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Priority over oncoming traffic
Prohibition or requirement Anyone driving a vehicle must give priority to oncoming traffic.
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When you see the Zeichen
Reduce your speed well in advance before the narrowing and watch for oncoming traffic. If a vehicle is approaching and it is not possible to pass safely, you must wait before the narrowing and let the oncoming traffic pass first.
Rules
- Zeichen 208 requires you to give priority to oncoming traffic.
- You do not have to stop in every case; if the narrowing is clear or you can pass through without obstructing oncoming traffic, you may continue driving.
- Oncoming traffic also includes approaching motorcycles, bicycles and other vehicles.
- You must wait at a point where you do not obstruct oncoming traffic or block the narrowing any further.
- The sign regulates priority at a narrowing, not Vorfahrt at an intersection or junction.
Tips
- Look as far through the narrowing as possible and also watch for vehicles initially hidden by bends, construction vehicles or other obstacles.
- Approach slowly so that you can stop before the narrowing without having to brake abruptly.
- When waiting, keep a sufficient distance from the narrowing so that wide vehicles coming from the opposite direction can swing out.
- Expect to often see Zeichen 308 “Priority over oncoming traffic” on the opposite side.
Common misunderstandings
- Zeichen 208 is confused with Zeichen 308: With Zeichen 208, you must wait; with Zeichen 308, you generally have priority over oncoming traffic.
- Some learner drivers always stop directly at the sign. However, stopping is only necessary if oncoming traffic can claim priority; it is best to wait before the narrowing.
- An oncoming vehicle that is still a long way away is either waited for unnecessarily or obstructed by entering the narrowing too late. What matters is whether you can clear the entire narrowing safely without impeding oncoming traffic.
Exam tip
In test images, pay attention to the arrow colours and the shape: Zeichen 208 is round and shows a red arrow in your direction of travel, meaning that you must wait. The rectangular blue Zeichen 308, on the other hand, means “Priority over oncoming traffic”.
Did you know
Zeichen 208 is one of the Vorfahrt signs, even though it is not normally located at an intersection. It is mainly used at narrow bridges, roadworks or other road narrowings and is often positioned opposite Zeichen 308 on the other side.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to stop at Zeichen 208?
No. You only have to wait if there is oncoming traffic and it is not possible to pass through the narrowing safely at the same time.
Does the priority also apply to oncoming bicycles?
Yes. Bicycles are also vehicles, so you must grant oncoming cyclists the prescribed priority.
May I still enter the narrowing if the oncoming traffic is a long way away?
Yes, provided that you can safely clear the entire narrowing before obstructing the oncoming traffic or forcing it to brake. If in doubt, you should wait before the narrowing.
What is the difference between priority and Vorfahrt?
Zeichen 208 regulates priority over oncoming vehicles at a narrowing. Vorfahrt signs such as 205 or 206, on the other hand, generally regulate the order in which traffic flows proceed at intersections and junctions.
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