Most people should know that pedestrians have priority at a zebra crossing. But what other rules do drivers have to observe?
Have you ever heard of a "thick-stroke chain"? Today, almost no one knows this term anymore – in fact, it used to be the official name for a zebra crossing. However, this is actually a colloquial term. Officially, it is called a pedestrian crossing – abbreviated FGÜ in official German. Drivers should strictly observe a few rules at the zebra crossing.
Rules at the zebra crossing: Motorists are only allowed to approach at moderate speed
A zebra crossing, for example, can often be found near schools – in addition to a traffic light, it is another way to allow children to cross the road relatively safely. In principle, pedestrians have priority at a zebra crossing. The same applies to wheelchair users and users of wheelchairs. Motorists, motorcyclists or cyclists are only allowed to approach the crossing at a moderate speed. If it is clear that pedestrians want to enter the zebra crossing, other road users must stop – and, if necessary, wait until the crossing is complete.
Traffic sign "pedestrian crossing" - from now on there is a ban on overtaking
In addition to the zebra crossing, in some cases there is also the traffic sign pedestrian crossing (square blue sign with a white triangle and a pedestrian walking over a zebra crossing) – from this sign onwards, overtaking is prohibited. If the sign is not erected, overtaking on the road marking is still prohibited. There are also some other situations in which overtaking is prohibited even without a sign.
Parking and overtaking is prohibited on the zebra crossing
Parking is prohibited not only on the zebra crossing itself, but also five meters in front of it. When traffic comes to a standstill, the pedestrian crossing must be kept clear. According to the Auto Club Europa (ACE), anyone who does not comply with these requirements – for example by approaching a zebra crossing too fast or ignoring the overtaking ban – risks a point in Flensburg and a fine of 80 euros. If there is a danger, it can even be 100 euros.
In some cases, a traffic sign indicates a zebra crossing. (Symbolic image) © Schöning/Imago
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Zebra crossings: Children must also get off their bikes before crossing
However, there are rules at the zebra crossing not only for motorists. Cyclists have to dismount and push their bike. According to the ADAC, this also applies to children under the age of seven, although they are allowed to ride their bicycles on the sidewalk. According to various court rulings, however, cyclists who use their bike like a scooter are treated like pedestrians, reports the automobile club. However, pedestrians should not simply start walking blindly, but first make sure that it is possible to cross the zebra crossing safely.
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You shouldn't have fun with a pedestrian crossing, as strangers did some time ago in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: They simply painted a zebra crossing on the street. The police investigated on suspicion of dangerous interference with road traffic – and warned against imitation: it was a "serious crime" and the perpetrators were threatened with a prison sentence of up to five years.
