Traffic signs (VZ for short) and traffic facilities are used to regulate traffic. They are ordered by the authorities and road users are responsible for observing them. Traffic signs include traffic signs, road markings, light displays and signs on traffic posts. Traffic facilities include barriers, barrier posts, parking meters, parking ticket machines, railings, barriers, guidance systems and flashing light and traffic light systems ("traffic lights").

Any installation, modification or removal of traffic signs or traffic facilities requires a traffic authority order from the competent authority.

Traffic signs and traffic facilities can be divided into the following groups of traffic signs according to the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO):

• Signs and instructions from police officers (§ 36 StVO)
• Changing light signs, permanent light signs and green arrow (§ 37 StVO)
• Blue flashing light and yellow flashing light (§ 38 StVO)
• Traffic signs (§ 39 StVO)
• Danger signs (§ 40 StVO)
• Regulatory signs (§ 41 StVO)
• Direction signs (§ 42 StVO)
• Traffic facilities (§ 43 StVO)