German road sign 386.1-51, officially 'Touristischer Hinweis mit Bezugsziel - Variante "via"', is a guide and information sign. It informs you about a specific route or destination, often indicating an alternative path or a point of interest you'll pass through. This sign helps you plan your route, lane choice, and driving behaviour early. You must adapt your driving strategy before reaching the controlled area, always in conjunction with road markings, other signs, and traffic conditions.
This essential guide explains the meaning and practical application of German road sign 386.1-51, helping you navigate tourist destinations effectively. Master this road sign for your theory test revision and improve your overall driving knowledge.
German road sign 386.1-51, officially designated "Touristischer Hinweis mit Bezugsziel - Variante "via"", belongs to the guide and information signs group. It helps the driver plan route choice, lane position, stopping decisions, or expectations about the road environment ahead. You may see it in route guidance, priority-road sections, motorway services, parking facilities, tourist destinations, diversions, and local information points, depending on how the road authority has arranged the location. 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 using the information early while still obeying mandatory signs and markings. Always combine the sign with road markings, traffic lights, police instructions, and any supplementary plates at the same location.
German road sign 386.1-51 means "Tourist information sign with reference destination - variant "via"" and is officially listed as "Touristischer Hinweis mit Bezugsziel - Variante "via"". 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 386.1-51 - Tourist information sign with reference destination - variant "via" 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 386.1-51 indicates a specific tourist destination or route using the term 'via', meaning 'by way of'. It's an informational sign guiding you to plan your route, lane positioning, or anticipate upcoming facilities like services or attractions.
When you see sign 386.1-51, you should recognise it early and adjust your driving plan. This might involve moving into a specific lane, adjusting your speed, or preparing for a turn or exit related to the indicated tourist destination or route. Always combine its information with other traffic controls like road markings and mandatory signs.
A common mistake is treating this sign as an instruction to change lanes immediately or brake abruptly without checking for other traffic or signs. Another is assuming it overrides other traffic rules; you must still obey speed limits, priority signs, and lane markings. You need to react proactively, not reactively, and ensure your actions are gradual.
No, absolutely not. Information signs like 386.1-51 provide guidance on your route or destination. They do not grant permission to ignore mandatory signs, priority rules, speed limits, or road markings. Always prioritize adherence to all traffic regulations while using the information from this sign to plan.
You might encounter sign 386.1-51 in various places, including route guidance systems, sections indicating priority roads, near motorway services, parking facilities, or at points directing you towards local tourist attractions or diversions. Its placement depends on the road authority's aim to guide travellers.
A clear reference image of the 386.1-51 - Tourist information sign with reference destination - variant "via" road sign used in Germany.
The 386.1-51 - Tourist information sign with reference destination - variant "via" road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 386.1-51 - Tourist information sign with reference destination - variant "via" road sign is part of the German Guide and Information Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Understanding subtle differences between related road signs is crucial for accurate German theory test revision. Comparing signs like this one helps solidify recognition and reduces common errors during your exam preparation.
Understand German Sign 301: The Priority Road Sign
Sign 306: Understand Germany's 'Priority Road' Traffic Sign
German Sign 307: You're Leaving the Priority Road
Sign 308: You Have Priority Over Oncoming Traffic
German Sign 310: Recognizing Place Names Ahead
Sign 311 (Ortstafel Rückseite) - Understanding Place-Name Sign Backsides
German Sign 311.1: Understand the Back of a Place-Name Sign without a Destination
Sign 314 'Parken' Provides Information About Parking Facilities and Rules
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.
All German Road Signs List