Traffic Laws and Signs Self-Test - Brian's Guide to Getting Around Germany

So you wanna see if you've mastered the German traffic laws and signs? Take this self-test and see how you do!

The right-of-way diagrams on this page were taken from the US Army Drivers Handbook and Examination Manual for Germany [AE Pamphlet 190-34].

The answers have been verified using the aforementioned document as well as German driver's education materials. The explanations accompanying the answers are my own.

Section 1: Right-of-way

1. In what order can the vehicles proceed? ANSWER: 1-2-3. REASON: This is an unmarked intersection. As a result, traffic on the right has the right-of-way.

2. When can vehicle 2 proceed? ANSWER: After vehicle 3. REASON: This is an unmarked intersection, so traffic on the right has the right-of-way.

3. In what order can the vehicles proceed?

ANSWER: 2-1-3.

REASON: This is an unmarked intersection, so traffic on the right has the right-of-way. However, because vehicle 3 is not conflicting with vehicle 2, the "right-of-way-to-the-right" rule does not apply to it. Therefore, vehicle 2 has the right-of-way over vehicle 1 and can proceed first, leaving vehicles 1 and 3 remaining. Since vehicle 1 is going straight, vehicle 3 must yield to it.

4. When can vehicle 1 proceed? ANSWER: After vehicles 3 and 2. REASON: This is an unmarked intersection. As a result, traffic from the right has the right-of-way, despite the relative sizes of the streets. NOTE: In practice, this situation is unlikely to occur as there are almost always signs posted in these circumstances.

5. Who has the right-of-way? ANSWER: Vehicle 1. REASON: The yield signs indicate that traffic must yield to the streetcar.

6. Who has the right-of-way? ANSWER: Vehicle 1. REASON: The yield signs indicate that traffic must yield to the streetcar.

7. Who has the right-of-way? ANSWER: Vehicle 1. REASON: Although this is an unmarked intersection, vehicles entering an Autobahn must always yield.

8. Who is required to yield? ANSWER: Vehicle 1. REASON: Right-turning vehicles must yield to vehicles (e.g. bicycles, buses, etc.) in a marked lane to the right.

9. Who is required to yield? ANSWER: Vehicle 3. REASON: The yield to the right rule applies here since there are no traffic signs indicating otherwise. NOTE: In practice, this situation is unlikely to occur as there are almost always signs posted in these circumstances.

10. Who goes first? ANSWER: Vehicle 2. REASON: In cases of otherwise equal right-of-way, vehicles turning right have right-of-way over vehicles turning left.

11. In what order can the vehicles proceed? ANSWER: 2-3-1. REASON: This is an unmarked intersection. As a result, traffic on the right has the right-of-way.

12. In what order can the vehicles proceed? ANSWER: 3-2-1. REASON: This is an unmarked intersection. As a result, traffic on the right has the right-of-way.

13. In what order can the vehicles proceed? ANSWER: Vehicle 1, then 2. REASON: This is an unmarked intersection. As a result, traffic on the right has the right-of-way. Horse-drawn vehicles are considered legal road traffic.

14. Which vehicles can proceed? ANSWER: 1 and 2. REASON: Vehicle 3 has a yield sign and must yield to other vehicles.

15. Which vehicles must yield at these intersections? ANSWER: 2 and 3. REASON: Vehicle 2 must yield because it is an unmarked intersection and he must yield to traffic on the right. Vehicle 3 must yield because he has a yield sign.

16. Who goes first? ANSWER: Vehicle 1. REASON: In cases of otherwise equal right-of-way, vehicles going straight have the right-of-way over turning vehicles.

17. Who must yield? ANSWER: Vehicles 1 and 2. REASON: Vehicle 1 is leaving the priority road and therefore must yield to vehicle 3, which is continuing along the priority road. Vehicle 2 has a yield sign and must yield to the other vehicles.

18. Who has the right-of-way? ANSWER: Vehicle 1. REASON: Vehicle 2 has a yield sign and must yield to vehicle 1, which is following the priority road.

19. In what order can the vehicles proceed? ANSWER: 3-1-2. REASON: Vehicle 3 is on the priority road and has the right-of-way over the other two vehicles who have stop signs. Then, in cases of otherwise equal right-of-way, vehicles turning right have the right-of-way over vehicles turning left, so vehicle 1 can go before vehicle 2.

20. Who must yield? ANSWER: Vehicle 2. REASON: This is an unmarked intersection. As a result, traffic on the right has the right-of-way. The do not enter signs are inconsequential.

21. In what order can the vehicles proceed? ANSWER: 2-1-3. REASON: Vehicle 2 is following the priority road and has the right-of-way over the other vehicles. Since both vehicles 1 and 3 have yield signs, their right-of-way is equal, so the right-of-way goes to the vehicle on the right (in this case, vehicle 1.)

22. Who has the right-of-way? ANSWER: Vehicle 1. REASON: Vehicle 2 is leaving the priority road and must yield to vehicle 1 because he is staying on the priority road.

23. In what order can the vehicles proceed? ANSWER: 1-3-2. REASON: Although is on the priority road, vehicle 2 is a hand-drawn vehicle and is not considered legal road traffic. Therefore, it must yield to all other legal road traffic. Since vehicles 1 and 3 both have a yield sign, vehicle 1 can go first because it is going straight.

24. In what order can the vehicles proceed? ANSWER: 1-2-3. REASON: This is an unmarked intersection. As a result, traffic on the right has the right-of-way, despite the relative sizes of the roads. NOTE: In practice, this situation is unlikely to occur as there are almost always signs posted in these circumstances.

25. Does vehicle 2 have to yield? ANSWER: No. REASON: Vehicle 1 has a yield sign and must yield to vehicle 2 because he is following the priority road. Bicycles are considered legal traffic.

26. In what order can the vehicles proceed? ANSWER: 2-1-3. REASON: The streetcar (vehicle 2) is on the priority road and has right-of-way over the other vehicles who both have yield signs. Vehicle 1 is going straight and therefore has the right-of-way over vehicle 3.

27. In what order can the vehicles proceed? ANSWER: 3-2-1. REASON: Vehicles 2 and 3 are on the priority road, so they both have right-of-way over vehicle 1. Vehicle 3 has right-of-way over vehicle 2 because he is going straight.

28. In what order can the vehicles proceed? ANSWER: 3-1-2. REASON: Vehicles 1 and 3 are on the priority road and have the right-of-way over vehicle 2. However, vehicle 1 is leaving the priority road so he must yield to vehicle 3 who is staying on the priority road.

29. In what order can the vehicles proceed? ANSWER: 2-3-1. REASON: Vehicles 2 and 3 are on the priority road and have the right-of-way over vehicle 1. However, vehicle 3 is leaving the priority road so he must yield to vehicle 2 who is staying on the priority road.

30. Which vehicles must yield? ANSWER: Vehicles 2 and 3. REASON: Since an island separates the pedestrian crossing, vehicle 1 does not have to yield to the pedestrians.

31. Who has the right-of-way, the car or the pedestrians? ANSWER: The pedestrians. REASON: When both pedestrians and vehicles have a green light, pedestrians have the right-of-way.

32. Which vehicles can proceed? ANSWER: Vehicles 2 and 3. REASON: The police officer is indicating the right-of-way for vehicle 3. Vehicle 2 is turning in a separate turn lane and is not regulated by the police officer. Since no vehicles are coming from his left, he can proceed without stopping.

33. Which vehicles must stop? ANSWER: None of them. REASON: The police officer is indicating that all the vehicles can proceed.

34. Which vehicle can proceed? ANSWER: Vehicle 3. REASON: The police officer is indicating that vehicles 1 and 2 must stop.

35. Which vehicles must stop? ANSWER: Vehicle 1. REASON: The police officer is indicating that vehicles 2 and 3 have the right-of-way.

36. The traffic signal is flashing yellow. Does the driver have to stop? ANSWER: No. REASON: The flashing yellow signal indicates that the signals are not in operation, so drivers must obey the posted signs. The driver has a yield sign, but since there is no other traffic coming, they can proceed.

37. The traffic signal is flashing yellow. Which vehicles must stop? ANSWER: Vehicles 1 and 2. REASON: The flashing yellow signal indicates that the signals are not in operation, so drivers must obey the posted signs. Vehicles 1 and 2 have a stop sign and must stop. Vehicle 3 has a yield sign, but since no traffic is coming, they can proceed.

38. Who must yield?

ANSWER: Vehicle 2.

REASON: The fire truck has its lights and siren on, so it has the automatic right-of-way, regardless of the signs.

Section 2: Signs and Signals

1. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates that you are approaching a railway crossing that is guarded with barriers; the sign on the right indicates you are approaching a railway crossing with no barriers.

NOTE: The sign on the left is being phased-out, so all railway crossings will now be marked with the sign on the right.

2. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates that you have the right-of-way at the next intersection; the sign on the right indicates that you must yield the right-of-way to traffic on the right at the next intersection.

3. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates that you must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic; the sign on the right indicates that you have the right-of-way over oncoming traffic.

4. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates that you are on or are approaching a road with two-way traffic; the sign on the right indicates that you must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.

5. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates that you must continue straight at the intersection where it is posted (i.e. no turns); the sign on the right indicates that you are on a one-way street.

NOTE: The sign on the right is being phased-out.

6. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates a pedestrian crossing ahead; the sign on the right marks the actual location of a pedestrian crossing and indicates that you must yield to pedestrians.

7. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates bicycles are prohibited; the sign on the right indicates that only bicycles are allowed and that bicycles are required to use that lane or path.

8. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates the maximum total vehicle weight limit; the sign on the right indicates the maximum weight limit on any single axle.

9. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left prohibits entry for passenger vehicles (PKWs; i.e. cars, vans, and light trucks); the sign on the right prohibits entry for all multi-track motor vehicles.

10. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates that pedestrians and bicycles can both use the entire path; the sign on the right indicates that pedestrians must use the left side of the path while bicycles must use the right side.

11. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates a pathway that must be used by bicycles and pedestrians; the signs on the right indicate a pedestrian path that may also be used by bicycles but cyclists are not required to use it instead of the roadway.

12. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates that stopping/standing is prohibited; the sign on the right indicates that parking is prohibited.

13. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates that parking is prohibited along the road where it is posted; the sign on the right indicates a general parking restriction for the entire neighborhood you are entering.

14. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates that parking is permitted immediately to the left of the sign; the sign on the right indicates the direction to a parking facility.

15. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates the maximum speed limit; the sign on the right indicates the minimum speed limit.

16. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left is an Autobahn interchange number; the sign on the right is a minimum speed limit.

17. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates the speed limit for the road you are on; the sign on the right indicates the speed limit for the entire neighborhood you are entering.

18. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates that the bumpy road begins in 400 meters; the sign on the right indicates that the bumpy road continues from this point for the next 3 kilometers.

19. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left marks a pre-posted emergency detour route for traffic to bypass a closed or congested section of Autobahn; the sign on the right marks a (typically) temporary detour on non-Autobahn roads.

20. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates you are entering an urban area where the speed limit is 50 km/h and other urban traffic regulations apply; the sign on the right indicates you are entering a small locale that does not warrant the other sign.

21. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left is a direction sign on the Autobahn; the sign on the right is a direction sign on a Federal or secondary road.

22. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left announces the next exit from the Autobahn and lists the exit number (26) and primary destination(s); the sign on the right indicates that there is an off-Autobahn service area (truck stop) at exit 27.

23. What is the difference in meaning between these two signs?

ANSWER: The sign on the left indicates that there is a service area (truck stop) that is off the Autobahn at exit 27; the sign on the right indicates an upcoming service area that is directly attached to the Autobahn.

24. What does the white panel at the bottom of this sign indicate?

ANSWER: It indicates the distance to the next service area with fuel.

25. You're driving a standard passenger car (PKW) with no trailer and wish to overtake a bus in an area where these signs are posted. Are you permitted to do so?

ANSWER: Yes. Although the parent sign indicates that overtaking is prohibited, the supplemental sign indicates that the overtaking prohibition only applies to trucks, buses, and vehicles with trailers.

26. You're driving a standard passenger car (PKW) and wish to visit someone who lives on a street where these signs are posted. Can you drive on this street?

ANSWER: Yes. Although the parent sign indicates that the road is closed to all traffic, the supplemental sign indicates that residents and those having business there are exempted.

27. What speed limit does this sign indicate?

ANSWER: 50 km/h maximum

28. What speed limit does this sign indicate?

ANSWER: 7 km/h maximum

29. It is 10:00 in the morning and you are driving down a street in an urban area with this sign. What is the current speed limit, and what is the purpose of the speed limit on this sign?

ANSWER: The current speed limit is 50 km/h. This is because the speed limit shown on the sign is only in effect between 22:00 and 06:00, so the default speed limit for an urban area (50 km/h) would currently apply. When in effect, the speed limit on the sign is for the reduction of noise pollution.

30. How long does this 60 km/h speed limit apply?

ANSWER: Until you have traveled past the curve, after which you can return to the default speed limit for the type of road you are on unless otherwise posted.

31. What speed limit does this sign indicate?

ANSWER: The default speed limit for the road you are on (i.e. no limit on the Autobahn; 100 km/h on rural roads; 50 km/h in town).

32. What does the number 8 on this sign indicate?

ANSWER: The index number of the parking facility (e.g. 'Parking lot #8')

33. What does this sign indicate?

ANSWER: That you are on a priority road and have the right-of-way over all other traffic. Outside of urban areas, you may not park on this road.

34. What right-of-way does this sign give you?

ANSWER: None. Instead, it indicates that you must yield to other traffic.

35. You wish to turn left at an intersection where this sign is posted. Are you permitted to do so?

ANSWER: No, you may only turn right or continue straight ahead

36. This sign is posted on the right side of the street. Where is illegal to park in relation to this sign?

ANSWER: You may not park on that side of the street prior to (i.e. approaching) this sign.

37. What do these signs indicate?

ANSWER: These are NATO military bridge classification signs; they have no meaning for civilian traffic.

38. Who is required to yield at this sign?

ANSWER: All vehicles must yield to streetcars.

39. What are the requirements to park where these signs are posted?

ANSWER: You must place a parking disc on your dashboard set to the time you arrived and you may only park for 2 hours.

40. What are the requirements to park where these signs are posted?

ANSWER: You must purchase a voucher from the nearest machine, display it on your dashboard, and return to your vehicle by the time it expires.

41. What are you required to have in order to drive past this sign?

ANSWER: Your vehicle must have a green emissions sticker.

42. You're driving in an Autobahn construction zone and see this sign. What is it telling you?

ANSWER: That there is 6 km to go before the end of the road work.

43. Do you have to stop at an intersection with this signal and sign?

ANSWER: No. When functioning, the traffic signal takes precedence over the sign.

44. Do you have to stop at an intersection with this signal and sign?

ANSWER: Yes. A flashing or dark signal indicates it is out of operation, so the adjacent sign then designates the right-of-way. In this case, you have a stop sign, so you must stop.

45. Can you make a right turn on red at this signal?

ANSWER: No. A right turn on red is not legal unless there is a green arrow sign or green right arrow signal. The right turn sign here means that you must turn right at this intersection.

46. What is the difference between these two signals?

ANSWER: The green arrow on the left signal is a static sign and indicates you may turn right on red after stopping. The green arrow on the right signal is an illuminated signal and indicates you may turn right without stopping.

47. What does the flashing yellow signal here indicate?

ANSWER: It indicates that pedestrians and/or cyclists have a green signal to cross the street to the right and reminds you to watch for and yield to those pedestrians or cyclists when turning right.

48. You are driving on a rural road with these markings. What does the green line indicate?

ANSWER: The green area is equivalent to a median; you are prohibited from crossing it.

NOTE: The green marking is new and is being used on new or upgraded segments of national trunk roads.

49. You're driving down the right-hand side of this road and wish to overtake. Are you permitted to do so?

ANSWER: Yes and no. The solid line on your side of the road indicates that you may not cross it to overtake; however, you may overtake if you stay within your lane.

50. What do the signs and markings here indicate?

ANSWER: The sign marks a bus stop and the zig-zag markings denote a no stopping zone for vehicles other than buses.

Section 3: Other Rules and Misc.

1. What emergency equipment must you carry in your vehicle? ANSWER: A warning triangle, first aid kit, and safety vest.

2. If your vehicle is disabled on the road, what must you do? ANSWER: Turn on your hazard flashers, put on your safety vest, and place a warning triangle 100 meters behind your vehicle (200 meters on the Autobahn.)

3. You come upon an accident that has just occurred. What are you required to do? ANSWER: You must stop and provide first aid to anyone who is injured.

4. You are traveling down a rural road with no speed limit signs. How fast are you permitted to travel? ANSWER: 100 km/h.

5. You spot some children playing on the sidewalk next to the street. What must you do? ANSWER: You must take your foot off the gas pedal and be prepared to stop.

6. How long can you stand your vehicle before you are considered parked? ANSWER: 3 minutes. You are also considered to be parked if you leave your vehicle regardless of the length of time.

7. When is it legal to park on the left side of the street? ANSWER: When you are on a one-way street or when there are rails along the right side of the street.

8. A police car passes you and then flashes a sign at you that says "BITTE FOLGEN". What's happening? ANSWER: You are being pulled-over for a traffic violation. You must follow the police vehicle.

9. You are approaching a zebra crossing and you see a pedestrian on the sidewalk in close proximity to the crosswalk. What are you required to do? ANSWER: Reduce speed and be prepared to stop and yield to the pedestrian if they want to cross the street.

10. You back into a parked car and damage it. What are you required to do? ANSWER: You must wait 30 minutes for the owner to return. If they do not return, report it to the police.

11. You are preparing to enter a roundabout. What signal do you need to give? ANSWER: None; you should not signal when entering the roundabout. However, you are required to use your right turn signal just before you exit the roundabout.

12. The Autobahn has been closed due to an accident and you are forced to exit. How do you find your way to the next Autobahn entrance without GPS/satnav? ANSWER: Immediately upon exiting the Autobahn, note the blue sign with a "U" and a number, then follow the same numbered signs back to the next Autobahn entrance.

13. The road you're driving on has conflicting yellow and white pavement markings. Which color markings should you obey? ANSWER: The yellow ones. Yellow markings are temporary markings in construction areas and supersede the regular white markings.

14. You are in the left lane on the Autobahn and are approaching a traffic jam. What should you do and what are you required to do? ANSWER: You should switch on your hazard signals briefly to warn traffic behind you. You must then move as far to the left in your lane as possible to provide a bypass lane (Rettungsgasse) for emergency vehicles.

15. You are in the left lane on the Autobahn going 200 km/h and a vehicle is approaching from behind. What are you required to do? ANSWER: You are required to move to the right as soon as it is safe to do so.

16. What documents must you carry in your vehicle? ANSWER: Proof of third-party liability insurance (green card) as well as proof of ownership (registration or rental agreement.)

17. You want to park on the street and see a gap between parked cars. What should you look for before parking there? ANSWER: Check for any pavement markings (i.e. zig-zag lines) or official signs that prohibit parking there. Also, check for any "Ausfahrt freihalten" signs on a fence, gate, door, or post nearby. If any of those are present, do not park there.

18. When parking on the street, how much space must there be between your car and the nearest lane lane or center line of the street? ANSWER: 3 meters.

19. Your mobile phone rings while you're stopped at a red light. Are you allowed to answer it? ANSWER: If you have a hands-free device, then yes, as long as you can still hear outside sounds while using it. Otherwise, no, you cannot use a mobile phone unless you are parked and the engine is off.

20. You want to overtake a bicyclist — how much space must you give them while passing?

ANSWER: 1.5 meters in urban areas, 2 meters in rural areas.

Review

So how did you do? If you need to brush-up on anything, you can do so here:

On this page:

Section 1: Right-of-way

Section 2: Signs and Signals

Section 3: Other Rules and Misc.

Review