German road sign 511-27, officially 'Verschwenkungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 3-streifige Verschwenkung, 1-streifig auf den Seitenstreifen', is a traffic control board guiding you through lane changes. It typically indicates a situation where three lanes are shifted, with one lane merging onto the hard shoulder, all without oncoming traffic. This sign demands early recognition and proactive adjustment of your speed and lane position before you reach the controlled area. Always combine its information with road markings, temporary signs, and any supplementary plates.
This German traffic sign 511-27, the lane shift board, visually guides you through lane changes, indicating a shift of three lanes with one lane on the hard shoulder. Proper interpretation is crucial for safe driving and successful theory test preparation, aiding your understanding of road sign meaning in complex traffic situations.
German road sign 511-27, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 3-streifige Verschwenkung, 1-streifig auf den Seitenstreifen", 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. 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 511-27 means "Lane shift board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lanee Verschwenkung, 1-lane hard shoulder" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 3-streifige Verschwenkung, 1-streifig auf den Seitenstreifen". 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 511-27 - Lane shift board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lanee Verschwenkung, 1-lane hard shoulder 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 511-27 indicates a lane shift where three lanes are affected, with one merging onto the hard shoulder, and no oncoming traffic. You must recognize this early, select the correct lane before the taper, and adapt your speed to the new traffic flow. Do not wait until the last moment to react.
When you see sign 511-27, start observing the lane layout and road markings immediately. Choose your lane early – ideally, the one that continues through the shifted section or leads to the correct onward path. Reduce your speed gradually and increase your following distance, as drivers ahead might react at different times.
A common mistake is delaying lane selection until the last moment, leading to abrupt or unsafe lane changes. Learners might also ignore the arrows or think they can overtake through the lane closure area. The exam will test your ability to anticipate and react smoothly to these lane redirection situations.
No, sign 511-27 shows a '3-lane Verschwenkung, 1-lane hard shoulder', meaning three lanes are being redirected, with one of those lanes merging onto the hard shoulder. You need to follow the arrows and markings to determine which lane to use. The hard shoulder might be temporarily used as a driving lane, but you must follow the indicated traffic flow.
Yes, there are various 'Verschwenkungstafel' (lane shift boards) that differ in the number of lanes, the direction of the shift, and whether oncoming traffic is present. Always read the specific arrows on sign 511-27 and any accompanying road markings or supplementary signs carefully, as they define the exact lane arrangement.
A clear reference image of the 511-27 - Lane shift board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lanee Verschwenkung, 1-lane hard shoulder road sign used in Germany.

The 511-27 - Lane shift board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lanee Verschwenkung, 1-lane hard shoulder road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 511-27 - Lane shift board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lanee Verschwenkung, 1-lane hard shoulder road sign is part of the German Traffic Control Boards category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Understanding how similar traffic signs differ is crucial for accurate recognition and fewer errors during your German theory test. Practice comparing signs like this one to reinforce your knowledge of road signs and traffic rules, aiding your exam preparation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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