Snowflake sign speed restriction: What's the speed limit there? - Snowfall sign and speed restriction: what situations necessitate adherence?
In Germany, a speed limit sign embellished with a snowflake promises winter-related or specific weather-related restrictions, but the specific application of these signs may vary.
The intuitive thinking of drivers may lead them to believe that a snowflake symbol above or below a speed limit sign restricts speed only when roads are slippery or covered in snow. Regrettably, this assumptions is incorrect. In reality, unlike the additional "in wet conditions" sign, which requires that the respective speed limit only be observed when the road is wet, the snowflake should be disregarded year-round as the speed limit always applies, even in summer and at high temperatures.
The sign's logical association with winter weather conditions is due to the explanatory nature of the snowflake symbol. Rather than functioning as a restriction, the snowflake serves as an explanation as to why the speed limit was deemed necessary on a specific stretch, particularly on bridges or in forest areas where freezing rain can occur more rapidly due to temperature drops and cold winds.
It is worth noting that in some cases, speed limits with snowflakes are displayed on variable message signs. In these instances, the restriction applies only when it is displayed and takes precedence over all other regulations. If the sign is turned off, the general traffic rules or locally installed traffic signs apply.
More intriguing is the question of when a road is "wet" enough for the "in wet conditions" additional sign to enforce the indicated speed limit. The Road Traffic Regulations offer no explicit guidance, but the Federal Court of Justice addressed the issue at the end of the 1970s. The court decided that the road can only be described as wet if a recognizable, although thin, layer of water forms on its surface, covering the road overall with a water film. In simpler terms, if vehicles are creating a spray pattern and the entire road is covered with a water film, it is deemed wet. If there are only a few puddles on a dry road, it is not wet.
In conclusion, speed limits in Germany are subject to change based on traffic conditions and weather events, but the specifics of these signs may demand further inquiry. The presence of a snowflake on a speed limit sign signals that the speed limit is in effect during certain weather conditions, but the details of its application may vary. For more information, it's best to consult official German traffic regulations or local authorities.
While the Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, it is unclear how the regulations in the industry, finance, or transportation sectors would address this issue. In the perspective of road safety, the snowflake symbol on speed limit signs in Germany serves as an explanation for why the speed limit was deemed necessary, but its specific application may still vary depending on the weather and traffic conditions. The presence of a snowflake on a speed limit sign indicates that the speed limit is in effect during certain weather conditions, similar to how specific occupational exposure limits may vary in different sectors based on the level of risk.
