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German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand this 4-Lane Transfer Board and Navigate Lane Shifts Safely

501-60 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead German road sign meaning

German road sign 501-60, an 'Überleitungstafel' or lane transfer board, guides you through complex lane arrangements without oncoming traffic. This specific sign indicates a 4-lane road where the two left lanes are diverted to the right, while the two right lanes continue straight ahead. It's crucial to recognise this setup early, adjust your speed, choose your lane well in advance, and follow the road markings and temporary guidance systems to ensure a safe passage.

Understanding Sign 501-60: Lane Transfer Board

This essential German road sign, 501-60, clarifies lane usage when lanes shift. Proper interpretation is crucial for your theory test revision and safe navigation through diversions, ensuring you select the correct lane well in advance.

Definition of 501-60

German road sign 501-60, officially designated "Überleitungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig, davon die beiden linken Fahrstreifen nach rechts übergeleitet und die beiden rechten 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 right 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.

Meaning of 501-60

German road sign 501-60 means "Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead" and is officially listed as "Überleitungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig, davon die beiden linken Fahrstreifen nach rechts übergeleitet und die beiden rechten 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.

Allowed actions for 501-60

Read the full lane diagram before reaching the taper, merge, or separated traffic stream.Select the correct lane early and signal lane changes clearly when a change is necessary.Reduce speed to match the temporary lane width, curvature, traffic density, and roadworks environment.Keep extra following distance because drivers ahead may react to the lane layout at different times.Follow temporary signs, cones, barriers, and lane markings as one combined traffic-guidance system.

Prohibited actions for 501-60

Do not wait until the lane shift, taper, or merge point before choosing the correct lane.Do not continue in a lane that the board shows as closed, diverted, ending, or reserved for a different movement.Do not overtake aggressively through the controlled section, especially where lanes narrow or traffic is being shifted.Do not ignore temporary roadworks markings because they may override normal lane expectations.

501-60 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 501-60 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted beiden rechten 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.

What is the main purpose of sign 501-60?

Sign 501-60 is a traffic control board designed to manage lane usage, especially in areas with roadworks or lane closures. It clearly shows drivers how the available lanes are changing – in this case, directing the left two lanes to the right and letting the right two lanes proceed straight, all without oncoming traffic.

What does '4-lane, with the two left lanes diverted to the right and the two right lanes straight ahead' mean in practice?

This means you must pay close attention to your current lane. If you are in the left two lanes, you must prepare to merge right. If you are in the right two lanes, you can continue straight ahead, but you should still be aware of the changing lane situation and traffic around you.

What are common mistakes learners make with sign 501-60 during the theory test?

A common mistake is reacting too late to the lane diversion. Learners might stay in a lane that is about to end or merge unexpectedly. The theory exam tests your ability to anticipate these changes and make decisions well before the actual merge point.

Do I need to reduce my speed when I see sign 501-60?

Yes, it's highly recommended. Lane transfers and shifts often occur in areas with temporary conditions, such as roadworks, which can lead to narrowed lanes, increased traffic density, or unexpected obstacles. Reducing your speed allows you more time to assess the situation and react safely, as indicated by the sign and associated markings.

Can other signs or road markings override sign 501-60?

Absolutely. Sign 501-60 should always be considered in conjunction with road markings, temporary traffic lights, cones, barriers, and any supplementary plates displayed at the same location. These elements form a combined traffic-guidance system, and their instructions always take precedence or refine the general information provided by the lane transfer board.

501-60 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead road sign image

A clear reference image of the 501-60 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead road sign used in Germany.

501-60 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead road sign

Other names for the 501-60 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead

The 501-60 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 501-60German traffic sign 501-60StVO sign 501-60Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead signÜberleitungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig, davon die beiden linken Fahrstreifen nach rechts übergeleitet und die beiden rechten Fahrstreifen geradeaustraffic control boards 501-60

German Traffic Control Boards road sign category

The 501-60 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead road sign is part of the German Traffic Control Boards category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Road Sign Knowledge

Comparing signs like this one helps solidify your understanding and differentiate between similar traffic signs. Practicing traffic sign comparison aids in faster recognition and reduces errors during your theory test revision.

501-11 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane to the left road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane to the left

Understand the Lane Transfer Board (501-11) for Shifting Lanes Left Safely

German Traffic Control Boards501-11
501-14 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane to the left, with 1 lane diverted road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane to the left, with 1 lane diverted

Navigate lane changes safely with the German Sign 501-14 Lane Transfer Board

German Traffic Control Boards501-14
501-16 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic – 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic – 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead

Understand Lane Transfer Sign 501-16: Prepare for Diverted Lanes Ahead

German Traffic Control Boards501-16
501-19 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead

Understand German Lane Transfer Board 501-19: Shifting Lanes Ahead

German Traffic Control Boards501-19
501-26 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted rechter lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted rechter lane straight ahead

Master lane changes with German road sign 501-26 for lane transfers.

German Traffic Control Boards501-26
501-29 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead

Understand the Lane Transfer Board (501-29) for Lane Adjustments

German Traffic Control Boards501-29
501-50 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead

Navigate Lane Changes Safely with the German 4-Lane Transfer Board (Sign 501-50)

German Traffic Control Boards501-50
501-51 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead

Master German Sign 501-51: Understanding Lane Transfers and Lane Divergences

German Traffic Control Boards501-51

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German Driving Theory B courseGerman Driving Theory AM courseGerman HGV Theory - C/CE courseGerman Motorcycle Theory A courseGerman Bus & Coach Theory (D) courseGerman Regulatory Signs German road sign categoryGerman Supplementary Signs German road sign categoryGerman Danger Warning Signs German road sign categoryGerman Traffic Control Boards German road sign categoryGerman Guide and Information Signs German road sign categoryGerman Traffic Facilities and Road Markings German road sign category501-11 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane to the left German road sign501-14 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane to the left, with 1 lane diverted German road sign501-52 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left, with 1 lane diverted German road sign501-53 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left, with 2 lane diverted German road sign501-54 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left, with 3 lane diverted German road sign501-62 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right, with 1 lane diverted German road sign501-63 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right, with 2 lane diverted German road sign501-64 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right, with 3 lane diverted German road sign505-11 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic with integriertem Zeichen 264 StVO - 2-lane to the left German road sign501-16 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic – 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead German road sign501-26 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted rechter lane straight ahead German road sign501-19 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead German road sign501-51 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead German road sign501-29 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead German road sign501-61 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the right diverted rechter lane straight ahead German road sign501-70 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-80 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted rechter lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign501-50 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead German road sign501-60 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead German road sign501-73 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted drei rechten lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-75 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-83 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted drei rechten lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign501-85 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the right diverted rechter lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign501-71 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted beiden rechten lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-72 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-81 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign501-82 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted rechter lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign501-74 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted beiden rechten lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-84 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign