This German warning sign, officially 'Radverkehr - Aufstellung links' (Cycle Traffic - Installed on the Left), alerts you to the potential presence of cyclists. As part of the danger warning signs group, it signals that vulnerable road users might appear unexpectedly. You must recognize this situation early, reduce your speed, and be prepared to adjust your driving behavior accordingly. Always combine its warning with actual road markings, supplementary signs, or other traffic controls.
This danger warning sign specifically indicates cycle traffic installed on the left side, requiring drivers to anticipate potential conflicts and adjust their approach. Mastering road sign meaning and traffic sign explanation is crucial for your German driving theory test revision and safe driving.
German road sign 138-20, officially designated "Radverkehr - Aufstellung links", belongs to the danger warning signs group. It warns that vulnerable road users, animals, or crossing movements may appear suddenly, so recognition and early speed reduction are essential. You may see it in approaches to hazards, rural roads, urban conflict points, railway crossings, roadworks, and weather-sensitive sections, depending on how the road authority has arranged the location. This left-side version is used where the sign is placed on the left side of the carriageway or where a mirrored symbol fits the approach direction. Any left reference should be read as part of the direction, road side, lane arrangement, or placement shown by the sign. The practical meaning is not just the symbol itself, but the driving decision it triggers: adjust speed, position, priority, route choice, stopping behaviour, or attention before the situation becomes urgent. For learners, the key skill is anticipating what could go wrong before the hazard is visible. Always combine the sign with road markings, traffic lights, police instructions, and any supplementary plates at the same location.
German road sign 138-20 means "Cycle traffic - installed on the left" and is officially listed as "Radverkehr - Aufstellung links". In practice, it tells drivers to recognise the situation early, adapt before reaching the controlled area, and check whether markings or supplementary plates change how the rule applies.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 138-20 - Cycle traffic - installed on the left road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the German driving theory exam in Germany.
Sign 138-20 warns you that there is a situation ahead where cycle traffic might be present, specifically on the left side relative to your direction of travel. It's a danger warning sign, meaning you should anticipate potential hazards from cyclists and be ready to react.
Upon seeing sign 138-20, you should immediately reduce your speed to ensure you have full control. Scan the road ahead, especially the left side and any designated cycle paths or markings, for approaching cyclists. Be prepared to yield or take evasive action if necessary.
The 'Installed on the Left' part specifies that the sign is placed on the left side of the road, or the symbol indicates cycle traffic from the left. This placement detail helps you interpret the potential hazard's direction and be extra vigilant for cyclists approaching from that specific side.
A common trap is not anticipating the hazard early enough. Learners might wait until they see a cyclist before slowing down. Remember, this is a warning sign; you must reduce speed and increase observation *before* reaching the potential conflict point, not after.
Sign 138-20 is a warning, not an absolute prohibition. It means you must be aware of and prepared for cyclists. You must yield if they have priority or if your continued movement would endanger them. Always assess the specific situation, including road markings and priority rules.
A clear reference image of the 138-20 - Cycle traffic - installed on the left road sign used in Germany.
The 138-20 - Cycle traffic - installed on the left road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 138-20 - Cycle traffic - installed on the left road sign is part of the German Danger Warning Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Mastering German road signs requires distinguishing subtle differences. Comparing related signs, like different versions of 'Cycle traffic', sharpens your recognition skills and helps prevent common theory test errors. Use this comparison to solidify your understanding of German traffic rules and improve your exam preparation.
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Deepen your understanding of specific road sign categories or test your knowledge with practice questions. Explore our themed sign groups for targeted study or jump into quizzes to reinforce your recognition skills for the official German theory exam.
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