German road sign 514-28, officially 'Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr', is a crucial traffic control board. It signals an upcoming lane shift, indicating that lanes are being rearranged due to roadworks or other temporary conditions, and importantly, that there will be oncoming traffic. Drivers must prepare early by observing the arrows and road markings, adjusting their speed, and selecting the correct lane well in advance of the actual shift. This sign is essential for safely navigating complex road layouts and avoiding common exam pitfalls.
This sign explains a crucial lane shift with oncoming traffic, indicating a three-lane arrangement in your direction and three in the opposite. Understanding this road sign meaning is vital for safe lane changes and navigating German traffic rules effectively during your theory test revision.
German road sign 514-28, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach rechts 3- 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 514-28 means "Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 3- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach rechts 3- 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 514-28 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 3- 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 514-28 is a lane shift board that warns drivers about an upcoming lane shift. It specifically indicates that the shift involves oncoming traffic and shows how lanes are reconfigured, often in roadworks. Its purpose is to guide drivers to prepare and safely navigate the changed traffic flow by adjusting their lane choice and speed before reaching the affected area.
Upon seeing sign 514-28, you must immediately prepare for a lane shift and be aware of oncoming traffic. Look closely at the arrows and any accompanying road markings to understand the new lane configuration. You should then select your correct lane early, reduce your speed appropriately, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
A common mistake is not preparing early enough, leaving the lane decision until the last moment. Drivers might also fail to notice or anticipate the oncoming traffic, leading to dangerous situations. Another trap is ignoring the arrows or assuming normal lane usage; you must always follow the guidance of the lane shift board and associated markings.
Sign 514-28 shows you how lanes are shifted and where oncoming traffic will be. You must follow the lane indicated by the arrows for your direction of travel. If your current lane is shown as ending or being diverted, you must change lanes to the one designated for your route, taking into account the oncoming traffic present.
'Mit Gegenverkehr' means 'with oncoming traffic'. For sign 514-28, this is a critical piece of information. It means that the lane shift you are navigating will bring you closer to vehicles travelling in the opposite direction, often in a situation where lanes are narrowed or merged. This requires extra vigilance and a greater following distance.
You will typically encounter sign 514-28 in areas with temporary traffic management, such as roadworks on motorways or multi-lane roads. It is used to guide traffic through lane closures, lane shifts, or merge areas, especially when lanes need to be shared or rerouted with oncoming traffic.
A clear reference image of the 514-28 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 3- lane in the direction of travel 3-lane in the opposite direction road sign used in Germany.
The 514-28 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 3- 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 514-28 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 3- 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 German road signs like this one alongside similar diagrams helps solidify your understanding and improves recognition accuracy for the theory test. Comparing traffic signs for subtle differences is a key revision strategy for mastering German road rules.
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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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