German road sign 514-17, also known as a 'Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung', indicates a short lane shift where oncoming traffic is present. It shows that the lanes in your direction of travel are reduced to two, while the opposing lanes will have three. This sign often precedes roadworks or areas requiring a temporary change in lane layout. It's crucial to recognise this situation early, adjust your speed, and select the correct lane well before reaching the traffic control point to ensure safety and avoid exam pitfalls.
This lane shift board (514-17) is crucial for understanding how traffic lanes are rearranged, especially with oncoming traffic to the left. Master its interpretation to navigate lane changes safely and confidently during your theory test revision.
German road sign 514-17, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach links 2- 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 514-17 means "Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 2- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach links 2- 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 514-17 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 2- 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 514-17 indicates a short lane shift, often due to roadworks. It informs you that your lane count will reduce to two, while the oncoming traffic will have three lanes. You must be prepared to adjust your driving behaviour and lane choice.
Reacting early is vital because this sign signals a change in the road layout. You need time to safely choose the correct lane, adjust your speed, and potentially increase your following distance, especially with oncoming traffic present. Delaying your reaction can lead to sudden braking or dangerous lane changes.
A common trap is assuming the lane reduction only applies to you without considering the oncoming traffic configuration. Another mistake is failing to anticipate the lane shift and reacting too late, which can be tested in scenarios involving hazard perception or rule application.
Not necessarily. The sign warns you of an upcoming change. You must select the appropriate lane *before* the actual shift point, which might mean staying in your current lane if it's designated for your direction, or preparing to move to the correct lane if yours is ending or diverted.
It means that while your lanes are being shifted or narrowed, there will still be opposing traffic. This adds complexity as you'll be driving in closer proximity to vehicles coming from the opposite direction, potentially in a narrowed or curved section of the road, requiring extra caution.
A clear reference image of the 514-17 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 2- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction road sign used in Germany.
The 514-17 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 2- 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 514-17 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 2- 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 signs like this lane shift board with similar traffic control signs reinforces your recognition and memory, crucial for reducing errors in your German driving theory test. This comparative review of road signs aids in building a stronger understanding of traffic rules and official procedures.
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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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