Logo
German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the Lane Merge Board (550-25) for Merging Traffic

550-25 - Lane merge board - an continuinger Strecke - 4-lane plus 1 lane right German road sign meaning

German road sign 550-25, known as a 'Lane Merge Board - continuing route - 4 lanes plus 1 lane right', is part of traffic control boards that guide drivers through complex lane arrangements. It visually communicates how traffic lanes are shifting, narrowing, or merging, often seen before roadworks or lane closures on motorways and multi-lane roads. Drivers must interpret the arrows early, adapt their speed and lane position before reaching the merge point, and always combine the sign's information with road markings.

Understanding Lane Merge Sign 550-25

This sign, "Lane merge board - 4 lanes plus 1 lane right," is crucial for understanding lane arrangements and upcoming merges in Germany. Familiarise yourself with its meaning to navigate complex traffic situations safely and pass your theory test, ensuring you know how to interpret this essential road sign.

Definition of 550-25

German road sign 550-25, officially designated "Zusammenführungstafel - an durchgehender Strecke - 4-streifig plus 1 Fahrstreifen von rechts", 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. An end version marks the point where that specific rule, facility, or marked section ceases to apply. 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 550-25

German road sign 550-25 means "Lane merge board - an continuinger Strecke - 4-lane plus 1 lane right" and is officially listed as "Zusammenführungstafel - an durchgehender Strecke - 4-streifig plus 1 Fahrstreifen von rechts". 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 550-25

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 550-25

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.

550-25 - Lane merge board - an continuinger Strecke - 4-lane plus 1 lane right road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 550-25 - Lane merge board - an continuinger Strecke - 4-lane plus 1 lane right 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 550-25 indicate?

Sign 550-25, the 'Lane Merge Board - continuing route - 4 lanes plus 1 lane right', visually shows how traffic lanes are arranged as they merge or shift. It warns you that lanes are changing and directs you to select the appropriate lane early.

How should I react when I see sign 550-25?

Upon seeing sign 550-25, you should start observing the lane layout and any accompanying road markings or signs. It's crucial to choose your lane well in advance of the actual merge point, adjust your speed, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

What are common mistakes related to sign 550-25 in the theory test?

A common trap with signs like 550-25 is reacting too late. Learners might continue in a lane that is about to end or merge without checking traffic in the other lane. The theory test emphasizes early observation and proactive lane selection, not last-minute decisions.

Does sign 550-25 mean a lane is closing?

Yes, sign 550-25 typically indicates a lane closure or a shift in lane configuration. The arrows on the board show which lanes continue and which merge or end, guiding you to the correct path.

Are there specific actions prohibited when this sign is displayed?

Yes, it is prohibited to wait until the last moment to choose a lane, to continue in a lane that is clearly indicated as ending or diverted, or to overtake aggressively in the merge area. You must always respect the lane guidance provided by the sign and road markings.

What should I do if there are supplementary plates with sign 550-25?

Supplementary plates provide additional information that modifies the sign's meaning or application. Always read and obey any supplementary plates, as they might specify distances, times, speed limits, or special conditions related to the lane merge.

550-25 - Lane merge board - an continuinger Strecke - 4-lane plus 1 lane right road sign image

A clear reference image of the 550-25 - Lane merge board - an continuinger Strecke - 4-lane plus 1 lane right road sign used in Germany.

550-25 - Lane merge board - an continuinger Strecke - 4-lane plus 1 lane right road sign

Other names for the 550-25 - Lane merge board - an continuinger Strecke - 4-lane plus 1 lane right

The 550-25 - Lane merge board - an continuinger Strecke - 4-lane plus 1 lane right road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 550-25German traffic sign 550-25StVO sign 550-25Lane merge board - an continuinger Strecke - 4-lane plus 1 lane right signZusammenführungstafel - an durchgehender Strecke - 4-streifig plus 1 Fahrstreifen von rechtstraffic control boards 550-25

German Traffic Control Boards road sign category

The 550-25 - Lane merge board - an continuinger Strecke - 4-lane plus 1 lane right road sign is part of the German Traffic Control Boards category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Road Sign Knowledge

Comparing related road signs like this one helps solidify your understanding and improves recall accuracy for your theory test revision. Effective traffic sign comparison aids in distinguishing subtle differences, crucial for safe driving and passing your exam.

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