Recommended Maximum Speed
The sign recommends a maximum speed
When You See This Sign
When you see E13 you should adjust your speed to be in line with the indicated recommendation if conditions allow. If weather, visibility or traffic make it unsafe, reduce your speed further and comply with any mandatory limits.
Rules & Regulations
- E13 is a recommendation sign: it indicates a recommended maximum speed but is not a legally mandated speed limit.
- A mandatory speed limit (red circle with a number) always takes precedence over the recommendation sign if both are present.
- The recommendation applies under normal road and weather conditions; conditions such as slipperiness, poor visibility or heavy traffic may require a lower speed than recommended.
- The sign's purpose is to harmonize traffic flow and reduce accidents by urging drivers to adapt their speed to the road type or a specific hazardous stretch.
Tips for Drivers
- See the recommendation as guidance: maintain the indicated speed if conditions allow, but always prioritize safety over the sign.
- Check whether there is a simultaneous mandatory speed limit or temporary signage (e.g. at roadworks) that may override the recommendation.
- Use the sign as a signal that the stretch may have particular hazards (curves, narrow road, poor visibility) and be prepared to reduce speed further if needed.
- If you are driving with dangerous goods or a trailer, and the recommendation is close to your vehicle type's safe limit, choose a lower speed for extra margin.
Common Mistakes
- Believing the sign is a binding speed limit. E13 is only a recommendation and violating it does not automatically result in fines.
- Ignoring the sign entirely and not adjusting speed on stretches where the recommendation exists to improve safety or traffic flow.
- Failing to notice that a mandatory speed limit may be posted shortly after or together with the recommendation and therefore missing which rule applies.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Recommended Maximum Speed
How should you interpret this sign?
- A A recommended maximum speed — it is not binding but should be followed.
- B A mandatory speed limit that must be followed.
- C A warning of roadworks ahead.
- D A minimum speed that must be maintained.
Exam Tip
On the theory exam a common trap is to confuse the blue recommendation sign with the red, binding speed sign — pay attention to color and shape to determine whether the sign is advisory or mandatory.
Did You Know?
The recommended maximum speed is often used on accident-prone stretches, at entrances to built-up areas or before narrow bridges to reduce speed differences in traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign a legal speed limit?
No, E13 is a recommendation and not legally binding. You will not automatically be fined for exceeding the recommendation, but you may be criticized or penalized if the speed is judged dangerous for the conditions.
Can the police use the recommendation sign as a basis for fines?
The police cannot fine someone solely for exceeding a recommendation, but if the speed in relation to the sign and road conditions is judged to be reckless driving it can lead to action. The recommendation therefore influences the assessment of what is safe.
Is the sign used temporarily at roadworks or in poor road conditions?
Yes, E13 can be used temporarily to warn and recommend a lower speed in situations such as roadworks, ice or other temporary hazards. Even then the sign is advisory and complements any mandatory signs.
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