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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.

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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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