German road sign 511-13, known as 'Verschwenkungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig nach links', indicates that multiple lanes are shifting to the left. This traffic control board is typically found before roadworks or complex lane arrangements on multi-lane roads or motorways. It's essential to recognise this sign early and adjust your driving position and speed to safely navigate the upcoming lane changes, ensuring you select the correct lane before the merge point.
This sign explains how lanes are shifting to the left across four lanes, crucial for adapting your driving position and speed. Master this road sign meaning for your theory test revision and ensure safe navigation through changing traffic conditions.
German road sign 511-13, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig nach links", 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. 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 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 511-13 means "Lane shift board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig nach 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.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 511-13 - Lane shift board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to 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.
Sign 511-13 is a lane shift board that indicates a traffic lane arrangement where four lanes are shifting towards the left. It signals an upcoming change in lane configuration, usually due to roadworks or other temporary conditions, and is used on roads without oncoming traffic. It requires drivers to prepare for a lane change or shift to the left well in advance.
Upon seeing sign 511-13, you must anticipate the lane shift to the left. It's crucial to scan ahead, check road markings and any supplementary signs, and select the appropriate lane early. Reduce your speed to match the changing traffic conditions and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Do not wait until the last moment to make your lane choice.
Lane shift boards like sign 511-13 are used to guide drivers through temporary or permanent alterations in road layout. Their purpose is to clearly communicate how lanes are arranged, narrowed, separated, or merged, ensuring traffic flows safely and efficiently. This specific sign manages a shift of four lanes to the left without the complication of oncoming traffic.
A common trap is not preparing for the lane shift early enough. Learners might assume they can wait until the merge point, but sign 511-13 requires proactive lane selection. Another mistake is ignoring road markings or supplementary plates that might refine how the lane shift applies. Always remember that effective lane management starts long before the actual lane change.
The '4-lane to the left' designation on sign 511-13 means that the current traffic situation involves four lanes of travel, and these lanes are being guided or shifted towards the left side of the roadway. This might mean some lanes are closing, or all lanes are being re-routed to a different configuration on the left.
A clear reference image of the 511-13 - Lane shift board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left road sign used in Germany.

The 511-13 - Lane shift board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 511-13 - Lane shift board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left road sign is part of the German Traffic Control Boards category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing signs like the 'Lane shift board' with others helps cement your understanding and improve recognition accuracy for the German theory test. This visual comparison aids in distinguishing subtle differences, crucial for mastering traffic sign recognition and revision.

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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.
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