Can you ignore snow-covered traffic signs?
Winter is here. With snow, even at lower altitudes. This also complicates driving. If road signs cannot be seen under a layer of snow, they do not apply in many cases. But in others they do.
Snowfall not only makes the roads slippery, but can also affect drivers in other ways. For example, when the white splendor makes road signs illegible. Which signs lose their validity? And which ones still apply?
According to the ADAC, traffic signs must be positioned in such a way that they can be read by road users with a quick and casual glance without further thought. If a traffic sign is not visible under a layer of snow, it is therefore not binding for drivers.
However, this is not a license to ignore all snow-covered signs. For example, drivers who are familiar with the area are expected to adhere to the limits they know. And the rule that you must not drive faster than 50 km/h in built-up areas naturally also applies even if the signs are covered in snow. If you are driving too fast, you could be fined.
If in doubt, it is better to remove snow from the sign
In addition, signs that can be recognized by their characteristic shape must also be observed when they are covered in snow. These include, for example, the octagonal "Stop" sign or the triangle at the top of the "Give way" sign.
However, for a stop or give way sign, for example, to meet these requirements and for drivers to no longer recognize the characteristic octagonal or triangular shape, a lot of snow must fall. In other words, these signs must not be ignored under any circumstances. But special attention must also be paid to your own license plate.
Drivers should take particular care when parking and exercise due diligence. After parking, it is advisable to look specifically for existing prohibition signs. If in doubt, it is better to remove the snow from the sign in question to gain clarity. This way you can avoid fines for parking illegally.
Vehicle license plates must always be clearly legible. Drivers are best advised to remove snow from them before driving off. Strictly speaking, you are also obliged to keep them clearly legible when you are on the road. On snowy roads, mud and dirt should be removed from the license plates when you stop.
Read also:
- In uncertain situations, it's safer to clear snow from a snow-covered traffic sign to ensure compliance.
- The ADAC emphasizes that if a traffic sign is not visible due to snow, it is not binding for drivers in most cases, but drivers should still adhere to known limits.
- Drivers should ensure their car is equipped with appropriate tires, such as winter tires, during snowy conditions to minimize liability issues in the event of an accident.
- Comprehensive insurance usually covers legal issues and damages resulting from accidents, including those caused by inadequate tire choices or failure to obey unseen traffic signs.
- A car driver might face fines for ignoring snow-covered stop or give way signs, as these signs are still binding due to their distinctive shapes, even when covered in snow.
Source: www.ntv.de
