German traffic sign 514-16, officially known as 'Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach links 1- streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 3-streifig in Gegenrichtung', is part of the traffic control boards group. It visually guides you through a temporary lane arrangement where your lane shifts to the left, and there is oncoming traffic in three lanes while you have only one. This sign requires you to adapt your driving position and speed early to navigate safely through roadworks or lane changes, always paying close attention to road markings and any supplementary signs.
This German road sign 514-16 signals a lane shift to the left, indicating one lane ahead and three lanes for oncoming traffic. Proper interpretation is crucial for safe driving and revising your theory test knowledge on traffic signs.
German road sign 514-16, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach links 1- streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 3-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 514-16 means "Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 1- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach links 1- streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 3-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 514-16 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 1- lane in the direction of travel 3-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 514-16's main purpose is to inform drivers about a temporary lane shift, specifically to the left, and to warn them about oncoming traffic occupying three lanes while their own direction has only one. It prepares you for changes in lane configuration, often due to roadworks.
Sign 514-16 indicates that your lane will shift to the left, and that there are three lanes of oncoming traffic in the opposite direction, while your own direction of travel is restricted to a single lane. This arrangement necessitates early adaptation of speed and lane position.
Upon seeing sign 514-16, you must recognise the lane shift and oncoming traffic situation early. It's crucial to adjust your speed, choose the correct lane well before the narrowed section, and maintain increased awareness due to the complex lane setup.
A common mistake is reacting too late to the lane shift shown by sign 514-16. Learners might continue in their lane until the last moment, ignoring the early warning. Another error is not properly accounting for the oncoming traffic, which has more space, potentially leading to misjudgments.
'Kurze Verschwenkung' translates to 'short shift' or 'short deflection'. This means the lane shift indicated by sign 514-16 is not a prolonged diversion but a more immediate adjustment, so drivers need to be prepared for a relatively quick change in lane layout.
Yes, absolutely. Sign 514-16 should always be considered in conjunction with road markings, temporary barriers, cones, traffic lights, and any supplementary plates displayed at the same location. These elements provide the complete picture of how to navigate the lane shift safely.
A clear reference image of the 514-16 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 1- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction road sign used in Germany.
The 514-16 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 1- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 514-16 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 1- lane in the direction of travel 3-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 German road signs like this one with similar variants helps lock in recognition patterns, reducing confusion and mistakes during your theory test revision. Use this traffic sign comparison to enhance your sign recognition and prepare effectively for your driving licence 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