Green arrow at traffic lights: Drivers should be aware of this rule

Created: 01/21/2022, 08:36

By: Omer Kayali

The green turning arrow allows drivers to turn right at a red traffic light.

But most use it incorrectly - in the worst case, there is even a risk of fines.

• It is particularly popular with drivers: the green arrow at the traffic light.

• Thanks to this traffic sign*, cars are allowed to cross red traffic lights as an exception and turn right.

• But most drivers do not know that they still have to pay attention to a few things.

The green arrow originally comes from the GDR, where it was introduced in 1978.

Since March 1, 1994, it has been used throughout Germany.

The green turning arrows are advantageous for motorists, as they can use them to avoid waiting times at red traffic lights.

Some will probably wonder why they can't be installed at every traffic light?

But in reality the opposite is the case and the number of green arrows is actually declining.

And it's the driver's fault.

Many drivers misbehave at the green arrow

The

is clear.

When the traffic light is red, I am allowed to turn right as a driver, provided that no other road users are endangered.

Nevertheless, there are some rules that many drivers simply do not know.

These are:

• Standing still as with a stop sign

  : The car must come to a complete stop before turning right.

  If you drive through without stopping, you can even face a fine of up to 70 euros and a point in Flensburg.

• The green arrow can be used, but it doesn't have to be

  : If you prefer to wait, you can stand still until the traffic light is green.

Many drivers do not follow these rules - especially stopping at a stop sign is problematic.

Unfortunately, the misconduct endangers

.

Also read

:

.

Green arrows in Germany will be dismantled

As the RBB reported last December, some green arrows in Berlin are dangerous to traffic and even violate the StVO.

The board member of the Fuss Association, Roland Stimpel, is quoted as saying: "The arrows are dangerous for pedestrians and they undermine traffic morale because they break the taboo that you always have to wait when it's red."

A study by the TU Dresden and insurance companies has also shown that

 do not stop at the green arrows, but continue straight away. 

Elsewhere, the green turn arrow has only just been introduced.

Since April 2020, with the introduction of the StVO amendment* and the new traffic regulations, there has also been a green arrow for cyclists.

Also interesting:

Anyone who has never been to the USA will probably not know that in almost every state there, drivers are generally allowed to turn right at red traffic lights - as long as they do not endanger or impede pedestrians or other road users.

A green arrow is not required for this.

Also interesting

:

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StVO amendment 2020: These road signs are new to traffic

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