Sign 514-14, officially 'Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach links 2- streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 2-streifig in Gegenrichtung', is a crucial traffic control board. It indicates a short lane shift, meaning your lane will move to the left, and importantly, there will be oncoming traffic in a separate 2-lane carriageway. You must recognise this situation early, adapt your speed and position before reaching the controlled area, and always pay close attention to road markings and any supplementary plates.
Understand German road sign 514-14, a critical board indicating a short lane shift to the left with two lanes in your direction and two lanes for oncoming traffic. This sign demands early recognition and appropriate lane adjustments to ensure safe navigation, a key aspect for your theory test revision and overall driving knowledge.
German road sign 514-14, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach links 2- streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 2-streifig in Gegenrichtung", 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 514-14 means "Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 2- lane in the direction of travel 2-lane in the opposite direction" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach links 2- streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 2-streifig in Gegenrichtung". 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 514-14 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 2- lane in the direction of travel 2-lane in the opposite direction 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 514-14 indicates a short lane shift to the left for your direction of travel. Crucially, it also warns that there will be oncoming traffic, with two lanes designated for traffic in the opposite direction. This sign prepares you for a change in road layout where lanes are temporarily rearranged.
Upon seeing sign 514-14, you need to prepare for a lane shift to the left and be aware of oncoming traffic. It's vital to reduce your speed, position your vehicle correctly in the appropriate lane early on, and stay alert to any accompanying road markings or instructions from supplementary plates.
The sign explicitly shows there will be oncoming traffic in a separate 2-lane carriageway. Ignoring this can lead to dangerous situations, especially during a lane shift. Maintaining awareness of the oncoming traffic stream is essential for safe navigation and avoiding head-on collisions or unexpected encounters.
A common trap is failing to recognise the 'oncoming traffic' aspect and assuming the lane shift is solely within your direction. Learners might also delay choosing their lane until the last moment, rather than anticipating the shift, which is critical for passing the lane safely. Always interpret the arrows and lane indicators precisely.
Sign 514-14 indicates a 'short lane shift' (kurze Verschwenkung) to the left. While lanes might narrow or temporarily re-route, it doesn't necessarily mean your lane disappears entirely. The key is that the road layout is changing, and you must follow the indicated new path, being mindful of oncoming traffic.
A clear reference image of the 514-14 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 2- lane in the direction of travel 2-lane in the opposite direction road sign used in Germany.

The 514-14 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 2- lane in the direction of travel 2-lane in the opposite direction road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 514-14 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the left 2- lane in the direction of travel 2-lane in the opposite direction road sign is part of the German Traffic Control Boards category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Reinforce your understanding of German traffic signs by comparing similar signs like the Lane Shift Board. Comparing adjacent signs aids recognition and reduces errors, which is crucial for your driving theory test revision and mastering German road signs.

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