In both subway systems there are both light signals and speed boards.

First of all, it is important to note that different maximum speeds apply on certain sections of line. This means that an E (=End) sign means a different speed depending on the section of line!

A speed restriction of a yellow light signal can be lifted by a green light signal.

A speed restriction of a speed sign can be lifted by an E (=end) sign.

The lower speed always applies!

In the following Berlin example, there is a yellow signal together with a 50 sign, followed by a green signal and an “End” sign:












If the speed limit on this section of road is 60 km/h, only 40 km/h may be driven from the yellow signal onwards, but only 50 km/h from the green signal onwards, due to the previous 50 km/h sign. The maximum speed of 60 km/h only applies again from the E sign onwards.

You can read the exact signal diagrams here:

Berlin[www.sh1.org]

Hamburg[www.sh1.org]

Berlin:

Maximum speed is 60 km/h, except on the elevated section from Warschauer Straße to Kurfürstenstraße, where it is 50 km/h.

Speed changes apply immediately after reaching the signal or sign.

Hamburg:

In Hamburg, you can read the maximum speed on the board at the top right of the driver's cab:



Speed reductions also apply immediately after reaching the signal or the board, unlike in Berlin, the speed limit is only shown on the triangular announcement board, then there is a rectangular A board at the point from which the speed applies, ending with the rectangular green E board:







The two yellow signs together mean that the speed applies immediately, e.g. at the exit signal.

Speed increases only apply after the entire train has passed the signal or board, just as with normal rail traffic.


So that you know when this time is, there are blue signs on the left or right rail shortly after the speed increase signal/board, similar to the stop signs in the stations, with the inscription 3, 4 or 6: