Little-known construction site “sign”: Small signs with great meaning
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Drivers often perceive the beacons as simple barriers at construction sites, but in fact, they are a key element of road safety. They have a clearly defined function in the road traffic regulations and are intended to reliably guide vehicles past dangerous areas.
According to Section 43 of the German Road Traffic Act (StVO), these signs are so-called guide beacons , which are defined as traffic sign 605. Their official purpose is to mark the route and guide vehicles safely through construction sites or past obstacles. Colloquially, they are often referred to as "warning beacons," but this term is not legally correct.
The hatching on the beacons indicates the direction of travel . If the red stripes point downwards to the right, traffic must pass on the right side of the beacon; if they point downwards to the left, the safe route leads to the left. This simple rule is intended to enable quick reactions and prevent accidents.
Since 2009, arrow beacons have been used alongside the traditional hatched beacons. They clearly indicate the direction of detour with a red arrow and are intended to avoid misunderstandings . In practice, however, incorrectly positioned beacons are frequently seen, which can cause confusion.
To ensure visibility in the dark or in bad weather, the beacons are provided with reflective surfaces and often also equipped with flashing lights. Larger versions are used in urban areas so they are not obscured by parked vehicles.
In addition to construction sites, beacons are also used at railway crossings. There, they indicate the distance to the tracks by the number of stripes: three stripes mean 240 meters, two stripes 160 meters, and one stripe 80 meters.
The German Road Traffic Act (StVO) and the "Guidelines for the Safety of Road Work Sites" (RSA) regulate the installation in detail. Anyone who ignores the direction of travel of a beacon commits a traffic violation. However, there is no uniform fine system . In one documented case, a court imposed a fine of 500 euros and a two-month driving ban after a driver intentionally ignored a clearly posted traffic device.
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