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Advance warning marker
The sign is placed 300 m, 200 m (as shown) and 100 m before an Autobahn interchange (Autobahn access junction, Autobahnkreuz or Autobahndreieck). It is also placed before a service area. Before an interchange, the number of the interchange may be shown on the 300 m marker.
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When you see the Zeichen
Pay attention to the number of diagonal stripes: they indicate an Autobahn interchange or a service area 300, 200 or 100 metres ahead, respectively. Check the subsequent directions and move into the correct lane in good time if necessary, without changing lanes abruptly; the marker itself prescribes neither a speed nor a lane.
Rules
- The marker with three stripes is 300 m, the one with two stripes 200 m and the one with one stripe 100 m before the announced point.
- The sign announces an Autobahn interchange, meaning an exit, an Autobahnkreuz or an Autobahndreieck; the markers are also placed before service areas.
- The number of the interchange may be shown on the 300-m marker before an interchange.
- Zeichen 450 is an information and distance sign. On its own, it neither imposes a speed limit nor instructs you to leave the Autobahn.
Tips
- Use the markers to gauge the distance and compare the destination, number and direction with the subsequent direction signs.
- If you want to leave the Autobahn, observe the right-hand lane early on and change lanes only when there is a sufficient gap and after signalling.
- Do not suddenly reduce your speed in the through lane; adjust it according to the flow of traffic and no later than on the deceleration lane.
- If in doubt, count the stripes: three mean 300 m, two mean 200 m and one means 100 m.
Common misunderstandings
- The marker is confused with a sign authorising or requiring the Seitenstreifen to be opened for use. However, Zeichen 450 contains no instruction to use the Seitenstreifen.
- Learner drivers believe that the number of stripes indicates the number of lanes. In fact, it corresponds to the distance in hundreds of metres.
- Some people interpret the marker as an instruction to brake or leave the Autobahn immediately. It only announces the upcoming point; the subsequent directions and traffic conditions remain decisive.
Exam tip
A typical exam trick asks about the meaning of the stripes. They do not indicate lanes or exits, but a distance of 300, 200 or 100 metres, respectively; the sign alone also does not impose a speed limit.
Did you know
The three successive markers form a countdown: 300, 200 and 100 metres. The number of the upcoming exit, Autobahnkreuz or Autobahndreieck may also appear on the 300-m marker.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to drive more slowly when I see an advance marker?
No, Zeichen 450 does not by itself prescribe any particular speed. However, you must continue to adapt your speed to the traffic, visibility and road conditions, as well as to any additional traffic signs.
What do three, two or one diagonal stripe mean?
Three stripes mean 300 m, two stripes mean 200 m and one stripe means 100 m to the announced Autobahn interchange or service area. The stripes therefore serve as a distance countdown.
Am I allowed to use the Seitenstreifen to move into the correct lane after the marker?
No. The advance marker does not open the Seitenstreifen for use as a lane; a separate instruction would be required for this, in particular Zeichen 223.1.
What does a number on the marker mean?
The number of the upcoming Autobahn interchange may be shown on the 300-m marker. It helps you match the exit, Autobahnkreuz or Autobahndreieck with your planned route.
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