Informational signs are essential for navigating Germany’s roads and highways, complementing Regulatory Road Signs, Warning Signs. All Traffic Signs provide a comprehensive understanding of the road environment. These signs offer valuable guidance to drivers about road conditions, facilities, and directions, ensuring smooth and efficient travel. Generally rectangular or square, they are often blue or white and include clear symbols or text. If you’re new to driving in Germany, this guide will help you understand how informational signs work alongside other traffic signs to enhance your driving experience.
What Are Informational Signs?
Informational signs are designed to provide practical information to drivers, rather than enforce rules or warn of dangers. They help you identify routes, services, road conditions, and other important details that enhance your driving experience.
Priority at next intersection
Priority road
End of priority road
Traffic has priority over oncoming vehicles
Town/city limit sign (front)
Town/city limit sign (back)
Parking area
Parking management zone (entry)
End of parking management zone
Parking on sidewalk allowed
Parking disc
Traffic calming zone
End of traffic calming zone
Tunnel ahead
Emergency lay-by
Motorway entrance
End of motorway
Expressway entrance
End of expressway
Motorway exit ahead
Expressway exit ahead
Expressway exit for local destinations ahead
Exit from motorway (arrow sign)
Exit from expressways (arrow sign)
Types of Informational Signs in Germany
Here are the common categories of informational signs you’ll see on German roads:
1. Directional Signs
These signs guide you toward specific destinations or routes.
• Highway Signs: Blue signs with white text, indicating autobahn routes and exits.
• Example: A sign showing “Berlin A9” means the autobahn leading to Berlin.
• Distance Markers: Show the distance to upcoming cities or landmarks.
2. Road Condition Signs
These provide information about the current or upcoming road layout.
• Lanes and Merging: Indicates how many lanes are available or if lanes merge ahead.
• Example: A blue sign with lane symbols.
• Advisory Speed Limits: Suggest a safe driving speed for a specific section of the road.
• Example: “130 km/h” on a blue square indicates an advisory speed on the autobahn.
3. Service Signs
These signs indicate nearby services for drivers, often found on highways and major roads.
• Gas Stations: A symbol of a fuel pump shows the location of a nearby gas station.
• Rest Stops: Signs with a bench or picnic table indicate rest areas.
• Food and Lodging: Symbols for restaurants or hotels help you plan stops.
• Charging Stations: Electric vehicle charging stations are marked with a plug symbol.
4. Facilities and Accessibility
These signs show the availability of facilities for specific needs.
• Parking: A blue sign with a white “P” indicates parking areas.
• Disabled Parking: Marked spaces for vehicles with disability permits.
• Public Transport Connections: Symbols for bus stops, train stations, or park-and-ride facilities.
5. Tourist Information Signs
Special brown signs provide information about points of interest, such as historic landmarks, museums, or natural attractions.
6. Environmental Information
These signs display information about environmental zones or low-emission areas.
• Example: “Umweltzone” signs mark areas where only vehicles with low emissions are allowed.
For a comprehensive collection of informational signs, regulatory road signs, warning signs, and traffic signals in Germany, you can explore detailed SVG road sign illustrations at Wikimedia Commons.
FAQs About Informational Signs in Germany
Q: Are informational signs legally binding?
A: Most informational signs are not legally binding. However, ignoring them may lead to inconvenience or unsafe driving conditions.
Q: What do blue signs mean on German roads?
A: Blue signs usually provide information, such as directions, speed advisories, or available facilities.
Q: Are informational signs available in English?
A: No, informational signs are primarily in German. However, the symbols are intuitive and easy to understand for international drivers.
Q: How do I identify tourist attractions while driving?
A: Look for brown signs with white text and symbols, which indicate nearby landmarks or points of interest.
Q: Do informational signs include warnings?
A: No, warnings are provided by triangular signs with red borders. Informational signs focus on guidance and support.