German road sign 514-15, officially 'Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach links', is a traffic control board indicating a short lane shift to the left. This sign shows that your lane is shifting left, and you will encounter oncoming traffic. It typically appears in areas with roadworks or temporary lane arrangements on multi-lane roads or motorways. You must recognize the lane layout early, adapt your speed and lane position before the controlled section, and always combine the sign's information with road markings and any supplementary plates.
German road sign 514-15, indicating a lane shift with oncoming traffic, requires careful attention to lane arrangement and immediate adaptation. Mastering this road sign meaning is crucial for your theory test revision, ensuring safe navigation through complex traffic situations.
German road sign 514-15, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach links 3- 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 514-15 means "Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 3- lane in the direction of travel 2-lane in the opposite direction" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach links 3- 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 514-15 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 3- 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 514-15 informs drivers about a short lane shift to the left. It specifically highlights that while your lanes are shifting left, there will be oncoming traffic. This sign helps drivers prepare for changes in lane layout, often due to roadworks, and ensures safe navigation through the altered road configuration.
Sign 514-15 indicates 3 lanes in your direction of travel are being shifted left, while 2 lanes are maintained for oncoming traffic. This detail is crucial for understanding how traffic will flow and for positioning your vehicle correctly to maintain safety and avoid conflicts with oncoming vehicles.
Upon seeing sign 514-15, you should immediately recognize that your lane is shifting left and that there is oncoming traffic. It's essential to reduce your speed, check your mirrors, and select the correct lane early. Pay close attention to road markings and any temporary signs or cones that guide you through the shifted lanes.
A common exam trap is failing to recognize that oncoming traffic is present alongside the lane shift. Learners might also react too late, assuming they can merge or shift lanes at the last moment. Always remember to anticipate the lane change and oncoming traffic well in advance, as indicated by the sign and accompanying markings.
No, sign 514-15 does not necessarily mean you must change lanes immediately. It indicates that the lanes are shifting to the left, and you should prepare to do so. You must choose the correct lane early based on the arrows and markings, and adjust your speed accordingly. The sign advises on the upcoming lane configuration, prompting proactive adaptation rather than an immediate, abrupt maneuver.
A clear reference image of the 514-15 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 3- lane in the direction of travel 2-lane in the opposite direction road sign used in Germany.

The 514-15 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 3- 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 514-15 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 3- 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.
Understanding how similar traffic signs differ is crucial for accurate recognition and fewer mistakes during your German theory test. Comparing signs like this one helps solidify your knowledge of German traffic rules and official road markings, improving your overall readiness for the exam.

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

Navigate lane changes safely with the German Sign 501-14 Lane Transfer Board

Understand Lane Transfer Sign 501-16: Prepare for Diverted Lanes Ahead

Understand German Lane Transfer Board 501-19: Shifting Lanes Ahead

Master lane changes with German road sign 501-26 for lane transfers.

Understand the Lane Transfer Board (501-29) for Lane Adjustments

Navigate Lane Changes Safely with the German 4-Lane Transfer Board (Sign 501-50)

Master German Sign 501-51: Understanding Lane Transfers and Lane Divergences
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.
All German Road Signs List