What does the sign 277.1 mean?
Not everyone who has a driver’s license knows all the traffic signs. This is favored by the fact that innovations are regularly made to the catalog of rules. In April 2020, the Road Traffic Act (StVO) was amended in a number of points, including the introduction of sign 277.1. Here you can read what’s behind it.
The new road sign hasn’t been in use for very long, and there’s a good chance you haven’t seen it on the road. In that case, we will prepare you.
Road Sign 277.1: That’s what it’s for
Officially, the name of the sign reads “Prohibition of overtaking single-track vehicles for multi-track motor vehicles and motorcycles with sidecars”. Put more simply, the traffic sign prohibits multi-track motor vehicles such as cars and trucks from overtaking single-track two-wheelers such as bicycles, mopeds, scooters or motorbikes.
Similar to all “No Overtaking” signs, the sign describes a red circle in which vehicles are depicted. On the right, a bicycle and a motor scooter are shown in black, representing all two-wheelers that are being overtaken by a red car on the left.
Where is traffic sign 277.1 used?
The sign was introduced to better protect vulnerable road users. They are particularly at risk when overtaking if there is not enough space available. In the future, the new traffic sign will be used in bottlenecks, downhill and uphill gradients and generally clear traffic situations.
However, the traffic sign is likely to remain rare, since the behavior of road users is usually already prescribed by other regulations. Also note that you now have to keep a distance of at least 2 meters from bicycles outside of built-up areas and one and a half meters in built-up areas when overtaking is prohibited.
If you don’t find enough space for this, you must not overtake.
Penalties and fines for non-compliance
If you overtake a light motorcycle or other single-track vehicle despite the ban, you risk a fine of 70 euros. Depending on the judicial decision, a point could also be added to the road traffic authority in Flensburg.
If you have further legal questions, you should visit our mobility page.
