German road sign 514-24, officially 'Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach rechts 2- streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 2-streifig in Gegenrichtung', indicates a short lane shift to the right where you will encounter oncoming traffic. This traffic control board manages lane arrangements, often before roadworks or complex merging zones. It's vital to recognise this sign early, adapt your speed and lane position proactively, and always follow the arrows and road markings precisely.
Mastering German road sign 514-24 is crucial for your theory test revision. This lane shift board indicates a temporary lane arrangement with oncoming traffic, requiring early recognition and adaptation to ensure safe driving decisions during your licence process.
German road sign 514-24, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach rechts 2- 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 514-24 means "Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- lane in the direction of travel 2-lane in the opposite direction" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach rechts 2- 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 514-24 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- 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 514-24 indicates a short lane shift to the right. Crucially, it also signals that you will encounter oncoming traffic in the adjacent lanes. The sign shows a 2-lane arrangement in your direction of travel and a 2-lane arrangement for oncoming traffic, guiding you through the diversion.
Upon seeing sign 514-24, you must recognise the upcoming lane shift and the presence of oncoming traffic. It's essential to adjust your speed and choose the correct lane well in advance of the actual shift. Pay close attention to road markings, temporary signs, and any supplementary plates, as these can provide further instructions.
A common mistake is failing to prepare early enough for the lane shift, leaving lane changes until the last moment. Learners might also ignore temporary markings or assume normal lane behaviour, which can be dangerous when oncoming traffic is present. Always treat this sign as a prompt for proactive lane positioning.
Sign 514-24 indicates a required lane shift or diversion. You must follow the direction indicated by the arrows and road markings. If your lane is shown as ending or being diverted, you must move to the indicated lane that is open for your direction of travel, while being aware of oncoming traffic.
'Kurze Verschwenkung' translates to 'short lane shift' or 'short deflection'. This implies that the lane diversion or narrowing is temporary and relatively brief, often associated with roadworks or specific traffic management situations. However, you should still treat it with the same caution as any lane change situation, especially with oncoming traffic.
The 'with oncoming traffic' element is critical. It means the road layout is temporarily designed to allow vehicles from the opposite direction to pass. This requires extra vigilance, a good understanding of your lane's boundaries, and maintaining a safe distance from both your own lane's edge and any oncoming vehicles.
A clear reference image of the 514-24 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- lane in the direction of travel 2-lane in the opposite direction road sign used in Germany.

The 514-24 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- 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 514-24 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- 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.
Reviewing similar German road signs like lane shift boards improves your ability to distinguish them quickly, which is crucial for safe driving and passing your theory test. Comparing signs helps reinforce correct responses and reduces errors during your 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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