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German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Lane Shift Board: Navigate Right with Oncoming Traffic!

512-22 - Lane shift board - with oncoming traffic – Verschwenkung to the right 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction German road sign meaning

German road sign 512-22, officially 'Verschwenkungstafel - mit Gegenverkehr – Verschwenkung nach rechts 2-streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 1-streifig in Gegenrichtung', is a traffic control board that guides you through a lane shift. This specific board indicates a shift to the right where your direction has two lanes, but the opposing direction has only one. It's crucial to recognise this early and adjust your speed and lane position before entering the affected area, always paying attention to road markings and any supplementary signs.

Interpreting the Lane Shift Board (Sign 512-22)

This traffic control board sign, 512-22, indicates a lane shift to the right for two lanes in your direction, with one lane for oncoming traffic. Mastering its road sign meaning is crucial for effective theory test revision and safe driving, preparing you for lane changes and potential hazards.

Definition of 512-22

German road sign 512-22, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel - mit Gegenverkehr – Verschwenkung nach rechts 2-streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 1-streifig in Gegenrichtung", 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 512-22

German road sign 512-22 means "Lane shift board - with oncoming traffic – Verschwenkung to the right 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel - mit Gegenverkehr – Verschwenkung nach rechts 2-streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 1-streifig in Gegenrichtung". 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 512-22

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 512-22

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.

512-22 - Lane shift board - with oncoming traffic – Verschwenkung to the right 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 512-22 - Lane shift board - with oncoming traffic – Verschwenkung to the right 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction 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 does the lane shift board 512-22 specifically indicate?

Sign 512-22 indicates a lane shift to the right. It visually communicates that for your direction of travel, there are two lanes available, while oncoming traffic is restricted to a single lane. This setup is common in areas with roadworks or temporary lane alterations.

What is the main goal of sign 512-22 for drivers?

The primary goal is to prompt early recognition and adaptation. Drivers must prepare for the lane shift by reducing speed, selecting the appropriate lane well in advance, and being extra attentive to other road users and changing lane configurations. It’s about proactive driving, not last-minute reactions.

What are common mistakes learners make with lane shift signs like 512-22?

A common trap is waiting too long to react, often until the actual merge point. Learners might also ignore temporary road markings or cones, assuming normal road conditions persist. The key is to treat the entire shifting section, from the first sign to the end, as a single guided area.

How should I behave when I see sign 512-22 with oncoming traffic present?

When sign 512-22 is displayed, you must be particularly cautious due to oncoming traffic. The two lanes in your direction are shifted to the right, but the opposing traffic is narrowed to one lane. Maintain a safe speed, keep a good distance from the vehicle ahead, and avoid overtaking within this section, especially if lanes are narrowing.

Can road markings or supplementary plates change the meaning of sign 512-22?

Absolutely. This sign should always be considered in conjunction with accompanying road markings, cones, barriers, temporary traffic lights, or supplementary plates. These additional elements provide specific details on lane closures, merge points, or alternative routes, refining how you should navigate the lane shift.

512-22 - Lane shift board - with oncoming traffic – Verschwenkung to the right 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign image

A clear reference image of the 512-22 - Lane shift board - with oncoming traffic – Verschwenkung to the right 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign used in Germany.

512-22 - Lane shift board - with oncoming traffic – Verschwenkung to the right 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign

Other names for the 512-22 - Lane shift board - with oncoming traffic – Verschwenkung to the right 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction

The 512-22 - Lane shift board - with oncoming traffic – Verschwenkung to the right 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 512-22German traffic sign 512-22StVO sign 512-22Lane shift board - with oncoming traffic – Verschwenkung to the right 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction signVerschwenkungstafel - mit Gegenverkehr – Verschwenkung nach rechts 2-streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 1-streifig in Gegenrichtungtraffic control boards 512-22

German Traffic Control Boards road sign category

The 512-22 - Lane shift board - with oncoming traffic – Verschwenkung to the right 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign is part of the German Traffic Control Boards category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Understanding of Similar Road Signs

Reviewing related traffic signs side-by-side helps solidify your knowledge of German road markings and traffic rules. Comparing similar road signs improves your sign recognition and reduces errors during your theory test revision.

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

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

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German Traffic Control Boards501-16
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Understand German Lane Transfer Board 501-19: Shifting Lanes Ahead

German Traffic Control Boards501-19
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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

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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

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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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