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Use of hard shoulder
Mandatory or prohibitory sign The sign opens the hard shoulder for use as a traffic lane; it must be used like a right-hand traffic lane.
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When you see the Zeichen
From this sign onwards, the Seitenstreifen is authorised as an additional right-hand lane. Move over to the right while observing the keep-right rule and making a safe lane change, provided the traffic situation allows it.
Rules
- The authorised Seitenstreifen is treated like a normal right-hand lane.
- When moving onto the Seitenstreifen, you must signal and ensure that other road users are not endangered.
- The posted maximum speed and the usual lane rules apply on the authorised Seitenstreifen.
- The authorisation does not generally permit overtaking on the right; the normal overtaking rules continue to apply.
- At Zeichen 223.2, the authorisation ends; at Zeichen 223.3, the Seitenstreifen must be cleared.
Tips
- Look out early for vehicles that are also moving onto the authorised Seitenstreifen.
- Keep a sufficient distance, as obstacles or broken-down vehicles may be present on the Seitenstreifen despite it having been checked beforehand.
- Pay close attention to Wechselverkehrszeichen, as the authorisation may be ended at short notice depending on the traffic situation or hazards.
- Before the authorisation ends, move back to the regular lane in good time without obstructing other road users.
Common misunderstandings
- The authorised Seitenstreifen continues to be regarded solely as a breakdown lane, even though it is now a regular lane.
- Learner drivers believe that they are generally allowed to pass other vehicles faster on the right using the Seitenstreifen.
- Zeichen 223.2 and 223.3 are confused: 223.2 ends the authorisation, whereas 223.3 explicitly orders the Seitenstreifen to be cleared.
Exam tip
In exam questions, the Seitenstreifen after Zeichen 223.1 is no longer intended only for breakdowns; it is authorised as a right-hand lane. A typical trap is assuming that overtaking on the right is permitted there without observing the overtaking rules.
Did you know
Zeichen 223.1 is mainly used to temporarily authorise the use of the Seitenstreifen on heavily congested sections of the Autobahn. The authorisation is often provided via Wechselverkehrszeichen after the Seitenstreifen has been monitored and checked for obstacles.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to use the authorised Seitenstreifen?
It is treated as a right-hand lane and must therefore be included in the keep-right rule. However, you may move onto it only if doing so does not endanger or obstruct anyone.
May I overtake on the right using the authorised Seitenstreifen?
The authorisation does not create a general permission to overtake on the right. The same overtaking rules and statutory exceptions apply as on other lanes.
What must I do at Zeichen 223.2?
Zeichen 223.2 ends the authorisation to use the Seitenstreifen as a lane. You must move into the left-hand lane in good time, observing the rules for changing lanes.
What is the difference compared with Zeichen 223.3?
Zeichen 223.3 explicitly orders the Seitenstreifen to be cleared. Move onto a regular lane as promptly as possible, but only if doing so does not endanger anyone else.
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