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Information board at border crossing points
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When you see the Zeichen
You are entering Germany at a border crossing and are being informed about the general speed rules. Adjust your speed to the type of road and any applicable speed limits; the sign itself does not require you to stop or slow down.
Rules
- Within geschlossene Ortschaften, the general maximum speed is 50 km/h.
- Outside geschlossene Ortschaften, passenger cars without trailers may generally travel at a maximum of 100 km/h.
- On Autobahn and suitably constructed Kraftfahrstraße, there is generally no maximum speed limit for passenger cars without trailers; a Richtgeschwindigkeit of 130 km/h is recommended.
- Locally imposed speed limits take precedence over the general rules shown on the sign.
- Zeichen 393 is an information sign and does not itself impose a new speed limit.
Tips
- Immediately after crossing the border, check whether a separate circular speed sign or electronic display applies.
- Do not confuse the displayed 130 km/h with a generally permitted minimum or maximum speed on Autobahn.
- Check whether you are already within a geschlossene Ortschaft; the yellow Ortstafel determines this.
- When towing a trailer or driving a special vehicle, observe the lower maximum speeds that apply in those cases.
Common misunderstandings
- The figure 130 km/h is often understood as the general maximum speed on German Autobahn. It generally indicates the Richtgeschwindigkeit.
- Some learner drivers consider Zeichen 393 itself to be a speed-regulating Vorschriftzeichen. However, it only summarises the general German rules.
- The 100 km/h figure for outside built-up areas is incorrectly applied to every vehicle, even though different maximum speeds may apply to vehicle combinations, for example.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap is the claim that Zeichen 393 generally limits speed on Autobahn to 130 km/h. The correct answer is: For passenger cars without trailers, 130 km/h is generally the Richtgeschwindigkeit, provided no specific maximum speed has been imposed.
Did you know
Zeichen 393 is located at border crossings when entering Germany and summarises on a single sign the speed values that are particularly important for travellers in built-up areas, on rural roads and on Autobahn.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to stop at Zeichen 393?
No. The sign is only for information when crossing the border and does not require you to Halt.
Is 130 km/h always permitted on German Autobahn?
No. Imposed speed limits, visibility and weather conditions, as well as vehicle-specific restrictions, must be observed. In the absence of such restrictions, 130 km/h is generally the Richtgeschwindigkeit for passenger cars without trailers.
Does the information sign cancel an existing speed limit?
No. Zeichen 393 does not cancel a local speed limit and does not replace a sign indicating that a restriction has ended.
Does the 100 km/h figure for outside built-up areas also apply when towing a trailer?
No. Passenger cars with trailers are generally subject to a lower maximum speed; 100 km/h is permitted only with the appropriate 100 km/h authorisation and provided the prescribed conditions are met.
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