German road sign 514-13, officially 'Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach links', indicates a short lane shift to the left where there is oncoming traffic. This sign is part of traffic control boards used to manage lane arrangements, often before roadworks. It signals that your lane will shift left, with one lane allocated to your direction of travel and two lanes for oncoming traffic. Drivers must recognise this early, adapt their speed and position, and be prepared for the altered lane configuration, especially if road markings or supplementary plates provide further instructions.
Master the meaning of German road sign 514-13, a crucial traffic control board indicating a leftward lane shift with two-way traffic. This essential road sign explanation will help you prepare for your theory test by focusing on how to safely navigate lane changes and understand German traffic rules.
German road sign 514-13, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach links 1- streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 2-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 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.
German road sign 514-13 means "Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 1- lane in the direction of travel 2-lane in the opposite direction" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach links 1- streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 2-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.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 514-13 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 1- lane in the direction of travel 2-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.
Sign 514-13 informs drivers that their lane is shifting to the left, and that oncoming traffic will be using two lanes while your direction has only one. It's crucial for managing traffic flow and safety, especially in areas with roadworks or temporary lane changes.
This detail is critical. It means that for your journey, only one lane will be available as it shifts left. Meanwhile, two lanes will be allocated for traffic coming from the opposite direction, highlighting a significant narrowing and potential hazard.
Upon seeing sign 514-13, you must prepare for the lane shift. This means reducing speed, checking your mirrors, positioning your vehicle correctly in the available lane, and being extra vigilant for oncoming traffic. Always follow any accompanying road markings or temporary signs.
A common trap is failing to recognise the implications of the lane distribution (1 lane for you, 2 for oncoming). Learners might also react too late, attempting to change lanes or merge at the last moment. It's vital to anticipate the shift early and be aware of the narrower conditions.
No, sign 514-13 itself does not grant priority. It is an informational sign about lane configuration. While it indicates a shift to the left with oncoming traffic, you must still adhere to general right-of-way rules and give way if necessary, especially if the lane shift creates a priority situation not explicitly managed by other signs.
A clear reference image of the 514-13 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 1- lane in the direction of travel 2-lane in the opposite direction road sign used in Germany.
The 514-13 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 1- lane in the direction of travel 2-lane in the opposite direction road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 514-13 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 1- lane in the direction of travel 2-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.
Comparing signs like this lane shift board helps build sharp recognition and recall for your German driving theory test. Study similar road signs and traffic sign comparisons to solidify your understanding and prevent common errors during exam preparation.
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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.
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