Rules for this road junction in Germany
What are the rules for this junction? Bear in mind, there are no signs or road markings to indicate what kind of junction it is, nor to indicate any kind of right of way. This is an extremely rural area.
Maps view
Satellite view
It looks to me like a standard roundabout. Inheriting the rules regarding that. There is however, no signage indicating a roundabout.
My confusion stirs from the usage of this junction by other drivers.
For an example, (using the overhead map as reference) if you are coming from the left road and you wish to go straight ahead, it is the second exit. You curve downwards, then back up past exit 1 and exit the roundabout at exit 2.
Everyone else (no hyperbole) drives straight over the top portion of the roundabout. As if the roundabout doesn't exist. There is enough space to support two lanes of traffic. On the top side of the roundabout.
However, it feels very wrong. I always drive through this junction, treating it like a standard roundabout. I wonder if this behaviour might result in an accident however, given that it doesn't seem to be the normal behaviour for this junction.
Photos from the ground for the curious:
Best Answer
If there are no signs indicating that this is a roundabout, then this is not a roundabout. Road marking also doesn't imply that there could be a roundabout. This is just a normal T-formed road junction. You should give a way to the vehicles coming from the right side of you.
PS. Your behavior - curving downwards while intending to drive through on the top segment - can lead to an accident! You would expect that other drivers would give you a way because you're on a roundabout, but they woudn't!
Pictures about "Rules for this road junction in Germany"
Who has the right of way in a junction?
(8) A driver approaching a road junction and intending to turn right at the junction shall yield the right of way to a vehicle approaching on the same road from the opposite direction and intending to proceed straight through the junction.What must you be aware of on this priority road?
A priority road is a long main road on which you have priority at all following crossroads until the end of the priority road. On a priority road other road users must give way. The traffic sign applies to all next crossroads up to the end of the priority road.What are the 10 road rules?
Drive Safe's top 10 rules to safe driving:- Drive at a safe speed.
- Don't drink and drive.
- Obey the road rules.
- Concentrate at all times and be prepared.
- Be patient and when in doubt, don't proceed.
- Plan your moves well in advance.
- Give correct signals.
- Be alert particularly at intersections.
What are the driving rules in Germany?
Visitors must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in Germany. Riders of mopeds or motorcycles up to 125cc must be aged 16 or over. Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised, but not required.Driving Test Germany, Right before left explained in English: Right of way, Priority, Theory Exam
More answers regarding rules for this road junction in Germany
Answer 2
While the other answers are correct I'd like to add an aspect. In the last picture you can see sign 325.2 indicating the end of a "verkehrsberuhigter Bereich" (traffic-calmed zone).
This means that you are limited to walking speed and pedestrians have priority in any case. There could even kids be playing in the street.
This further decreases the risk of accident at such a junction. If you happen to meet another car, right has right-of-way.
Answer 3
This could be an example of a "Ghost Roundabout", something I first came across on the wonderful 99% Invisible website.
I'll paraphrase from their own posting in case it ever falls away, but basically:
A ghost roundabout operates on a strange theory: confusing drivers will cause them to be more careful as they pass through residential and other reduced-speed zones.
This so-called “ghost roundabout” looks a bit like either a vehicular roundabout or a pedestrian crosswalk but in fact serves neither function. It is simply meant to attract the attention of vehicle operators and get them to slow down as they drive by.
If the road marking you are querying about is indeed a "ghost roundabout", then as @Nuesser states: treat it like a standard "T-Junction".
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: anna-m. w., Pixabay, Valeriia Miller, Alesia Kozik