Snow-covered traffic signs: you have to know that

In winter not only slippery roads, but also snow-covered traffic signs make driving difficult. In this article you can read about the legal provisions for snow-covered signs.

Snow-covered traffic signs do not lose their validity

If a road sign is no longer recognizable due to snow, it does not mean that you can ignore it.

• Some of the traffic signs can already be recognized by their shape. In addition to the octagonal stop sign, this also includes the triangular right-of-way sign on the "tip down".
• Since the shape of these two signs is quite easy to recognize, according to ADAC they remain valid even in winter, even if they are covered by snow.
• However, there are also many round traffic signs, the meaning of which cannot be seen when they are covered with snow. With such traffic signs, according to ADAC, lawmakers cannot expect drivers to guess their importance. This applies, for example, to specifications regarding the maximum speed.
• However, as a local you cannot rely on this recording. In your area and on a route that you travel frequently - such as your commute to work - you can assume that you know the traffic signs. Then you must also abide by the rules when the signs are completely snow-covered.
• In general, in the case of ice and snow in winter, you have to adapt your driving style to the weather conditions. In addition, the general speed limits do not lose their validity. The 50 km / h rule as the maximum speed in closed towns still applies. Outside the towns on country roads, a maximum of 100 km / h is allowed.

Evidence is difficult from a legal point of view

As a person who is not familiar with the location, you cannot recognize snow-covered traffic signs and therefore cannot follow them. But ignoring them can have legal consequences.

• This would be the case, for example, if they did not recognize a speed limit and fell into a speed trap.
• Then you have to prove that the traffic sign was not legible for you. In order to be able to successfully object to the resulting fine notice, you need a weather report from the German Weather Service. Obtaining this is associated with effort and cost.
• Another option is to photograph a snow-covered traffic sign. This enables you to prove the illegibility of the sign. However, this option is not very practical. You will probably not stop at every snow-covered traffic sign to take a picture. In addition, own photos are not legally recognized in every case.

Find out what you need to know about summer tires in snow in our next post.