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Distance sign on motorways
The distance sign gives long-distance destinations and the distance to the respective town centre. Destinations that can be reached via a motorway other than the one currently being used are given below the horizontal line.
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When you see the Zeichen
Use the distance sign for orientation and check how far away the listed long-distance destinations are. You cannot reach destinations below the horizontal line via the Autobahn you are currently travelling on; you can only reach them after changing to another Autobahn. The sign itself does not require you to take any immediate action.
Rules
- The numbers next to the long-distance destinations indicate the distance in kilometres to the centre of the respective town or city.
- Destinations above the horizontal line are located on the route of the Autobahn you are currently travelling on.
- Destinations below the horizontal line can be reached via another Autobahn.
- Zeichen 453 is a direction and orientation sign; it does not prescribe a speed, a lane change or an exit.
Tips
- If your destination is below the line, check early which later Autobahnkreuz or Autobahndreieck you need to use to change Autobahn.
- Do not confuse the distance shown with the distance to the next exit: it is measured to the centre of the destination shown.
- Stay alert while reading the sign and keep your speed and lane steady; the sign does not require sudden braking.
- Compare the information with your planned route instead of changing lanes immediately just because you recognise a place name.
Common misunderstandings
- The number is mistakenly understood as the distance to the next junction, even though it refers to the centre of the long-distance destination shown.
- A destination below the line is mistakenly regarded as the next destination on the same Autobahn. In fact, you will later need to change to another Autobahn to reach it.
- The distance sign is confused with an exit sign. Zeichen 453 does not indicate an exit that is about to appear.
Exam tip
Pay particular attention to the horizontal line in exam questions. If a destination is shown below it, the correct statement is generally that the destination can be reached via an Autobahn other than the one you are currently travelling on.
Did you know
The horizontal line is not merely a design element of the sign: it indicates whether a destination can be reached via the Autobahn you are currently travelling on or only via another Autobahn.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to leave the Autobahn at Zeichen 453?
No. The distance sign is for orientation only and does not indicate an exit. A specific exit or direction of travel is announced by additional direction signs.
What does the distance shown refer to?
It indicates the distance in kilometres to the centre of the respective long-distance destination. It does not automatically indicate the distance to a junction or to the town or city limits.
What does a destination below the horizontal line mean?
This destination is reached via a different Autobahn from the one you are currently travelling on. This will generally require you to change Autobahn later at an Autobahnkreuz or Autobahndreieck.
Does Zeichen 453 prescribe a particular speed?
No. The sign does not prescribe a speed and does not cancel any existing speed limit. The existing traffic signs and general traffic rules continue to apply.
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