Listen to radio (601.1)

Listen to radio

Service Signs Sign number: 601.1

The sign indicates that radio listening is available at or near the road.

When you see the sign

Be aware that you may receive important traffic information by radio at or near this section of road. Turn on or tune the radio if you can do so without taking your attention away from driving, and follow any messages and instructions.

Rules

  • Skilt 601.1 indicates that you can listen to the radio at or near the road.
  • The sign is a service sign and, by itself, does not require you to stop or drive in a particular way.
  • Any radio frequency or other additional information on or near the sign indicates how the broadcast can be received.
  • Radio messages do not replace road signs, traffic lights, or instructions from the police or others authorised to regulate traffic.

Tips

  • Tune the radio before entering a tunnel or an area where the broadcast is relevant.
  • Use steering-wheel controls or other simple controls, and avoid searching through menus while driving.
  • Pay particular attention to information about road closures, accidents, queues, fires, or evacuation.
  • Always follow signs, traffic lights, and instructions at the location, even if the radio message provides additional information.

Common misconceptions

  • !Some people think the sign means that there is an emergency telephone. An emergency telephone is indicated by Skilt 605.
  • !Some interpret the sign as an instruction to stop and turn on the radio. It is a service sign that provides information about the radio service.
  • !Some assume that a radio message can override instructions from the police or traffic signals. Such instructions and signals must still be followed.

Test yourself

Easy

Listen to radio (601.1)

What information does this sign provide?

  • AThere is an emergency telephone at or near the road.
  • BThere is a vehicle workshop at or near the road.
  • CThere is an opportunity to listen to radio at or near the road.
  • DThere is a fire extinguisher at or near the road.

Medium

You pass the sign, and a radio frequency is given below the symbol. What can you do?

  • AYou must stop at the nearest safe place and tune in to the frequency.
  • BYou may tune in to the frequency when this can be done safely.
  • CYou must reduce your speed considerably before tuning in to the frequency.
  • DYou must switch off other audio equipment and tune in to the frequency.

Hard

You hear a radio announcement saying that traffic may continue, but a police officer signals you to stop. What do you do?

  • AYou stop and follow the police officer's direction.
  • BYou stop only if the light signal is also red.
  • CYou continue driving and follow the radio announcement.
  • DYou continue driving if other road users do the same.

Theory test tip

Look for the radio symbol and do not confuse it with the service signs for an emergency telephone or fire extinguisher. The common trap is to interpret the service sign as an instruction, even though it primarily provides information about a service at or near the road.

Did you know

The sign is particularly useful in and near tunnels, where radio can be used to provide drivers with traffic information and important safety messages.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to turn on the radio when I see the sign?

The sign is a service sign and does not, by itself, require you to turn on the radio. Nevertheless, it is sensible to listen if the broadcast may contain important traffic information.

Does the sign mean that there is an emergency telephone nearby?

No. An emergency telephone is indicated by Skilt 605, whereas this sign indicates that you can listen to the radio.

Can a tunnel broadcast be interrupted by an emergency message?

In some tunnels, the traffic control centre can broadcast or interrupt the programme with important messages. Drivers should listen to the message while continuing to follow signs, signals, and instructions at the location.

Can I tune the radio while driving?

Only if you can do so without disrupting your driving or reducing your attention. The safest option is to tune the radio beforehand or use simple steering-wheel controls.

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