Teorio
Customs office
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When you see the Zeichen
The sign indicates a customs office. Continue carefully, position yourself according to the local lane layout and obey traffic lights, barriers and instructions from customs officials; you do not have to stop solely because of Zeichen 392.
Rules
- Zeichen 392 marks a customs office and provides information.
- The sign itself does not prescribe a specific speed or require you to stop.
- A requirement to stop may result from a barrier, traffic light system, additional traffic sign or instruction from customs staff.
- If a check has been ordered, you must follow the instructions and, where necessary, present goods or the required documents.
Tips
- Look out early for lanes for goods that must or do not need to be declared, and choose the appropriate lane.
- Keep your travel documents and, if applicable, customs documents ready so that you can present them during a check without a lengthy search.
- Do not brake suddenly right at the information sign. Instead, adjust your speed to the approach, any queue or the inspection point.
- Even when the barrier is open, expect customs officials to wave individual vehicles over for inspection.
Common misunderstandings
- Many learner drivers mistake Zeichen 392 for a stop sign. However, a requirement to stop only arises from additional signs, traffic signals, barriers or instructions.
- A customs office is confused with a police station. Zeichen 392 concerns customs; Zeichen 363 indicates the police.
- Customs checks and passport checks are treated as the same thing. Customs checks mainly concern goods and duties, whereas border or passport checks concern the entry of people.
Exam tip
A typical exam trap is whether you must always stop at Zeichen 392. The correct answer is: the sign only indicates a customs office; you must stop only when required by a corresponding regulation or instruction.
Did you know
You will encounter the sign particularly at borders with countries outside the EU customs union, as well as at ports and airports. Although Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, it is not part of the EU customs union, which means that customs formalities for goods may still be required there.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to stop immediately at Zeichen 392?
No, the information sign itself does not require you to stop. Stop only if this is required, for example, by a barrier, traffic signal, stop sign or customs officials.
Do I automatically have to drive more slowly at a customs office?
Zeichen 392 does not set its own maximum speed. However, you must adjust your speed to the lanes, queues, inspection staff and other local conditions.
Can I simply drive around a customs check?
You must not bypass an ordered check or closure. Follow the indicated lane layout and the instructions of the customs staff.
Are there no customs checks within the European Union?
As a general rule, there are no traditional customs duties at internal borders within the EU customs union. However, customs checks may still take place for legal reasons, and Zeichen 392 may also indicate a local customs office.
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