A blue and white sign shows a street with ball gamers and a car is approaching from afar: Many people know this sign as a play street sign. However, that is actually not true. We clarify.
Most motorists are probably familiar with the rectangular, blue and white sign with a street and people playing ball and an approaching car. Contrary to many assumptions, however, this does not show a play street, but indicates a traffic-calmed area, as informed by the Auto Club Europa (ACE).
Real play streets, on the other hand, are rare. You can recognize them by a round prohibition sign in red and white, which is supplemented by a black and white additional sign. This shows a child playing ball.
You are not allowed to drive in with a car, e-scooter, motorcycle or bicycle – residents must also comply with this. Parking is also not allowed there. Real play streets are intended for walking and children playing.
In traffic-calmed areas, on the other hand, pedestrians and vehicle traffic have equal rights. Cars, bicycles, motorcycles and e-scooters have to be controlled very carefully here – and stop if necessary. They must not impede or harass pedestrians.
Walking speed applies, at which the case law is not uniform. The ACE therefore advises not to drive faster than 7 to 10 km/h. Overtaking is taboo. If you walk, you can use the entire width of the street there.
However, the principle of mutual consideration still applies to everyone here. Pedestrians are therefore not allowed to slow down the vehicles unnecessarily. A certain amount of waiting is reasonable, but in principle no road user should impede another, according to ACE. And the road must not be blocked, for example by children’s toys.