German road sign 159-20, officially known as 'Zweistreifige Bake - Aufstellung links', is a danger warning sign indicating a sequence leading to a hazard, typically a railway crossing. Its presence, especially on the left side of the road, warns drivers to prepare early by adapting their speed and attention before reaching the critical area. Always consider supplementary plates and road markings, as they can refine the specific meaning and required action.
This danger warning sign (159-20) signifies a dual-lane distance marker board installed on the left, crucial for recognizing and preparing for upcoming hazards. Mastering its road sign meaning is vital for theory test revision and safe driving practices in Germany.
German road sign 159-20, officially designated "Zweistreifige 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 159-20 means "Zweilanee distance marker board - installed on the left" and is officially listed as "Zweistreifige 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 159-20 - Zweilanee 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.
Sign 159-20 with two stripes on the left indicates that you are approaching a hazard, most commonly a railway crossing. It's a warning to prepare for the situation ahead and adjust your driving accordingly before you reach it.
The number of stripes on these warning signs indicates your distance from the hazard. Two stripes, like on sign 159-20, mean you are approaching the hazard but are not yet very close. One stripe would indicate you are closer still.
When you see sign 159-20 on the left, you should start to recognise the upcoming hazard and plan your reaction. This means checking your speed, observing your surroundings, and being ready to slow down or stop as you get nearer to the actual danger, such as railway tracks.
Sign 159-20 itself is a warning, not an order to stop. However, it signals that you are approaching a location where you might need to stop, like a railway crossing. You must always be prepared to stop if necessary, especially if you see a train approaching or if traffic signals indicate you should.
A common trap is not recognising that this sign is part of a sequence and failing to prepare early enough. Learners might also forget to consider other traffic control devices, like traffic lights or supplementary plates, which can alter the specific requirement. Always be ready to adapt.
You'll typically see sign 159-20 on the left side of the road when approaching a railway crossing. These signs are part of a series that progressively warn you as you get closer to the hazard, helping you to manage your speed and attention effectively.
A clear reference image of the 159-20 - Zweilanee distance marker board - installed on the left road sign used in Germany.
The 159-20 - Zweilanee distance marker board - installed on the left road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 159-20 - Zweilanee 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.
Comparing similar road signs helps solidify your knowledge of German traffic rules and road markings, improving sign recognition for your theory test revision. Understanding the subtle differences between related signs prevents confusion and boosts your confidence in navigating complex driving scenarios during the exam.
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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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