerical value.
Exam tip
In exam questions, it is often crucial to brake before reaching the uneven section. Heavy braking or hurried swerving directly on the uneven surface can further reduce driving stability.
Did you know
Zeichen 112 is often installed on roads with frost damage, sunken surfaces, severe bumps or in construction areas. The symbol deliberately shows an irregular road profile rather than just a single bump.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to slow down to a specific speed at Zeichen 112?
No, the sign does not specify a particular maximum speed. However, you must drive slowly enough to negotiate the visible uneven surfaces safely and remain in control of the vehicle.
How does Zeichen 112 differ from a risk of skidding or sliding?
Zeichen 112 warns of unevenness in the road surface. Zeichen 114, on the other hand, indicates an increased risk of skidding or sliding, especially when the road is wet or dirty.
May I swerve onto the opposite carriageway to avoid a pothole?
Only if you do not endanger anyone and comply with the traffic rules. If there is oncoming traffic or the traffic situation is unclear, you must slow down and must not change sides of the road in an uncontrolled manner.
Why should I brake before the uneven section rather than on it?
Heavy braking puts additional load on the front axle, which can make a pothole or bump affect the vehicle more severely. You should therefore reduce your speed beforehand and drive over the uneven section as smoothly as possible.
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