Orange “egg” on waves: Attention car drivers, this sign also applies to you!

The "egg" isn't particularly fragile cargo, but rather an orange tank hull depicted lying horizontally above stylized blue waves. Sign 269 indicates a "no entry for vehicles carrying water-polluting cargo." Even though the image may at first glance resemble a truck, the ban applies to all types of vehicles .

Passage is prohibited if a total of more than 20 liters of water-polluting substances are on board. This applies not only to tank trucks , but also to smaller vehicles such as vans or cars with trailers , as soon as they transport large quantities of hazardous liquids. Typical substance groups include mineral and tar oils, acids, alkalis, certain metal and halogen compounds, and numerous organic solvents. The specific classification is based on the water hazard classes (WGK).

The sign is primarily used in water protection areas or in the immediate vicinity of drinking water wells and waterworks. Authorities often place it on bridges or tunnels to reduce the risk of water pollution. The graphic design, featuring the orange tank above waves, therefore deliberately symbolizes the connection between the transport of hazardous materials and water protection.

Anyone who violates a prohibition according to sign 269 faces a fine of €100 and one point on their driving record. For a repeated violation, the fine increases to €250 , one point , and a one-month driving ban . These sanctions are regulated nationwide in the Fine Catalogue Ordinance.

If non-compliance results in hazards or damage, environmental or criminal proceedings may also be initiated. The legal basis for this includes the Water Resources Act and the Ordinance on Facilities for Handling Substances Hazardous to Water.

In certain cases, the ban is restricted by additional signs . For example, a sign stating "Residents only" allows delivery traffic to properties or businesses located directly within the restricted area. Such exceptions are rare, however, and require close coordination with the responsible water authorities, as the protection of groundwater and drinking water resources always takes priority.

Emergency vehicles are subject to the general special rights under Section 35 of the German Road Traffic Act (StVO). Firefighters, technical relief agencies, civil protection agencies, and even the police may ignore the sign in emergencies if necessary to avert danger. This applies particularly to operations that themselves serve to protect the environment and waterways, such as in the event of a spill of hazardous substances.

In addition to the "egg on waves," sign 261 is another no-entry sign directed against the transport of hazardous goods that require labeling . This sign prohibits the entry of vehicles that are required to display an orange warning sign according to the ADR (ADR) – regardless of whether the cargo is hazardous to water or not. It also covers substances such as explosive goods, gases, or radioactive materials. While sign 269 is specifically aimed at protecting waterways and is effective even for relatively small quantities, sign 261 is generally directed against highly hazardous transport. Both prohibitions can exist side by side and complement each other in practice.

ADR stands for "Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route" – in English: "European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road." It governs the transport of dangerous goods throughout Europe. These include:

• Labelling requirements : Vehicles carrying certain dangerous goods must display orange warning signs at the front and rear.
• Packaging and load securing : Dangerous substances may only be transported in prescribed containers and must be properly secured.
• Vehicle and equipment requirements : Special technical equipment and safety devices are required for ADR transport.
• Driver qualification : Truck drivers require an ADR certificate and regular training.

The agreement ensures uniform standards throughout Europe and specifies when a transport is considered dangerous goods – and thus also when a vehicle falls under the prohibition under sign 261.

Editor's note: We've slightly altered the sign in the lead story for better illustration; of course, sign 261 doesn't look like that.