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Dangerous road shoulder
The sign warns of a dangerous road shoulder.
When you see the sign
Reduce your speed if necessary and keep the vehicle well within the carriageway. Avoid running onto the road shoulder, as it may be loose, steep, unstable or have a dangerous height difference from the carriageway.
Rules
- The sign warns of a road shoulder that may be dangerous to drive onto or stop on.
- You must adjust your speed so that you remain in control without having to make a sudden steering movement towards the road shoulder.
- The sign does not in itself introduce a specific speed limit or a no-overtaking restriction.
- An supplementary plate may indicate the distance to the dangerous road shoulder or the length of the stretch of road where the hazard applies.
Tips
- Position the car slightly farther from the edge of the road, but do not cross into the oncoming lane.
- Reduce your speed before narrow sections or when meeting oncoming traffic, so that you are not forced onto the shoulder.
- Keep a steady grip on the steering wheel and avoid sudden steering if the wheels approach the edge of the road.
- If a wheel goes beyond the edge of the asphalt, reduce your speed in a controlled manner before steering calmly back onto the carriageway.
Common misconceptions
- Assuming that the sign warns of a narrower road; it is the condition or design of the road shoulder that is dangerous.
- Interpreting the sign as a general warning of dangerous bends.
- Assuming that the road shoulder is safe to use for stopping just because it looks wide.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign warn about?
- AIt warns of a dangerous bend in the road ahead.
- BIt warns that the carriageway becomes narrower ahead.
- CIt warns of a road shoulder that may be dangerous to use.
- DIt warns of a steep hill on the road ahead.
Medium
You encounter this sign on a rural road. How should you drive?
- AI maintain the same speed and drive closer to the road shoulder.
- BI stop on the road shoulder to investigate the conditions.
- CI adapt my speed and avoid sudden steering towards the road shoulder.
- DI increase my speed and pass the area as quickly as possible.
Hard
The carriageway appears to be equally wide both before and after the sign. Which assessment is correct?
- AThe sign applies only if the road enters a dangerous bend.
- BThe sign may still apply because the road shoulder may be dangerous.
- CThe sign applies only if the road descends a steep hill.
- DThe sign applies only if the carriageway itself becomes clearly narrower.
Theory test tip
Look for the symbol indicating that the area beside the edge of the carriageway is affected. A common trap is to choose “narrower road”, but this sign warns of a dangerous road shoulder, not necessarily a reduced road width.
Did you know
The sign is often used where there is a significant height difference at the edge of the asphalt, or where the shoulder is loose and cannot withstand the load from a vehicle. The hazard may be difficult to detect from the driver's seat, especially in the dark or when the edge of the road is covered with snow.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to brake when I see the sign?
You must adjust your speed to the hazard and the conditions. If your current speed does not give you safe control and sufficient distance from the road shoulder, you must reduce it.
Can I stop on the road shoulder here?
The sign is not a no-stopping sign, but it warns that the shoulder may be unsuitable or dangerous to use. If possible, choose another stable and legal place to stop.
What can make the road shoulder dangerous?
It may be loose, soft, steep or narrow, or lie significantly lower than the edge of the asphalt. This can lead to loss of control or cause the vehicle to become stuck or overturn.
What should I do if my right wheel goes onto the shoulder?
Keep a steady hold of the steering wheel and avoid steering sharply back. Reduce your speed in a controlled manner, and guide the car carefully back onto the carriageway when it is safe to do so.
Practise for the theory test
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