End of Area
The sign indicates that the specific area ends.
When You See This Sign
When you see 'End of area' you should understand that the special rules for the previous area end at the sign. Adjust your driving to the general traffic rules and be alert for new signs that may indicate other rules immediately after the area.
Rules & Regulations
- When the 'End of area' sign (E21) is posted, the specific rules that applied to the marked area end at the sign and beyond.
- If a new rule or restriction is to apply after the area, it must be shown with a new road sign; otherwise, traffic reverts to the general traffic rules.
- The sign applies to the full width of the carriageway and applies to all road users leaving the special area.
- The signage marking the end of the area should be respected even if you do not see an immediate change in the traffic situation—follow new signs and general rules from that point.
Tips for Drivers
- Do not brake unnecessarily hard at the sign; instead check which rules (e.g., speed limit or priority) apply immediately after it and adjust your speed smoothly.
- Look immediately for supplementary signs after E21 that indicate a new speed limit, priority, or other special rules.
- Be extra clear about your intentions with indicators and positioning if the traffic situation changes when the area ends (e.g., lanes or cycle crossings).
- If you are leaving an area with specific parking or stopping rules, check the new parking regulations just after the sign to avoid parking violations.
Common Mistakes
- Believing the sign means unrestricted speed or that no restrictions apply after it — previous speed limits may be replaced by new signs.
- Confusing E21 with a sign that only ends a single restriction (e.g., only a speed limit) instead of ending the entire area.
- Failing to look for and follow new signs immediately after the area end, thereby unintentionally breaking the new rules.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: End of Area
How should you interpret this sign?
- A The special area ends here
- B Special regulations start to apply in the area
- C You are approaching a motorway
- D A taxi stand begins
Exam Tip
On the theory test, a question may be phrased so that you must determine whether a previous rule (e.g., a lower speed limit or parking ban) still applies after the sign. The correct answer is that the rule ends at the sign unless a new sign indicates otherwise.
Did You Know?
The sign is used at the end of various types of zones — for example pedestrian streets, residential areas, and special environmental zones — to formally mark that the special provisions end. In the road sign catalogue it is designated E21 and is intended to be a clear end to a defined area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'End of area' automatically mean the speed limit ends?
Not always. If the signage previously indicated a speed zone, that zone's rules end at E21, but if a new speed is posted immediately after, you must follow the new sign.
Does the sign apply to all road users?
Yes. E21 marks that the special area ends across the full width of the carriageway and applies to all road users leaving the area.
Do I need to stop when I pass the sign?
No, the sign itself does not require you to stop. However, you should adapt to the general traffic rules and any new signs after the area.
Can E21 be combined with other end-of-area signs at the same location?
Yes. Multiple area-end signs can occur close to one another, and several end signs may be present. You must interpret each sign for the area it refers to and follow the rules that apply thereafter.
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