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German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Navigate Lane Changes Safely with the 3-Lane Transfer Board (Sign 501-72)

501-72 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign meaning

German road sign 501-72, officially 'Überleitungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr', is a crucial traffic control board indicating a lane shift on a 3-lane road without oncoming traffic. It guides you to move the two left lanes to the left and the right lane to the right, often before roadworks or lane closures. Early recognition and timely lane adjustment are vital to avoid sudden reactions and ensure smooth traffic flow.

Interpreting German Road Sign 501-72: Lane Transfer Board

Master the interpretation of German road sign 501-72, essential for your driving theory test revision. This sign explains how traffic lanes are dynamically adjusted, requiring drivers to adapt their position and speed early to navigate lane changes safely and comply with German traffic rules.

Definition of 501-72

German road sign 501-72, officially designated "Überleitungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 3-streifig, davon die beiden linken 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.

Meaning of 501-72

German road sign 501-72 means "Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt" and is officially listed as "Überleitungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 3-streifig, davon die beiden linken 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.

Allowed actions for 501-72

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 501-72

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.

501-72 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 501-72 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with beiden linken 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.

What is the main purpose of German road sign 501-72?

Sign 501-72 is a lane transfer board designed to guide drivers through a change in lane configuration on a 3-lane road. It informs you that the two left lanes will divert to the left, and the right lane will shift to the right, typically due to roadworks or lane closures. Its purpose is to ensure drivers adjust their position well in advance.

How should I react when I see sign 501-72?

Upon seeing sign 501-72, you must understand the indicated lane changes and select your correct lane as early as possible. Reduce your speed to match the temporary road conditions, maintain a safe following distance, and always follow any supplementary signs, cones, or markings that further direct traffic.

What are common mistakes learners make with sign 501-72?

A common mistake is waiting too long to choose the correct lane, leading to last-minute, potentially unsafe maneuvers. Learners might also ignore temporary markings or assume normal road conditions, which can be dangerous in areas with roadworks. Reacting late to the shift shown by the arrows is a frequent exam trap.

Does sign 501-72 apply to all types of roads?

Sign 501-72 can appear on various roads, but it's most commonly found on motorways and multi-lane roads where lane management is necessary. You'll often see it in conjunction with temporary roadworks, lane closures, or to manage traffic flow through construction stages. Always combine the sign's information with visible road markings and other traffic control devices.

What does 'verschwenkt' mean in relation to sign 501-72?

'Verschwenkt' in the official German title 'rechter Fahrstreifen nach rechts verschwenkt' means the right lane is shifted or diverted to the right. This sign visually communicates these specific lane movements, indicating that traffic in the right lane needs to move sideways to the right, while traffic in the left lanes moves sideways to the left.

501-72 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt road sign image

A clear reference image of the 501-72 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt road sign used in Germany.

501-72 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt road sign

Other names for the 501-72 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt

The 501-72 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 501-72German traffic sign 501-72StVO sign 501-72Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt signÜberleitungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 3-streifig, davon die beiden linken Fahrstreifen nach links übergeleitet und rechter Fahrstreifen nach rechts verschwenkttraffic control boards 501-72

German Traffic Control Boards road sign category

The 501-72 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with beiden linken 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.

Master Similar Road Signs

Comparing related signs like this lane transfer board helps solidify your understanding and improve recall for the German theory test. Effective traffic sign comparison is crucial for accurate recognition and fewer mistakes during your exam preparation.

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