German road sign 501-16, officially 'Überleitungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr – 2-streifig, davon linker Fahrstreifen nach links übergeleitet und rechter Fahrstreifen geradeaus', is a vital traffic control board. It informs you that the road ahead splits: the left lane is diverted to the left, while the right lane continues straight. This sign, often seen before roadworks or lane closures on motorways and multi-lane roads, requires you to plan your lane choice early and adapt your driving. Always pay close attention to road markings and any supplementary signs to navigate the upcoming traffic situation safely and avoid exam pitfalls.
This sign details lane arrangement before roadworks, indicating your left lane diverges and your right lane continues straight. Master this road sign meaning for your German theory test revision and traffic sign explanation.
German road sign 501-16, officially designated "Überleitungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr – 2-streifig, davon linker Fahrstreifen nach links übergeleitet und rechter Fahrstreifen geradeaus", belongs to the traffic control boards group. It shows how lanes are arranged, shifted, narrowed, separated, or merged, usually before a roadworks or high-speed lane-change area. You may see it in motorways, multilane roads, temporary roadworks, lane closures, lane shifts, merge areas, and construction-stage traffic management, depending on how the road authority has arranged the location. 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 translating the arrows into early lane choice rather than reacting at the last moment. Always combine the sign with road markings, traffic lights, police instructions, and any supplementary plates at the same location.
German road sign 501-16 means "Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic – 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead" and is officially listed as "Überleitungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr – 2-streifig, davon linker Fahrstreifen nach links übergeleitet und rechter Fahrstreifen geradeaus". 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 501-16 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic – 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead 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 501-16 indicates a two-lane situation ahead. The left lane will guide traffic to the left, away from the current direction, while the right lane will continue straight ahead. You must prepare to use the correct lane based on your intended path.
You should recognise sign 501-16 and plan your lane choice well in advance, before reaching the actual diversion point. This allows for a smooth and safe lane change or continuation, rather than a last-minute decision which can be dangerous and may lead to exam errors.
A common mistake is to continue in the left lane if it appears to go straight, or to try and cut across from the right lane to the left at the last moment. Learners might also be distracted by roadworks and fail to notice the lane guidance provided by the sign and associated markings.
No, sign 501-16 is frequently used for temporary situations like roadworks, construction stages, or event traffic management. However, regardless of whether it's temporary or permanent, you must always follow the lane instructions precisely as shown by the sign and accompanying road markings.
In such cases, always follow the clearest and most immediate guidance, which is usually provided by temporary markings, cones, or barriers, especially in roadworks. If unsure, prioritize safety and follow what other drivers are doing, but be prepared to adjust if official instructions differ.
Sign 501-16 itself does not set a speed limit. However, these signs are very often placed in areas with temporary speed restrictions due to roadworks or lane shifts. Always be vigilant for separate speed limit signs or indications of reduced speed in these altered traffic situations.
A clear reference image of the 501-16 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic – 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead road sign used in Germany.
The 501-16 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic – 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 501-16 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic – 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead road sign is part of the German Traffic Control Boards category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing this sign with similar traffic signs in Germany sharpens your recognition skills and reinforces learning for the theory test. Understanding subtle differences is key to accurate recall and confident decision-making on the road.
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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.
All German Road Signs List