As of: March 6, 2024, 8:07 a.m
By: Sebastian Oppenheimer
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Some streetlights have a white-red-white marking called a “lantern ring.”
We reveal why drivers should definitely know the meaning.
There are traffic signs that you, as a driver, come across almost non-stop: give way signs (sometimes with an additional sign indicating “turning right of way”), stop signs or warning signs – for example before sharp curves.
But there are also signs that are much less common or perhaps simply less noticeable.
For example, the small sign with the diameter symbol that can occasionally be found on the side of the road.
However, not everyone knows its meaning - it is similar with the so-called lantern ring.
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Official traffic sign: Lantern ring indicates street lights that are switched off at night
The lantern ring is one of the oldest traffic signs in Germany - it is already mentioned in the road traffic regulations (StVO) from 1937.
And it is still anchored in it today: Listed in Appendix 3 to Section 42 StVO (directive signs).
There you can also read what the white-red-white marking, which is usually placed at a height of between 1.50 and 1.80 meters, indicates: In built-up areas, it indicates street lights that are not switched on all night long.
The time at which the lantern will be switched off can be stated in white writing within the thick red stripe.
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Lantern Ring: How should drivers behave when parking?
But what does this mean for drivers?
Anyone who parks at a lantern with a corresponding marking during the day must assume that their vehicle will be unlit in the dark after a certain time at night.
However, this is not permitted according to Section 17 of the StVO.
That's why drivers have to activate the side lights or parking lights in their vehicle in such a case.
This red and white marking on street lamps is called the “lantern ring.”
(Symbolic image) © Michael Gstettenbauer/Imago
Unlit vehicle: In the event of an accident, drivers may be awarded partial blame
Important: If you park your vehicle in an unlit situation, you may have to expect at least partial blame in the event of an accident.
That's why you should find out in advance how to activate the parking lights in your car.
In urban areas, only the side of a car facing the road needs to be illuminated.
In many vehicles, the parking light can be switched on on one side by pressing the indicator lever in the appropriate direction - but you can find out exactly how to do this in individual cases in the vehicle's operating instructions.