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No overtaking of single-track vehicles by multi-track motor vehicles and motorcycles with sidecars
Regulatory or prohibitory sign Anyone driving a multi-track motor vehicle must not overtake single-track or multi-track vehicles.
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When you see the Zeichen
If you are driving a passenger car or another multi-track motor vehicle, you may not overtake single-track vehicles from this sign onward. Stay behind bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles until the restriction is lifted.
Rules
- The no-overtaking restriction applies to drivers of multi-track motor vehicles and to riders of motorcycles with sidecars.
- During the restriction, single-track vehicles such as bicycles, mopeds, light motorcycles and motorcycles may not be overtaken.
- The restriction begins at the location of the sign and ends at a corresponding sign lifting the restriction, in particular Zeichen 280 or Zeichen 282, or after a distance indicated by a Zusatzzeichen.
- An intersection or junction does not automatically end a distance-based no-overtaking restriction.
- The restriction also applies if there would otherwise be enough space to maintain the required lateral distance while overtaking.
Tips
- Reduce your speed early if cyclists or other single-track vehicles are travelling ahead of you.
- Keep a sufficient distance and wait for the restriction to clearly end instead of trying to squeeze past the vehicle.
- Look out for Zusatzzeichen that specify the beginning, length or end of the restriction.
- Do not confuse this sign with a traffic ban: you may drive along the road in your passenger car, but you may not overtake single-track vehicles there.
Common misunderstandings
- Many Fahrschüler believe that the sign only prohibits overtaking bicycles. It also covers other single-track vehicles, such as mopeds and motorcycles.
- Some people mistake the sign for a general no-overtaking restriction. Here, it specifically prohibits multi-track motor vehicles and motorcycles with sidecars from overtaking single-track vehicles.
- It is often assumed that the restriction ends at the next junction. However, without a sign lifting it or a corresponding distance indication, it remains in force.
Exam tip
Pay attention to the types of vehicles mentioned in exam questions: Under this sign, you may not overtake a bicycle, moped or motorcycle with a passenger car. The trap is often assuming that the restriction applies only to cyclists.
Did you know
Zeichen 277.1 was added to the StVO in 2020. It is used especially on narrow or poorly visible sections of road where safe overtaking of single-track vehicles cannot be ensured.
Frequently asked questions
May I overtake a cyclist in my passenger car if I can maintain a lateral distance of 1.5 metres?
No. The sign prohibits overtaking single-track vehicles regardless of whether the otherwise required lateral distance could be maintained.
May I overtake another car in my passenger car?
Zeichen 277.1 specifically prohibits overtaking single-track vehicles. However, another no-overtaking restriction may result from additional traffic signs, road markings or the specific traffic situation.
Does the sign also apply to motorcycles with sidecars?
Yes. Riders of motorcycles with sidecars may not overtake single-track vehicles under this sign either.
When does the restriction end?
It ends at a sign lifting the restriction, such as Zeichen 280 or Zeichen 282, or after the distance indicated on a Zusatzzeichen. An intersection or junction does not automatically end it.
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Other Zeichen in the same category
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Prohibition for motor vehicles over 3.5 t
Prohibition for bicycle traffic
Prohibition for motorcycles
Prohibition for pedestrians
Prohibition for motor vehicles
Prohibition for motor vehicles carrying dangerous goods and subject to marking