What does this road sign show?

Explanation

The sign announces a recommended speed of 50 km/h for this stretch.

The figure on this sign is a suggestion, not a prohibition. Distinguish three things: a compulsory speed ceiling is announced by a round sign with a red border, a compulsory floor by a round blue sign, and a recommended speed by a rectangular information sign. A recommendation sign merely says which speed on this stretch matches the geometry of the road, the radius of the bends, the gradient and the sight lines; holding that 50 km/h lets you pass through the bends without hard braking and, on routes with coordinated signals, keeps the flow even. Going below or above it is not in itself an offence, but the legal ceiling for that stretch remains in place, and a recommendation never grants permission to exceed that ceiling. Memorise the figure 50, but more important than the number is the shape of the sign, which determines the nature of the obligation.

• A compulsory speed ceiling is announced by a round sign with a red border; a recommendation sign creates no such prohibition. • "Only at this speed or above" is the definition of a compulsory minimum speed, not a recommendation; there is no obligation here to hold 50.

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