Verbotzeichen

Verbotzeichen is the German term for prohibition signs, a category of signs that indicate that a specific action, movement, or entry is not allowed. They are used in traffic regulation as well as in buildings, workplaces, and public spaces to prevent hazards and enforce rules. In the road domain they belong to the group of Verkehrszeichen and are designed to be quickly recognizable.

Design and features: Verbotzeichen are typically circular with a red border and a light or white field. The interior shows a black pictogram or symbol that represents the prohibited action. Often an additional plate (Zusatzzeichen) is used to specify time limits, locations, or exceptions. The red border universally signals prohibition, while the pictogram clarifies what is forbidden.

Applications in traffic: In road use, Verbotzeichen convey general prohibitions (for example no entry or no through traffic), vehicle-specific prohibitions (such as no trucks) and activity prohibitions (no parking, no stopping, no turning). The signs provide immediate guidance to drivers and pedestrians, and violations are enforceable under applicable traffic laws.

Other contexts: Outside traffic, Verbotzeichen appear on safety signs, in buildings, and in public spaces. They are often aligned with international standards such as ISO 7010 to ensure broad recognizability, with common examples including no smoking or no photography.

History and standardization: The modern form of Verbotzeichen emerged from 20th-century standardization efforts in Germany and other countries, with influence from international conventions like the Vienna Convention. The circular red‑on‑white design serves to communicate prohibition clearly across national borders.

In summary, Verbotzeichen are standardized prohibition signs used to forbid actions or access, primarily in traffic but also in general safety contexts, and are designed for rapid recognition and compliance.