German road sign 501-70, officially 'Überleitungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 2-streifig...', is a crucial traffic control board. It visually guides you through lane arrangements, typically indicating that lanes are being shifted or diverted, without any oncoming traffic. You must observe this sign well in advance to adjust your speed and select the correct lane early, as it often precedes roadworks or temporary lane changes on motorways and multi-lane roads. Failing to prepare for the lane shift can lead to hazardous situations and is a common theory exam trap.
This sign explains how traffic lanes are rearranged, crucial for your theory test revision and safe driving. Mastering traffic sign explanation ensures you adapt correctly to lane diversions and changing road layouts.
German road sign 501-70, officially designated "Überleitungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 2-streifig, davon linker Fahrstreifen nach links übergeleitet und rechter Fahrstreifen nach rechts verschwenkt", 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. 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.
German road sign 501-70 means "Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt" and is officially listed as "Überleitungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 2-streifig, davon linker Fahrstreifen nach links übergeleitet und rechter Fahrstreifen nach rechts verschwenkt". 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 501-70 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt 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 501-70, the Lane Transfer Board, visually directs drivers on how lanes are arranged, shifted, or merged. Its main purpose is to prepare you for upcoming changes in lane configuration, such as diversions or closures, ensuring a safe and orderly flow of traffic, especially in areas with roadworks.
Upon seeing sign 501-70, you should immediately assess the indicated lane arrangement. Prepare to adjust your speed, position your vehicle in the correct lane well before the controlled area, and pay close attention to road markings and any supplementary signs that might provide further instructions. Early preparation is key.
A common mistake is reacting too late to the lane shift indicated by sign 501-70, often waiting until the last moment to change lanes. Another error is continuing in a lane that the sign clearly shows is ending, diverted, or reserved for a different movement. This can cause dangerous situations and is a frequent point of confusion in the theory test.
No, sign 501-70 itself does not mean you must stop. It is an informational sign indicating a change in lane layout. Your reaction should be to select the appropriate lane early and adjust your speed as necessary, but stopping is only required if traffic conditions or other signs/signals mandate it.
This official German description means that the left lane is diverted to the left and the right lane is shifted to the right. Sign 501-70 specifically illustrates this arrangement, showing how the two lanes are repositioned, which requires drivers to prepare for these shifts by choosing their lane in advance.
The 'ohne Gegenverkehr' (without oncoming traffic) designation in the sign's full title, 'Überleitungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr...', means this particular variant of the lane transfer board is used in situations where you do not need to worry about traffic coming from the opposite direction within the marked lanes. This simplifies the situation but doesn't reduce the need to follow the lane guidance.
A clear reference image of the 501-70 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt road sign used in Germany.

The 501-70 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 501-70 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt road sign is part of the German Traffic Control Boards category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Reviewing related road signs, like this lane transfer board, helps solidify your understanding and reduces confusion during your theory test revision. Comparing similar traffic signs and their specific meanings aids in quick recognition and accurate 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