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German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the German Lane Shift Board 513-13 for a 4-Lane Left Shift

513-13 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left German road sign meaning

German road sign 513-13, officially 'Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig nach links', is a traffic control board indicating a temporary lane shift. Specifically, it warns that four lanes will shift to the left ahead, without any oncoming traffic. You'll typically encounter this sign near roadworks or high-speed lane changes where traffic flow is being temporarily rerouted. Drivers must recognize the lane arrangement early, adapt their speed and lane choice before the shift, and always follow the arrows and accompanying road markings.

Understanding the Lane Shift Board (Sign 513-13)

This sign indicates a specific lane shift arrangement for up to four lanes to the left, crucial for navigating roadworks or lane changes safely. Mastering its interpretation is key for your driving theory test revision, ensuring you understand traffic sign explanations and make timely driving decisions.

Definition of 513-13

German road sign 513-13, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig nach links", 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. 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 513-13

German road sign 513-13 means "Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig nach links". 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 513-13

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 513-13

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.

513-13 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 513-13 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left 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 traffic sign 513-13 specifically indicate?

Sign 513-13 indicates a short lane shift where four lanes are directed to move to the left. It's crucial to note that there is no oncoming traffic in this specific configuration. This sign is part of traffic control boards used to manage traffic flow, often around roadworks or temporary lane closures.

What action should I take when I see sign 513-13 on the road?

When you see sign 513-13, you need to prepare for a lane shift to the left for all four lanes. It's essential to reduce your speed, observe road markings and any temporary signs or cones, and select the correct lane as early as possible before reaching the actual merge or shift point. Early anticipation is key to avoiding sudden braking or unsafe lane changes.

Where might I typically encounter sign 513-13?

You are likely to see sign 513-13 on motorways or multi-lane roads where roadworks are taking place, or a temporary lane closure necessitates a shift in traffic. It's designed to guide drivers smoothly through temporary changes in road layout without confusion.

What are common mistakes learners make with lane shift boards like 513-13?

A common mistake is waiting too long to react or choose a lane. Learners might also underestimate the need to slow down or fail to combine the sign's instruction with road markings and temporary barriers. The theory exam often tests your ability to anticipate these changes and act proactively, not reactively.

Does the '4-lane' in the sign title 513-13 mean I must be in one of those four lanes?

Yes, the '4-lane' designation indicates the number of lanes that are being directed in the shift. If you are on a road with four or more lanes and you see this sign, it means all available lanes are being shifted left, and you must follow that redirection. Always check the exact lane markings and any supplementary plates.

513-13 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left road sign image

A clear reference image of the 513-13 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left road sign used in Germany.

513-13 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left road sign

Other names for the 513-13 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left

The 513-13 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 513-13German traffic sign 513-13StVO sign 513-13Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left signVerschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig nach linkstraffic control boards 513-13

German Traffic Control Boards road sign category

The 513-13 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left road sign is part of the German Traffic Control Boards category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Road Sign Knowledge

Mastering German road signs means understanding their nuances. Reviewing similar signs side-by-side helps solidify recognition and reduces errors for your theory test revision, making traffic sign comparison an essential study tool.

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