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German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Sign 511-13: Lane Shift Board for 4 Lanes Shifting Left

511-13 - Lane shift board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left German road sign meaning

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.

Interpreting the Lane Shift Board (Sign 511-13)

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.

Definition of 511-13

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.

Meaning of 511-13

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.

Allowed actions for 511-13

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 511-13

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.

511-13 - Lane shift board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left road sign FAQ

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.

What does the German road sign 511-13 specifically tell me?

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.

How should I react when I see sign 511-13?

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.

What is the purpose of a lane shift board like sign 511-13?

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.

Are there any common mistakes learners make with sign 511-13 in the theory exam?

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.

What does '4-lane to the left' mean on this sign?

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.

511-13 - Lane shift board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left road sign image

A clear reference image of the 511-13 - Lane shift board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left road sign used in Germany.

511-13 - Lane shift board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left road sign

Other names for the 511-13 - Lane shift board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left

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.

German road sign 511-13German traffic sign 511-13StVO sign 511-13Lane shift board - without oncoming traffic - 4-lane to the left signVerschwenkungstafel - ohne Gegenverkehr - 4-streifig nach linkstraffic control boards 511-13

German Traffic Control Boards road sign category

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.

Reinforce Your Road Sign Knowledge

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.

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

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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