Sign 501-73, officially 'Überleitungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig...', is a crucial traffic control board on German roads. It indicates a shift in lane configuration, specifically on a 4-lane road where the left lane diverts left and the three right lanes shift right. This sign prepares you for upcoming roadworks or complex lane arrangements, requiring you to adapt your speed and lane choice early.
This explanation card clarifies the specific meaning and application of German Road Sign 501-73, crucial for your theory test revision. Master the interpretation of lane shifts and road guidance to ensure safe driving decisions and pass your German driving licence theory exam.
German road sign 501-73, officially designated "Überleitungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig, davon linker Fahrstreifen nach links übergeleitet und die drei rechten 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 501-73 means "Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted drei rechten lane to the right verschwenkt" and is officially listed as "Überleitungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig, davon linker Fahrstreifen nach links übergeleitet und die drei rechten 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 501-73 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted drei rechten 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 501-73, a lane transfer board, aims to guide drivers through a change in lane layout. It informs you that lanes are being shifted or diverted, requiring you to prepare for a specific lane configuration ahead, in this case, a 4-lane setup with lanes moving in different directions.
Upon seeing sign 501-73, you must recognize the upcoming lane change early. This means adjusting your speed, checking road markings and signs, and selecting the correct lane well in advance of the actual divergence point. Do not wait until the last moment to make your move.
This sign tests your ability to anticipate and react to changing traffic situations. Failing to understand and act on lane transfer boards like 501-73 can lead to dangerous maneuvers, unexpected braking, or incorrect lane choices, which are common pitfalls in the theory exam and real driving.
While sign 501-73 itself doesn't state a specific speed limit, it indicates a situation that often involves roadworks or lane narrowing. You should always be prepared to reduce your speed to match the temporary conditions, traffic density, and any speed limits indicated by supplementary signs or the surrounding environment.
Ignoring sign 501-73 and its depicted lane diversion can lead to dangerous situations. You might be in a lane that is ending, illegally enter a lane designated for a different direction, or cause a hazard by cutting off other drivers. Always follow the arrows and temporary markings precisely.
A clear reference image of the 501-73 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted drei rechten lane to the right verschwenkt road sign used in Germany.

The 501-73 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted drei rechten lane to the right verschwenkt road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 501-73 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted drei rechten 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.
Studying adjacent and similar German road signs enhances recognition and reduces errors on your theory test. This comparison helps solidify your understanding of traffic sign meanings and their specific applications, crucial for effective theory test revision.

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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.
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