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Arrow markings
Requirement or prohibition 1. Whoever is driving a vehicle must follow the direction of travel at the following intersection or junction if broken lines (Zeichen 340) or lane boundaries (Zeichen 295) are marked between the arrows. 2. Whoever is driving a vehicle must not stop on the section of carriageway marked with arrows (§ 12 Absatz 1). Explanation Arrows recommend changing into the appropriate lane in good time and driving in adjacent lanes. Vehicles that have changed into the appropriate lane may also be overtaken on the right.
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When you see the Zeichen
Move into the lane corresponding to your intended direction of travel in good time. If lane lines or lane boundary markings are marked between the arrows, you must follow the direction indicated by the arrow at the next intersection or junction; you must not stop on the section of roadway marked with arrows.
Rules
- The indicated direction of travel is mandatory at the next intersection or junction if lane lines according to Zeichen 340 or lane boundary markings according to Zeichen 295 are marked between the arrows.
- Haltverbot applies on the section of roadway marked with arrows; even voluntarily stopping briefly is prohibited there.
- The arrows recommend moving into the correct lane in good time and using the available lanes side by side.
- Vehicles that have already moved into the correct lane may pass vehicles in a lane further to the left on the right, that is, overtake them on the right.
Tips
- Check early which arrow matches your intended direction of travel and change lanes in good time.
- Pay attention to whether lane lines or solid lane boundary markings are present between the repeated arrows; this determines whether the indicated direction of travel is mandatory.
- After moving into the correct lane, stay in the centre of your lane and follow the marked direction exactly at the intersection.
- Do not confuse a sideways-pointing arrow with the advance direction arrow according to Zeichen 297.1, which announces a lane boundary marking or the end of a lane.
Common misunderstandings
- Learner drivers automatically regard every arrow as an instruction. However, the direction of travel is only mandatory if lane lines or lane boundary markings are marked between the arrows.
- The Haltverbot is overlooked because arrow markings are associated only with moving into the correct lane. You must not stop on the marked section even to let passengers get in or out.
- Arrow markings are confused with the advance direction arrow. Zeichen 297 indicates directions of travel, whereas Zeichen 297.1 announces a lane boundary marking or the end of a lane.
Exam tip
In exam images, pay attention not only to the direction of the arrows but also to the lines between them. Only lane lines or lane boundary markings make the indicated direction of travel mandatory at the next intersection or junction.
Did you know
In Germany, arrow markings are typically applied several times in succession before intersections and junctions. They provide early guidance while also imposing Haltverbot on the marked section.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to follow an arrow?
No. The direction of travel is mandatory at the next intersection or junction if lane lines or lane boundary markings are marked between the arrows.
May I stop briefly on an arrow marking?
No. Haltverbot applies on the section of roadway marked with arrows, including voluntarily stopping briefly to let passengers get in or out.
May I pass other vehicles on the right after moving into the correct lane?
Yes. Vehicles that have moved into the correct lane in accordance with the arrows and are travelling side by side in adjacent lanes may also overtake on the right.
What is the difference between this and the advance direction arrow?
Arrow markings according to Zeichen 297 relate to the direction of travel at the next intersection or junction. The advance direction arrow according to Zeichen 297.1 announces a lane boundary marking or indicates the end of a lane.
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