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German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Prepare for Lane Shifts with Sign 513: Short Diversions Without Oncoming Traffic

513 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic German road sign meaning

German road sign 513, officially 'Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - ohne Gegenverkehr', indicates a short lane shift or diversion where there is no oncoming traffic. This sign is part of traffic control boards, often seen in roadworks or temporary traffic management situations to guide drivers through lane changes. It's crucial to recognise this sign early and adjust your driving position and speed before reaching the affected area to ensure a smooth and safe transition.

Interpreting the Lane Shift Sign (513)

This German road sign 513, indicating a short lane shift without oncoming traffic, requires drivers to proactively adjust their position and speed. Mastering its interpretation is crucial for your theory test revision and safe driving, ensuring you understand traffic sign explanations for prompt decision-making.

Definition of 513

German road sign 513, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - ohne Gegenverkehr", 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.

Meaning of 513

German road sign 513 means "Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - ohne Gegenverkehr". 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 513

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 513

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.

513 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 513 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic 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 German road sign 513 specifically warn about?

Sign 513 warns you about an upcoming short lane shift or diversion. It explicitly states that there will be no oncoming traffic in the shifted lanes, but you must still be prepared to change lanes. This is often used in areas with temporary roadworks.

How should I react when I see sign 513?

Upon seeing sign 513, you should recognise that the lane layout is changing. Adapt your speed and position before reaching the diversion. It's essential to select the correct lane early and signal any lane changes clearly. Always pay attention to accompanying road markings and temporary barriers.

What are common exam traps related to sign 513?

A common trap with sign 513 is waiting too long to choose your lane. Learners might think they can decide at the last moment. However, the sign, especially when combined with tapered lanes, requires early decision-making to avoid sudden, unsafe manoeuvres or blocking traffic.

Does sign 513 mean I can overtake?

Sign 513 indicates a lane shift, not an overtaking opportunity. While there's no oncoming traffic in the shifted lanes, aggressive overtaking through a narrowed or diverted lane area is prohibited and dangerous. Focus on safely navigating the diversion according to the arrows and markings.

What if there are additional plates or markings with sign 513?

You must always consider supplementary plates and road markings along with sign 513. These can provide crucial details about the length of the diversion, the exact lane changes required, or specific speed limits. They are an integral part of the traffic management system.

513 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic road sign image

A clear reference image of the 513 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic road sign used in Germany.

513 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic road sign

Other names for the 513 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic

The 513 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 513German traffic sign 513StVO sign 513Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic signVerschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - ohne Gegenverkehrtraffic control boards 513

German Traffic Control Boards road sign category

The 513 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic 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

Comparing road signs like the lane shift board with similar symbols helps solidify your recognition and recall for the German theory test. This direct traffic sign comparison strengthens your ability to react correctly in diverse traffic situations, crucial for your driving knowledge.

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