German road sign 551-60, officially 'Zusammenführungstafel – an einmündender Strecke – 3-streifig einmündend plus 5-streifig durchgehend', is a crucial traffic control board. It visually guides you on how lanes are arranged when a 3-lane road merges into a 5-lane road. Pay close attention to the arrows to understand lane closures or shifts, adjust your speed, and select the correct lane well in advance to ensure safety and avoid disrupting traffic flow.
This sign indicates a crucial lane merge scenario on German roads, requiring drivers to adjust their position and speed. Mastering this sign's meaning is essential for your theory test revision and safe driving practice.
German road sign 551-60, officially designated "Zusammenführungstafel - an einmündender Strecke - 3-streifig einmündend plus 5-streifig durchgehend", 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. 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 551-60 means "Lane merge board - an einmündender Strecke - 3-lane einmündend plus 5-lane continuing" and is officially listed as "Zusammenführungstafel - an einmündender Strecke - 3-streifig einmündend plus 5-streifig durchgehend". 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 551-60 - Lane merge board - an einmündender Strecke - 3-lane einmündend plus 5-lane continuing 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 551-60 informs drivers about a lane merge situation, specifically where 3 lanes are merging into a continuing 5-lane road. Its purpose is to alert you to adapt your driving, choose the appropriate lane early, and be prepared for potential lane closures or shifts to maintain smooth traffic flow and safety.
Upon seeing sign 551-60, immediately observe the diagram showing the lane arrangement. Identify which lanes continue and which might be ending or merging. Adjust your speed, select your intended lane as early as possible, and signal any necessary lane changes clearly. Always combine the sign's information with current road markings and temporary traffic management.
A common trap is waiting too long to make a lane choice. Learners might assume all lanes continue or try to change lanes at the last moment, which is dangerous and can lead to fines. The theory exam will test your ability to interpret the arrows correctly and demonstrate proactive lane management rather than reactive manoeuvres.
Not necessarily. Sign 551-60 shows the lane configuration. If your current lane continues, you may stay in it. However, if your lane is depicted as ending or merging into another, you must then change lanes to a continuing one. The key is to understand the diagram and select a lane that will lead you through the area safely and legally.
Yes, you must not wait until the merge point to decide your lane. You are prohibited from continuing in a lane that the sign indicates is ending or diverted. Aggressive overtaking through the merge area is also forbidden, especially where lanes narrow or traffic is being shifted. Always respect the guidance provided by the sign, markings, and any cones or barriers.
A clear reference image of the 551-60 - Lane merge board - an einmündender Strecke - 3-lane einmündend plus 5-lane continuing road sign used in Germany.
The 551-60 - Lane merge board - an einmündender Strecke - 3-lane einmündend plus 5-lane continuing road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 551-60 - Lane merge board - an einmündender Strecke - 3-lane einmündend plus 5-lane continuing road sign is part of the German Traffic Control Boards category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing similar road signs helps solidify your knowledge of German traffic rules and road markings, reducing confusion and improving recognition during your theory test revision. Analyzing these related traffic signs side-by-side aids your sign recognition and theory test preparation by highlighting subtle differences.
Understand the Lane Transfer Board (501-11) for Shifting Lanes Left Safely
Navigate lane changes safely with the German Sign 501-14 Lane Transfer Board
Understand Lane Transfer Sign 501-16: Prepare for Diverted Lanes Ahead
Understand German Lane Transfer Board 501-19: Shifting Lanes Ahead
Master lane changes with German road sign 501-26 for lane transfers.
Understand the Lane Transfer Board (501-29) for Lane Adjustments
Navigate Lane Changes Safely with the German 4-Lane Transfer Board (Sign 501-50)
Master German Sign 501-51: Understanding Lane Transfers and Lane Divergences
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