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German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Navigate Lane Shifts Safely with Sign 514-27: Lane Diverted Right with Oncoming Traffic

514-27 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction German road sign meaning

German traffic sign 514-27, officially 'Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach rechts 2- streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 3-streifig in Gegenrichtung', indicates a temporary lane shift. This sign specifically warns that your lane is shifting to the right, and that you will encounter oncoming traffic in what appears to be extra lanes. It's crucial to recognize this sign early, adapt your speed, and choose the correct lane well before the controlled section begins, especially paying attention to the differing number of lanes for each direction.

Understanding the Lane Shift Board (Sign 514-27)

Mastering the interpretation of German road sign 514-27 is crucial for your theory test revision, as it details lane shifts with oncoming traffic. This sign explains how lanes are adjusted, guiding your decisions on speed and lane positioning to ensure safe navigation through changing road layouts, a key aspect of traffic sign explanation.

Definition of 514-27

German road sign 514-27, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach rechts 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 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 514-27

German road sign 514-27 means "Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach rechts 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.

Allowed actions for 514-27

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 514-27

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.

514-27 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- 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 514-27 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 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.

What does German road sign 514-27 mean for my driving direction?

Sign 514-27 means that the lanes in your direction of travel are shifting to the right, and you will encounter oncoming traffic. Specifically, your direction has 2 lanes and the oncoming direction has 3 lanes in this section. You must prepare to move into the correct lane for your direction early on.

What is the purpose of the 'kurze Verschwenkung' on sign 514-27?

'Kurze Verschwenkung' translates to a short lane shift. This means the lanes are temporarily moved or diverted, often due to roadworks or a temporary change in road layout. Sign 514-27 shows how these lanes are arranged, including the presence and number of lanes for oncoming traffic, which is critical for safe navigation.

What are the key actions required when I see sign 514-27?

When you see sign 514-27, you must anticipate the lane shift to the right and the oncoming traffic. Early lane selection is vital. Reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and strictly follow any temporary road markings, cones, or barriers. Do not overtake in this section.

Are there any exam traps associated with sign 514-27?

A common exam trap is not recognizing that the sign indicates a different number of lanes in each direction (2 for you, 3 for oncoming). Learners might also react too late, assuming their lane continues straight. Always remember to interpret the arrows precisely and prepare for the lane change well in advance of the actual diversion point.

How does the 'oncoming traffic' aspect of sign 514-27 affect my driving?

The 'oncoming traffic' note on sign 514-27 is extremely important. It means that lanes normally used for your direction are now occupied by vehicles coming from the opposite direction. This makes the lane shift more dangerous, requiring increased vigilance, a reduced speed, and strict adherence to the designated lanes for your direction.

514-27 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction road sign image

A clear reference image of the 514-27 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction road sign used in Germany.

514-27 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction road sign

Other names for the 514-27 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction

The 514-27 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 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.

German road sign 514-27German traffic sign 514-27StVO sign 514-27Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction signVerschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach rechts 2- streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 3-streifig in Gegenrichtungtraffic control boards 514-27

German Traffic Control Boards road sign category

The 514-27 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 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.

Compare Similar German Road Signs

Mastering German road signs involves understanding their subtle differences. By comparing related traffic signs, you can improve your sign recognition and avoid common mistakes, which is crucial for your theory test revision and safe driving.

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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

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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

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

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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