Teorio
Priority over oncoming traffic
Prohibition or requirement Anyone driving a vehicle has priority over oncoming traffic.
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When you see the Zeichen
You have priority over oncoming traffic at the following narrow section. Nevertheless, drive attentively and enter only if the narrow section is clear or it is clear that oncoming traffic is waiting; do not force your priority.
Rules
- Zeichen 308 gives you priority over vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.
- The priority applies only to the narrow section in question and does not regulate Vorfahrt at intersections or junctions.
- If an oncoming vehicle is already in the narrow section, you must avoid a dangerous meeting and wait if necessary.
- The priority rule also applies to oncoming bicycles, as bicycles are vehicles.
Tips
- Check early whether the narrow section is completely clear and wide enough for your vehicle.
- Make sure that oncoming traffic has actually stopped before you enter the narrow section.
- Drive at an appropriate speed and keep a sufficient lateral distance from kerbs, construction equipment and waiting vehicles.
- Do not thank other drivers with risky hand signals, and do not rely on unclear gestures from oncoming traffic.
Common misunderstandings
- Zeichen 308 is confused with Zeichen 208: with Zeichen 308 you have priority, whereas with Zeichen 208 you must give priority to oncoming traffic.
- Learners interpret the priority as a right to enter the narrow section even when an oncoming vehicle has already entered it.
- The sign is mistakenly understood as a Vorfahrt rule for a nearby intersection; it applies exclusively to oncoming traffic at the narrow section.
Exam tip
In test images, pay particular attention to the colours of the arrows: with Zeichen 308, the large white arrow points in your direction of travel and the smaller red arrow points in the opposite direction. Nevertheless, you must not enter blindly if oncoming traffic is already occupying the narrow section.
Did you know
Zeichen 308 is typically placed before one-sided road narrowings, bridges or construction sites. Zeichen 208 “Priority of oncoming traffic” is often located on the opposite side.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to wait despite Zeichen 308 if an oncoming vehicle is already in the narrow section?
Yes, if passing at the same time is not safely possible. You must not force your priority or cause a collision or a dangerous obstruction.
Does my priority also apply to oncoming bicycles?
Yes. Bicycles are vehicles, so Zeichen 308 generally also applies in relation to cyclists approaching from the opposite direction.
Does Zeichen 308 also regulate Vorfahrt at an intersection beyond the narrow section?
No. The sign only regulates priority between vehicles approaching each other at the narrow section; at an intersection, the Vorfahrt signs, traffic lights or the right-before-left rule that apply there are decisive.
May I voluntarily give up my priority?
You can wait if this is useful for safe and unambiguous communication. Giving up your priority must be clearly recognisable to oncoming traffic and must not cause misunderstandings or hazards.
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