Not knowing the meaning of a sign abroad does not protect you from paying a fine. Our colleagues from RTL.lu present two new signs that you may encounter on the road.
There are many different types of road signs, each with its own set of colours, shapes, and meanings. Each sign has its own meaning, some of which are more obvious than others. In 2022, a new sign appeared in Germany, but what about Luxembourg?
In order to ensure smooth road traffic, the whole society has to cooperate, including by following some specific rules. Among these regulations are the traffic signs, the rules of which must be understood and respected. Otherwise, an accident can happen very quickly.
New signs are sometimes introduced to improve road safety, as was the case this year in Germany. Driving instructor Tim Wagner of the Wallheimer driving school explained the meaning of the new sign to our colleagues from RTL.lu.
“This is a prohibition sign indicating that a car or lorry may not pass a bicycle or motorbike. So, motorbikes with sidecars can’t overtake a motorbike or a bicycle either.”
With a few exceptions, signs are more or less the same across Europe. If this were not the case, motorists would only be able to drive in their own country, since they would otherwise be completely lost when faced with numerous unfamiliar signs. In Germany, failing to obey this new traffic sign might result in a fine of up to €70 as well as a point on your licence. But, if you come from another country and are unaware of this sign, can the German police actually fine you?
According to Manuel Ruggiu of the National Society of Automotive Traffic (SNCA), “if you come across signs you don’t recognise abroad and are stopped by the police, unfortunately there is nothing you can do about it; you have to accept that you made a mistake.”
“Even if you have a foreign number plate that shows that you don’t have this type of signage in your country, it doesn’t change anything,” according to Ruggiu.
It is therefore every driver’s responsibility to educate themselves on the traffic laws of the country in which they are driving. But, coming back to Luxembourg, has the Grand Duchy recently added any new signs?
Tim Wagner confirms that this is indeed the case. One sign that is quite recent and that drivers will see more and more on the road is: Rue Cyclable. With this sign, several rules must be followed:
- The maximum speed is 30km/h
- The cyclist has the right to use the full width of the street in question
- Any motor vehicle must take the shortest route through these streets, and
- may not overtake or endanger the cyclist
- In the worst-case scenario, the motor vehicle must remain stationary
- Parking is generally prohibited
- If there is no sign indicating otherwise at the end of this street, priority-to-the-right applies
While the ministry does not always launch an information campaign when introducing new road signs, each sign is added to the Code de la Route (“Highway Code”) and legislation.
Nei Verkéiersschëlder / Reportage Laura Lessyn