Signals for Speed Restrictions
- Overview -

Back to speed signals

On this page, you see all speed-related boards and signals, and I'll try to explain why there are so many (although I think things could be made easier...)

In general, there is always an announcing signal, warning the driver of a speed reduction, as well as a commencement signal, indicating from where the speed reduction applies (remember, since on railways the braking distance is longer than visibility, posting a speed limit without announcer would be almost useless - at least where high speeds are used).

Please note, that in Europe there are railway companies which put up signals governing the speed for various train classes and thus show the real maximum speed for a train. In Germany this is different:
The maximum train speed is stated in the Buchfahrplan (working timetable), since the 'real' maximum speed depends on the train characteristics such as braking capability or load. The speed signals are used as reminder for what is usually already stated in the timetable. As said, the speed limit for a particular train may be lower than indicated on the signal.

Also, there are differences between the signals in former West and East Germany.

West Germany (ex DB)
Announcement	Commencement	End	Remarks
			temporary speed restriction
		or stated in working timetable	permanent speed restriction (main lines)
[obsolete]	[obsolete]	(none)	permanent speed restriction (branch lines) [obsolete, being replaced by main line signals]
			Permanent speed restriction after this signal until end of points area or end signal. The commencement signal is usually (yet not always) used with a main signal. The announcer and/or end signal are used only in special circumstances.
East Germany (ex DR)
Announcement	Commencement	End	Remarks
			temporary speed restriction
(none)			temporary speed restriction when no announcer is used
[obsolete] being replaced by	[obsolete] being replaced by	(Lf 4 showing higher speed)	permanent speed restriction In front of an unsecured level crossing the announcer may show a zero, then the train must stop at the commencement board before proceeding
			Permanent speed restriction after this signal until end of points area or end signal. The commencement signal is usually (yet not always) used with a main signal. The announcer and/or end signal are used only in special circumstances.

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