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German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Approaching a Hazard: Understand the Left-Side Distance Marker Board (Sign 159-21)

159-21 - Zweilanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the left German road sign meaning

German road sign 159-21, officially 'Zweistreifige Bake mit Entfernungsangabe - Aufstellung links', warns you of an upcoming hazard, most commonly a railway crossing. As a danger warning sign, it signals that you should prepare by adjusting your speed and increasing your awareness well in advance. This left-sided variant is placed on the left side of the road, or where it best fits the approach direction. Always combine its message with road markings and any supplementary plates.

Understanding Zweilanee Distance Markers (Sign 159-21)

This sign (159-21) details the distance to a hazard, specifically for left-side installations, guiding your approach to a railway crossing. Master its road sign meaning and traffic sign explanation for effective theory test revision.

Definition of 159-21

German road sign 159-21, officially designated "Zweistreifige Bake mit Entfernungsangabe - Aufstellung links", belongs to the danger warning signs group. It prepares the driver for a railway crossing sequence, where speed, observation, and stopping readiness must be planned well before the tracks. You may see it in approaches to hazards, rural roads, urban conflict points, railway crossings, roadworks, and weather-sensitive sections, depending on how the road authority has arranged the location. This left-side version is used where the sign is placed on the left side of the carriageway or where a mirrored symbol fits the approach direction. Any left 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 anticipating what could go wrong before the hazard is visible. Always combine the sign with road markings, traffic lights, police instructions, and any supplementary plates at the same location.

Meaning of 159-21

German road sign 159-21 means "Zweilanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the left" and is officially listed as "Zweistreifige Bake mit Entfernungsangabe - Aufstellung links". 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 159-21

Reduce speed early enough to keep full control before reaching the hazard.Scan both sides of the road, mirrors, lanes, shoulders, and crossing areas for the risk shown by the sign.Increase following distance and be ready to brake smoothly if another road user reacts suddenly.Choose a lane position that leaves safe clearance from the warned danger while staying within your lane and markings.Continue only when your speed and observation match the hazard, road surface, and available sight distance.

Prohibited actions for 159-21

Do not treat the warning as optional or wait until the hazard is directly in front of you.Do not overtake, accelerate, or follow closely when the sign points to reduced visibility, unstable road surface, crossing traffic, or vulnerable road users.Do not assume the danger is limited to the exact sign location; it may begin shortly after the sign and continue through the affected section.Do not ignore weather, darkness, traffic density, or roadworks conditions that can make the warned hazard more serious.

159-21 - Zweilanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the left road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 159-21 - Zweilanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the left 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 159-21?

Sign 159-21 is a danger warning sign indicating a sequence leading to a hazard, typically a railway crossing. It prepares drivers to reduce speed and be observant before reaching the controlled area. The left-side placement means it's on the left of the road or oriented for the approaching direction.

What should I do when I see sign 159-21 on the left?

When you see sign 159-21 on the left, you must start preparing for the upcoming hazard. This means early speed reduction, increased observation of your surroundings, and being ready to stop. Never wait until the hazard is directly in front of you.

Are there specific actions prohibited by sign 159-21?

Yes, you must not treat this warning as optional or delay your preparation. Overtaking, accelerating, or following too closely are prohibited if the hazard involves reduced visibility, an unstable road surface, or crossing traffic. Always anticipate the danger, don't just react to it.

How does sign 159-21 help me prepare for a railway crossing?

Sign 159-21, specifically with its distance indication, helps you gauge your approach to a railway crossing. Seeing multiple stripes on such boards typically means the crossing is getting closer. This sign prompts you to plan your speed and stopping readiness well in advance, ensuring you can halt safely before the tracks if necessary.

What are common exam traps related to sign 159-21?

A common exam trap is underestimating the importance of preparation. Learners might think they can speed up after seeing the sign, but it's a warning to slow down and observe. Also, failing to consider supplementary plates or road markings that modify the sign's application can lead to errors.

159-21 - Zweilanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the left road sign image

A clear reference image of the 159-21 - Zweilanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the left road sign used in Germany.

159-21 - Zweilanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the left road sign

Other names for the 159-21 - Zweilanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the left

The 159-21 - Zweilanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the left road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 159-21German traffic sign 159-21StVO sign 159-21Zweilanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the left signZweistreifige Bake mit Entfernungsangabe - Aufstellung linksdanger warning signs 159-21

German Danger Warning Signs road sign category

The 159-21 - Zweilanee distance marker board with Entfernungsangabe - installed on the left road sign is part of the German Danger Warning Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

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