German road sign 157-20, officially 'Dreistreifige Bake - Aufstellung links', is a crucial danger warning sign. It alerts you to an upcoming hazard, most commonly a railway crossing sequence, and requires you to prepare early. Placed on the left side of the road, it signals the need to adapt your speed, observation, and readiness to stop well before reaching the actual danger. Always combine its warning with road markings, supplementary plates, and traffic conditions to ensure safe passage.
Master the meaning and application of German Road Sign 157-20, a crucial danger warning that prepares you for railway crossings. Effective interpretation of this left-mounted marker is vital for your theory test revision and safe driving practice.
German road sign 157-20, officially designated "Dreistreifige Bake - Aufstellung links", belongs to the danger warning signs group. It prepares the driver for a railway crossing sequence, where speed, observation, and stopping readiness must be planned well before the tracks. 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 157-20 means "Dreilanee distance marker board - installed on the left" and is officially listed as "Dreistreifige Bake - 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 157-20 - Dreilanee distance marker board - 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.
The main purpose of sign 157-20, the Dreilanee distance marker board installed on the left, is to warn drivers of an approaching hazard, typically a railway crossing. It signifies that you need to recognize the situation early and adapt your driving behavior, such as speed and observation, before you reach the danger.
When you see sign 157-20 on the left, you should immediately be alert and start preparing for the hazard ahead. This means checking your mirrors, reducing your speed in advance, increasing your following distance, and being ready to stop if necessary. The key is to anticipate and react early, not when the hazard is immediately upon you.
Yes, you must not treat the warning as optional or wait until the hazard is directly in front of you. It's also prohibited to overtake, accelerate, or follow too closely, especially if visibility is reduced or the road surface is unstable. Always remember the danger may extend beyond the sign's immediate location.
The 'Aufstellung links' (installed on the left) specification indicates the physical placement of the sign on the roadside. This helps drivers understand the context of the hazard relative to their lane or approach direction. It doesn't change the fundamental warning but confirms its position and relevance to drivers on that side of the carriageway.
A common exam trap is failing to prepare early enough. Learners might underestimate the importance of advanced preparation and react too late. Another trap is not considering other factors like weather or traffic density, which can increase the risk associated with the warned hazard. Always assume the sign requires proactive adaptation.
A clear reference image of the 157-20 - Dreilanee distance marker board - installed on the left road sign used in Germany.

The 157-20 - Dreilanee distance marker board - installed on the left road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 157-20 - Dreilanee distance marker board - installed on the left road sign is part of the German Danger Warning Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Master similar road signs by comparing their nuances, which aids recognition and prevents common mistakes during your theory test revision. Effective traffic sign comparison helps solidify your understanding of German traffic rules and prepares you for the exam.

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