Logo
German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the Lane Board Sign 522-31 for Merging Traffic with Oncoming Lanes

522-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction German road sign meaning

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.

Understanding Lane Board Sign 522-31

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.

Definition of 522-31

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.

Meaning of 522-31

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.

Allowed actions for 522-31

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 522-31

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.

522-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign FAQ

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.

What does German traffic sign 522-31, the lane board, indicate?

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.

How should I react when I see sign 522-31?

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.

What are common mistakes or exam traps related to sign 522-31?

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.

Does sign 522-31 mean I must stop?

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.

Are there other variations of the lane board sign?

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.

522-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign image

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.

522-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign

Other names for the 522-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction

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.

German road sign 522-31German traffic sign 522-31StVO sign 522-31Lane board - with oncoming traffic - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction signFahrstreifentafel - mit Gegenverkehr - 2-streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 1-streifig in Gegenrichtungtraffic control boards 522-31

German Traffic Control Boards road sign category

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.

Reinforce Your Knowledge with Similar Signs

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.

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

Ready to Master German Road Signs? Start Your Focused Revision

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.

All German Road Signs List
CTA Decorative Squares

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