Logo
German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the Lane Board Sign 526-31 with Oncoming Traffic

526-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic with integriertem Zeichen 275 - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction German road sign meaning

German road sign 526-31, known as a 'Fahrstreifentafel' or lane board, informs you about upcoming lane arrangements, specifically showing two lanes for your direction and one for oncoming traffic. These signs are vital for managing traffic flow, especially before roadworks or lane changes, and are part of the traffic control boards group. You must recognize the depicted lane configuration early, adapt your speed and lane position before reaching the affected area, and always combine the sign's information with current road markings and any supplementary plates.

Understanding Lane Board Sign 526-31

This lane board sign, officially "2-lane in travel direction, 1-lane opposite", details upcoming lane arrangements, crucial for your theory test revision. Proper interpretation ensures safe lane changes and adherence to traffic rules, vital for German driving knowledge.

Definition of 526-31

German road sign 526-31, officially designated "Fahrstreifentafel - mit Gegenverkehr mit integriertem Zeichen 275 - 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 526-31

German road sign 526-31 means "Lane board - with oncoming traffic with integriertem Zeichen 275 - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction" and is officially listed as "Fahrstreifentafel - mit Gegenverkehr mit integriertem Zeichen 275 - 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 526-31

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 526-31

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.

526-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic with integriertem Zeichen 275 - 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 526-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic with integriertem Zeichen 275 - 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 is the main purpose of German road sign 526-31?

Sign 526-31 informs drivers about a specific lane configuration ahead: two lanes will be available in your direction of travel, while only one lane will be open for oncoming traffic. Its purpose is to guide you to prepare for upcoming lane adjustments, such as narrowing, shifting, or merging, and to ensure you choose the correct lane in advance.

What does 'with integriertem Zeichen 275' mean on sign 526-31?

The 'integriertem Zeichen 275' indicates that a speed limit (sign 275) is also integrated or related to the lane situation shown. This means you should not only pay attention to the lane arrangement but also be aware of and adhere to the speed restriction indicated by sign 275 in that specific section.

What should I do when I see sign 526-31, especially concerning lane choice?

When you see sign 526-31, you should immediately assess the diagram to understand the lane layout ahead. Your priority is to choose the correct lane well before you reach the point where lanes merge, shift, or end. Never wait until the last moment; proactively select your lane and signal any necessary lane changes.

Are there any common exam traps related to sign 526-31?

A common trap is assuming the sign only applies if you're continuing straight. You must also be aware of how the diagram affects vehicles turning or changing lanes. Another trap is ignoring temporary road markings or cones, which often work in conjunction with signs like 526-31 and must be followed precisely.

How does sign 526-31 interact with road markings?

Sign 526-31 and road markings are intended to work together. The sign provides an overview of the upcoming lane changes, while the markings provide the precise boundaries and guidance on the road surface. Always treat both as a single traffic management system and follow the most immediate instructions provided by markings and any cones or barriers.

526-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic with integriertem Zeichen 275 - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign image

A clear reference image of the 526-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic with integriertem Zeichen 275 - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign used in Germany.

526-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic with integriertem Zeichen 275 - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign

Other names for the 526-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic with integriertem Zeichen 275 - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction

The 526-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic with integriertem Zeichen 275 - 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 526-31German traffic sign 526-31StVO sign 526-31Lane board - with oncoming traffic with integriertem Zeichen 275 - 2-lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction signFahrstreifentafel - mit Gegenverkehr mit integriertem Zeichen 275 - 2-streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 1-streifig in Gegenrichtungtraffic control boards 526-31

German Traffic Control Boards road sign category

The 526-31 - Lane board - with oncoming traffic with integriertem Zeichen 275 - 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.

Compare Similar Traffic Control Boards

Reviewing related traffic control boards side-by-side helps solidify your understanding and improves recall for the German theory test. Comparing similar road signs aids in distinguishing subtle differences and reducing errors during your exam preparation.

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