German road sign 514-23, officially a 'Verschwenkungstafel', indicates a lane shift due to roadworks or similar situations, often with a specific arrangement of lanes for your direction and oncoming traffic. This sign requires you to prepare for a change in lane layout, often a narrowing or divergence, and to be aware of traffic coming from the opposite direction. Pay close attention to the arrows and lane counts shown to choose the correct path early and adjust your speed accordingly, as this sign is part of traffic control boards used to manage complex road situations safely.
This German traffic sign 514-23 indicates a rightward lane shift, crucial for navigating areas with oncoming traffic. Proper interpretation and early adjustment are vital for your theory test revision and safe driving.
German road sign 514-23, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach rechts 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 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.
German road sign 514-23 means "Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 1- lane in the direction of travel 2-lane in the opposite direction" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach rechts 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 514-23 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 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 514-23 indicates a lane shift, often due to roadworks. It specifically shows that your lane is shifting (one lane in your direction) while there are two lanes for oncoming traffic. You must prepare to adjust your lane position and potentially your speed based on the arrows shown.
When you see sign 514-23, you need to recognise the upcoming lane arrangement early. Adapt your position before you reach the controlled area, check road markings and any supplementary signs, and be ready to select the correct lane as indicated by the arrows. Reducing speed is also advisable.
The differing lane counts (one for you, two for oncoming) are crucial information provided by sign 514-23. It highlights a specific traffic management setup where oncoming traffic has more capacity or a wider lane arrangement. This requires you to be extra vigilant about oncoming vehicles, especially as lanes may narrow or shift.
A common trap is failing to recognise the significance of the lane counts and arrow directions, leading to late reactions or choosing the wrong lane. Learners might also ignore temporary road markings associated with the sign or fail to reduce speed adequately, especially when the lane narrows or merges.
Sign 514-23 indicates a lane shift or Verschwenkung, which often involves a merge or narrowing of lanes, but not always a complete merge. The key is understanding that the lane configuration is changing, and you must follow the guided path indicated by the arrows and road markings, which could mean shifting lanes or continuing in a narrowed lane.
A clear reference image of the 514-23 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 1- lane in the direction of travel 2-lane in the opposite direction road sign used in Germany.

The 514-23 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 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 514-23 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 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.
Master German road signs by comparing related traffic signs, like this lane shift board. Understanding subtle differences aids sign recognition and helps prevent errors on your theory test revision. Explore more similar road signs to solidify your driving knowledge.

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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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