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German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the lane shift board (514-26) that guides you through lane changes with oncoming traffic.

514-26 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 1- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction German road sign meaning

Sign 514-26, officially named 'Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach rechts 1- streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 3-streifig in Gegenrichtung', is a traffic control board. It visually shows how lanes are arranged, often indicating a temporary shift or narrowing of lanes, especially in roadworks. This specific variant indicates that your lane will shift to the right, with one lane for your direction and three lanes for oncoming traffic, requiring early adaptation and lane choice.

Understanding Lane Shift Board 514-26

Master the meaning of German road sign 514-26, crucial for lane shifts with oncoming traffic, to enhance your theory test preparation. This sign demands careful attention to lane arrangements and oncoming traffic for safe driving decisions.

Definition of 514-26

German road sign 514-26, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach rechts 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 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.

Meaning of 514-26

German road sign 514-26 means "Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 1- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach rechts 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.

Allowed actions for 514-26

Read the full lane diagram before reaching the taper, merge, or separated traffic stream.Select the correct lane early and signal lane changes clearly when a change is necessary.Reduce speed to match the temporary lane width, curvature, traffic density, and roadworks environment.Keep extra following distance because drivers ahead may react to the lane layout at different times.Follow temporary signs, cones, barriers, and lane markings as one combined traffic-guidance system.

Prohibited actions for 514-26

Do not wait until the lane shift, taper, or merge point before choosing the correct lane.Do not continue in a lane that the board shows as closed, diverted, ending, or reserved for a different movement.Do not overtake aggressively through the controlled section, especially where lanes narrow or traffic is being shifted.Do not ignore temporary roadworks markings because they may override normal lane expectations.

514-26 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 1- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 514-26 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 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.

What is the main purpose of German road sign 514-26?

Sign 514-26 indicates a lane shift, often due to roadworks. It specifically shows how lanes are rearranged, in this case, one lane for your direction and three lanes for oncoming traffic, with the shift occurring to the right. Its purpose is to guide drivers safely through the changed lane configuration and ensure they choose the correct lane well in advance.

How should I react when I see sign 514-26 with oncoming traffic?

When you see sign 514-26, recognise that your lane is shifting or narrowing, and there's oncoming traffic. You must prepare early to move into the correct lane (in this case, shifting right). Reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and pay close attention to road markings and any temporary barriers, as these will guide you through the changed traffic flow.

What does '1-lane in my direction and 3-lanes in the opposite direction' mean on sign 514-26?

This specific detail on sign 514-26 highlights a significant change in lane usage. It means that while you have one lane available for your travel direction, the oncoming traffic will use three lanes. This arrangement often signifies a major diversion or roadwork section and requires extra caution and awareness of the opposing traffic flow.

Are there common mistakes learners make with sign 514-26 in the theory exam?

A common mistake is not recognising the urgency of the lane shift indicated by sign 514-26. Learners might delay their lane change until the last moment, which is dangerous given the presence of oncoming traffic and potential narrowing of your lane. The theory exam will test your ability to anticipate such changes and understand the correct, early lane positioning required.

Does sign 514-26 always mean roadworks are present?

Sign 514-26 is commonly used for roadworks, but its primary function is to signal any situation where lanes are temporarily shifted, narrowed, separated, or merged. This could include accident sites, event traffic management, or other temporary road configurations, not exclusively construction zones. Always pay attention to the arrows and accompanying markings.

514-26 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 1- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction road sign image

A clear reference image of the 514-26 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 1- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction road sign used in Germany.

514-26 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 1- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction road sign

Other names for the 514-26 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 1- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction

The 514-26 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 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.

German road sign 514-26German traffic sign 514-26StVO sign 514-26Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 1- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction signVerschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach rechts 1- streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 3-streifig in Gegenrichtungtraffic control boards 514-26

German Traffic Control Boards road sign category

The 514-26 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 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.

Reinforce Your Road Sign Recognition

Reviewing related signs like this one helps cement your understanding and reduce confusion. Comparing similar traffic signs is crucial for accurate theory test revision and reliable sign recognition on German roads.

501-11 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane to the left road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane to the left

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

German Traffic Control Boards501-11
501-14 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane to the left, with 1 lane diverted road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane to the left, with 1 lane diverted

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

German Traffic Control Boards501-14
501-16 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic – 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic – 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead

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

German Traffic Control Boards501-16
501-19 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead

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

German Traffic Control Boards501-19
501-26 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted rechter lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted rechter lane straight ahead

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

German Traffic Control Boards501-26
501-29 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead

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

German Traffic Control Boards501-29
501-50 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead

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

German Traffic Control Boards501-50
501-51 - Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead road sign

Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead

Master German Sign 501-51: Understanding Lane Transfers and Lane Divergences

German Traffic Control Boards501-51

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Dive into German road sign knowledge

German Driving Theory B courseGerman Driving Theory AM courseGerman HGV Theory - C/CE courseGerman Motorcycle Theory A courseGerman Bus & Coach Theory (D) courseGerman Regulatory Signs German road sign categoryGerman Supplementary Signs German road sign categoryGerman Danger Warning Signs German road sign categoryGerman Traffic Control Boards German road sign categoryGerman Guide and Information Signs German road sign categoryGerman Traffic Facilities and Road Markings German road sign category501-11 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane to the left German road sign501-14 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane to the left, with 1 lane diverted German road sign501-52 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left, with 1 lane diverted German road sign501-53 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left, with 2 lane diverted German road sign501-54 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left, with 3 lane diverted German road sign501-62 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right, with 1 lane diverted German road sign501-63 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right, with 2 lane diverted German road sign501-64 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the right, with 3 lane diverted German road sign505-11 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic with integriertem Zeichen 264 StVO - 2-lane to the left German road sign501-16 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic – 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead German road sign501-26 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted rechter lane straight ahead German road sign501-19 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead German road sign501-51 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane straight ahead German road sign501-29 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted drei rechten lane straight ahead German road sign501-61 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the right diverted rechter lane straight ahead German road sign501-70 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-80 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 2-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted rechter lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign501-50 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead German road sign501-60 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane straight ahead German road sign501-73 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted drei rechten lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-75 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-83 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted drei rechten lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign501-85 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with drei linken lane to the right diverted rechter lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign501-71 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with linker lane to the left diverted beiden rechten lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-72 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted rechter lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-81 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with linker lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign501-82 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 3-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted rechter lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign501-74 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the left diverted beiden rechten lane to the right verschwenkt German road sign501-84 Lane transfer board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane, with beiden linken lane to the right diverted beiden rechten lane to the left verschwenkt German road sign