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Speed hump
The sign warns of a speed hump.
When you see the sign
Reduce your speed well in advance and adapt it to the shape of the hump, visibility and road conditions. Brake mainly before the hump, and drive over it calmly without heavy acceleration or sudden steering.
Rules
- Sign 109 warns of a speed hump in the road.
- The sign does not set a specific speed limit; you must choose a speed that allows you to pass safely.
- You must be able to stop within the stretch of road you can see ahead, including if there are pedestrians, cyclists or a queue near the hump.
- An supplementary plate may indicate the distance to the hump or that several humps are present over a specified stretch.
Tips
- Release the accelerator early and finish braking before the front wheels reach the hump.
- Drive especially slowly if the vehicle has low ground clearance, a heavy load or a trailer.
- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists, as speed humps are often used in residential areas and near schools.
- Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front, as its driver may brake sharply before the hump.
Common misconceptions
- Some people think the sign indicates a specific speed limit, but it is a warning sign, not a prohibitory sign.
- Some confuse the symbol with the sign for a steep hill, which warns of a longer uphill or downhill section.
- Some people brake only once they are on top of the hump, even though speed should normally be reduced before passing over it.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign mean?
- AIt warns of a dangerous bend in the road.
- BIt warns of a steep uphill gradient on the road.
- CIt warns that the carriageway narrows.
- DIt warns of a speed hump in the carriageway.
Medium
You are approaching the place indicated by the sign, and there are pedestrians by the carriageway. What should you do?
- AI move into the opposite lane before passing in order to create a greater distance from the pedestrians.
- BI maintain my speed until passing and brake only when the front wheels are on the elevation.
- CI maintain my speed through the passage as long as I do not exceed the posted speed limit.
- DI reduce my speed before passing and make sure that I can stop within the visible section of road.
Hard
The speed limit on the road is 50 km/t, and no new speed-limit sign has been put up. Which statement is correct when you pass this sign?
- AThe speed limit is still 50 km/t, so I do not need to reduce my speed before passing.
- BThe speed limit is still 50 km/t, but I must choose a lower speed if a safe passage requires it.
- CThe speed limit automatically becomes 30 km/t and applies until the elevation has been passed.
- DThe speed limit automatically becomes walking speed and applies until the elevation has been passed.
Theory test tip
In the theory test, the sign may be confused with the sign for a steep hill. Look for the short, rounded raised shape in the symbol: It warns of a hump in the road, not a long uphill or downhill section.
Did you know
Speed humps are used as a physical traffic-calming measure, particularly in residential areas, near schools and in other places with many pedestrians and cyclists. The warning sign may be supplemented with an supplementary plate when the distance or extent needs to be specified.
Frequently asked questions
What speed should I drive over the hump at?
The sign does not indicate a specific speed. Choose a speed that is safe given the shape of the hump, the vehicle, the load and the road conditions.
Do I have to yield because this sign is there?
No, the sign itself does not impose a duty to yield. The usual right-of-way rules and any other signs or road markings still apply.
Does the sign always warn of just one hump?
Not necessarily. An supplementary plate may indicate that humps are present over a longer stretch, so you should be alert for additional traffic-calming measures.
Should I brake while the vehicle is on top of the hump?
If possible, reduce your speed before reaching the hump. Heavy braking while passing over it can put greater strain on the vehicle and make it less stable.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
