Important Road Signs - Part 1

We live in a country with lots of traffic. We walk, ride bicycles, and there are lots of cars, trucks and buses. There are many rules for traffic. They are often shown on special signs. Here are a few that every child should know.

You are approaching a place where children might cross the road. You must not drive too fast here so that you can stop more quickly. On other roads, the speed limit is 30, 50, 60 or 80 km/h. Speed limit signs show a number inside a red circle, for example 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 or 100.

Here, Mum or Dad can drive faster than 70 km/h again. The dangerous stretch is over. But the speed limit on country roads and federal highways in Germany is 100 km/h. You may only drive faster on motorways.

This sign marks the beginning of a built-up area. This means above all that no one is allowed to drive faster than 50 km/h here. Sometimes you even have to slow down further within a town. You can only drive faster again once you see a sign like the one in the next picture.

Signs like these mark the end of a built-up area. The name of the place is crossed out in red, and the name of the next place appears above it. The distance to the next place is also shown. From here, you can drive faster than 50 km/h again.

This traffic sign applies to pedestrians and cyclists. Cyclists may use the path beside the road, and pedestrians the path to its right. Of course, both must take particular care of themselves and others.

Some paths are for pedestrians only. A blue sign showing a woman and child indicates this. Cyclists are not allowed here, except that children up to the age of 8 who are riding bicycles must use the pavement. Children up to the age of 10 are also allowed to ride their bicycles here.

Some traffic signs apply to pedestrians and cyclists alike. Both pedestrians and cyclists may use the path on the right-hand side of the road. But, of course, they must both watch out for themselves and others.

Children need space to play. Sometimes they’re allowed to use a road for this, too. Such a road is called a “play street,” or, more formally, a “traffic-calmed area.” In a “play street,” pedestrians can use the whole road. Children are allowed to play anywhere there. Cars and other vehicles, however, must travel at walking speed. The same rule applies to you and your bicycle.