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German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the Lane Shift Board for a 4-Lane Road Shifting Right

513-23 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right German road sign meaning

German traffic sign 513-23, officially the 'Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig nach rechts', is a crucial traffic control board used in Germany. It signals a short lane shift, directing drivers on a four-lane road to move to the right. You'll often encounter this sign in areas with roadworks or temporary lane changes, especially on motorways or multi-lane roads. Pay close attention to the arrows and road markings, as they clearly indicate the required lane adjustment before you reach the critical section.

Interpreting Lane Shift Sign 513-23

This sign, "Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right," indicates a specific lane shift requiring immediate driver awareness. Understanding its meaning is crucial for safe driving and your theory test revision, providing vital context for traffic sign explanation and road sign meaning.

Definition of 513-23

German road sign 513-23, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig nach rechts", 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 513-23

German road sign 513-23 means "Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig nach rechts". 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 513-23

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 513-23

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.

513-23 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 513-23 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right 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 is the main purpose of German sign 513-23?

Sign 513-23 indicates a short lane shift on a four-lane road, guiding traffic to the right. Its primary purpose is to manage traffic flow safely through temporary changes, such as roadworks, by clearly showing drivers which lanes remain open and how the road layout will change.

What does '4-streifig nach rechts' mean in sign 513-23?

'4-streifig nach rechts' translates to '4-lane to the right'. This specifies that the sign is applied to a road with four lanes, and the shift or diversion indicated by the arrows will guide traffic towards the right side of the road.

When driving, what is the most important action when seeing sign 513-23?

The most critical action when seeing sign 513-23 is to recognize the upcoming lane shift early and prepare to change lanes if necessary. You should actively scan the road ahead, observe the arrows on the sign and any accompanying road markings, and select your correct lane well before you reach the point where the lanes merge or diverge.

What are common exam traps related to sign 513-23?

A common trap is reacting too late to the lane shift. Learners may assume they can stay in their current lane until the very last moment. It's vital to remember that signs like 513-23 require early preparation. Another trap is ignoring temporary markings or cones, which are integral parts of the traffic management system indicated by this sign.

Does sign 513-23 mean I must always move to the rightmost lane?

Sign 513-23 specifically indicates that the traffic layout is shifting to the right. While it guides traffic in that direction, your specific lane choice depends on the arrows shown and the road markings. It doesn't necessarily mean you must move to the absolute rightmost lane if other lanes are also part of the indicated path or if a supplementary sign provides different instructions.

513-23 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right road sign image

A clear reference image of the 513-23 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right road sign used in Germany.

513-23 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right road sign

Other names for the 513-23 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right

The 513-23 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 513-23German traffic sign 513-23StVO sign 513-23Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right signVerschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig nach rechtstraffic control boards 513-23

German Traffic Control Boards road sign category

The 513-23 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right road sign is part of the German Traffic Control Boards category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Understanding with Similar Signs

Comparing signs like 'Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung' helps solidify your knowledge by highlighting subtle differences, crucial for accurate recognition during your theory test revision. Practice this traffic sign comparison to improve your sign recognition and reduce errors on exam day.

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