Teorio
No U-turns
Regulatory prohibition Anyone driving a vehicle may not make a U-turn here.
Download Teorio and practise for the theory exam.
When you see the Zeichen
At the marked location, you may not turn your vehicle around or return in the opposite direction of travel. Continue and find a place where turning is permitted and can be done safely; turning left remains permitted unless separately prohibited.
Rules
- Sign 272 prohibits every deliberate reversal of the direction of travel at the marked location.
- The prohibition applies to all vehicle drivers, including, in principle, cyclists.
- A U-turn made in several manoeuvres or using an entrance is also covered if it reverses the direction of travel.
- Turning left is not prohibited by sign 272 alone; other signage would be required for that.
- Zusatzzeichen may define the scope or the types of traffic affected more precisely.
Tips
- Do not position yourself to make a U-turn; continue straight ahead or turn where permitted.
- To reverse your direction, use a later intersection, a roundabout or another permitted location with good visibility.
- Pay particular attention to Zeichen 272 at large intersections and on roads with tram traffic, as U-turns are especially likely to cause conflicts there.
- Check any Zusatzzeichen before deciding whether the prohibition also applies to your vehicle.
Common misunderstandings
- Many learner drivers believe that Zeichen 272 also prohibits turning left. However, it only prohibits U-turns.
- Many people incorrectly believe that a three-point turn is permitted. This form of reversing direction is also prohibited.
- The sign is confused with a general entry or vehicle prohibition. As a rule, the road may still be used.
Exam tip
In exam questions, pay close attention to the difference between making a U-turn and turning left: with Zeichen 272, the correct answer may be that you are allowed to turn left but may not make a complete U-turn into the opposite direction.
Did you know
Zeichen 272 is often placed before large intersections, on multilane roads or in areas with tram tracks where drivers making U-turns could pose a particular risk to oncoming traffic or tram traffic.
Frequently asked questions
Am I allowed to turn left at Zeichen 272?
Yes, Zeichen 272 alone does not prohibit turning left. However, a prohibition on turning left may result from another traffic sign, a prescribed direction of travel or the road markings.
Am I allowed to make a U-turn in several manoeuvres?
No. The prohibition covers the intended reversal of direction regardless of whether it is completed in a single manoeuvre or by moving forwards and backwards.
Does the prohibition also apply to cyclists?
Yes, because a bicycle is also a vehicle. However, anyone who dismounts and pushes the bicycle is generally considered a pedestrian and is not making a U-turn with a vehicle being led under the meaning of the sign.
Am I allowed to reverse despite the sign?
A necessary short reverse, for example when parking where permitted, is not automatically a U-turn. However, reversing is only permitted if it does not endanger others; if it is used to reverse direction, it violates Zeichen 272.
Study for the Theorieprüfung
Teorio has all the theory material in your own language. Download the app and study whenever it suits you.
Other Zeichen in the same category
Prohibition for vehicles of all kinds
Prohibition for motor vehicles
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