Traffic Sign Assistant

The Traffic Sign Assistant of the Mercedes E-Class (4th gen., W212, 2009–2016) detects speed limits and no-overtaking restrictions with a camera and shows them in the instrument cluster. The system also warns of wrong-way driving, thereby supporting safety. Recommendations on correct use and possible limitations complete the description of the function.

General Notes

The Traffic Sign Assistant shows the driver the permissible maximum speed and no-overtaking restrictions in the instrument cluster. When entering a road section against the prescribed direction of travel, a warning is triggered. The Traffic Sign Assistant detects traffic signs with a camera system, mounted at the top behind the windshield. In addition, the data stored in the navigation system and general traffic rules are used to determine the current speed limit.

When a traffic sign relevant to your vehicle is passed, the display of speed limits and no-overtaking restrictions is updated.

The display can be updated even without a visible traffic sign when

• the road is changed (e.g. motorway entry or exit)
• a town boundary stored in the digital map is passed
• the last traffic sign detected by the camera was not repeated.

When passing a cancellation sign (speed limit or no-overtaking restriction), the cancellation sign is shown for five seconds. The currently valid traffic regulation continues to be shown in the assist graphic.

Traffic signs with a restriction indicated by a supplementary plate (e.g. wet conditions) are also detected by the camera.

Traffic signs are only displayed with the restriction if

• the regulation with the restriction must be observed, or
• the Traffic Sign Assistant cannot determine with certainty whether the restriction applies.

If the Traffic Sign Assistant cannot determine a permissible maximum speed from any available source, no speed limit is shown in the instrument cluster either.

The Traffic Sign Assistant is not available in all countries. In this case, the displayis shown in the assist graphic.

Important Safety Notes

The Traffic Sign Assistant is only an aid and cannot always display speed limits or no-overtaking restrictions correctly. Traffic signs actually posted always take priority over the display of the Traffic Sign Assistant.

The system may be impaired or temporarily unavailable

• in poor visibility, e.g. due to snow, rain, fog or spray
• when dazzled, e.g. by a low sun
• when the windshield in the camera area is dirty, iced or fogged
• when traffic signs are difficult to see (dirt, obstruction, snow)
• when traffic signs are poorly lit at night
• when signage is ambiguous (e.g. traffic signs at construction sites or in adjacent lanes)
• when information in the digital road map of the navigation system is faulty or outdated.

Switching the information function on or off

If you have switched on the display of the Traffic Sign Assistant in the on-board computer, the traffic regulations (speed limits and no-overtaking restrictions) are shown in the instrument cluster for five seconds each. The wrong-way warning and the display of speed limit and no-overtaking signs remain active even if the display is switched off.

Switch the information function of the Traffic Sign Assistant on or off using the on-board computer.

Display in the instrument cluster

Show assist graphic

Use the on-board computer to call up the assist graphic function.

Select the Traffic Sign Assist display.

Recognized traffic signs are shown in the instrument cluster.

Speed limit with no-passing zone

A maximum permitted speed of 100 km/h appliesand a no-passing zone.

Speed limit with unknown restriction

	Maximum permitted speed
	Maximum permitted speed for vehicles for which the restriction in the supplementary sign is relevant
	Supplementary sign for unknown restriction

A maximum permitted speed of 100 km/h and a speed limit of 80 km/h with an unknown restriction apply.

Speed limit in wet conditions

	Maximum permitted speed
	Supplementary sign for wet conditions

A maximum permitted speed of 80 km/h applies in wet conditions, and Traffic Sign Assist has determined that the restriction must be observed.

Cancellation of no-passing zone

A maximum permitted speed of 100 km/h applies. The no-passing zone has been cancelled. The sign cancelling the no-passing zone is shown for five seconds.

Cancellation of speed limit

The speed limit has been cancelled.

Info

The unit of the speed limit (km/h or mph) depends on the country in which you are driving. It is generally not shown on the traffic signs or in the instrument cluster, but it must be observed when keeping to the maximum permitted speed.

No-entry warning (wrong-way warning)

If Traffic Sign Assist detects, when passing no-entry signs, that you are driving against the prescribed direction of travel, a warning message is shown in the instrument cluster. In addition, you will hear a warning tone. To avoid endangering yourself and other road users, check your direction of travel immediately.

Info

This function is not available in all countries.

Traffic Sign Assist in the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) recognizes traffic signs with a camera and helps the driver observe speed limits and no-passing zones. Supplementary signs are also reliably displayed.

This function contributes to a higher safety standard and makes it easier to orient yourself in road traffic.

Question: When can Traffic Sign Assist operate with limited function?

Answer: In poor visibility, glare, or when the windshield is dirty.

Question: What happens when you pass a cancellation sign?

Answer: The cancellation sign is shown for five seconds before the normal display resumes.