German road sign 522-31, also known as a 'Fahrstreifentafel', informs drivers about a specific lane arrangement: two lanes will be available in your direction of travel, while only one lane will be available for oncoming traffic. This sign is part of traffic control boards and typically warns of upcoming roadworks, lane closures, or shifts where lane configurations change. It's crucial to recognise this early and adapt your driving, choosing the correct lane well before the critical point to ensure safety and avoid disrupting traffic flow.
This German road sign 522-31 visually explains complex lane configurations ahead, crucial for safe navigation and your theory test revision. Mastering its interpretation helps you understand lane shifts and oncoming traffic implications, improving your traffic sign explanation skills for the German driving licence process.
German road sign 522-31, officially designated "Fahrstreifentafel - mit Gegenverkehr - 2-streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 1-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. 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 522-31 means "Lane board - with oncoming traffic - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction" and is officially listed as "Fahrstreifentafel - mit Gegenverkehr - 2-streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 1-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 522-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-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 522-31 indicates that ahead, there will be two lanes for your direction of travel and one lane for oncoming traffic. This configuration is usually temporary, often due to roadworks, and requires drivers to pay close attention to lane markings and potential shifts.
Upon seeing sign 522-31, you must prepare for a change in lane configuration. Identify which of the two lanes you should be in based on the arrows and any accompanying road markings. Reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and choose your lane early before the actual lane narrow or merge point.
A common trap is reacting too late. Drivers might wait until the very last moment to merge or choose a lane, causing unnecessary braking or risky manoeuvres. Another mistake is ignoring the implication of reduced lanes for oncoming traffic, which signifies a potential hazard for head-on collisions if not managed correctly.
No, sign 522-31 does not mean you must stop. It is an informational sign indicating a change in lane allocation. You should continue driving, but be prepared to adjust your lane choice and speed according to the diagram shown on the sign and the prevailing road conditions.
Yes, lane boards (Fahrstreifentafeln) come in various forms, indicated by different sign codes. They can show different numbers of lanes for your direction and oncoming traffic, as well as different merge or lane-shift patterns. Always read the arrows and symbols on the specific board you encounter carefully.
A clear reference image of the 522-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign used in Germany.

The 522-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 522-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-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.
Comparing similar road signs like this one helps solidify your understanding and prevents common mistakes during your German driving theory test. Effective traffic sign comparison and dedicated sign recognition practice are key to mastering the exam requirements.

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