German road sign 514-21, a 'kurze Verschwenkung' or short lane shift board, directs you through a temporary lane arrangement, usually due to roadworks. This specific variant indicates that your lane is shifting to the right, and there will be two lanes for your direction of travel versus one lane for oncoming traffic. It's crucial to anticipate these changes, adjust your speed, and select the correct lane early to navigate safely.
This sign indicates a lane shift with oncoming traffic to the right, requiring early recognition and lane adjustment. Master this road sign meaning for your theory test revision and ensure safe navigation through changing traffic conditions.
German road sign 514-21, officially designated "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach rechts 2- streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 1-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 right 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 514-21 means "Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction" and is officially listed as "Verschwenkungstafel kurze Verschwenkung - mit Gegenverkehr – nach rechts 2- streifig in Fahrtrichtung und 1-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 514-21 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- lane in the direction of travel 1-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 514-21 indicates a short lane shift to the right. It shows a scenario where there are two lanes for traffic moving in your direction and one lane for oncoming traffic. This setup is typically used in temporary traffic management, like roadworks, to guide vehicles safely through a narrowed or altered road layout.
Upon seeing sign 514-21, you must recognise that the lane arrangement is changing. It's essential to prepare for the lane shift by adapting your speed, checking your mirrors, and selecting the correct lane well before reaching the affected area. Pay close attention to any accompanying road markings or additional signs, as they provide more specific instructions.
A common trap for the theory exam and in practice is reacting too late. Drivers might continue in their current lane until the last moment, only to find it ends or is blocked. The sign requires early decision-making about lane choice, and failing to do so can lead to dangerous situations or incorrect lane usage, especially with oncoming traffic present.
The 'nach rechts' (to the right) in the sign's description, combined with the visual arrow representation, means your travel path will be shifted towards the right. However, it doesn't necessarily mean you must move into the absolute rightmost lane if multiple lanes are available for your direction. It signifies the direction of the lane diversion and the configuration of lanes for both your direction and oncoming traffic.
Sign 514-21 should always be considered in conjunction with other traffic control measures. Supplementary plates, temporary cones, barriers, and lane markings provide crucial details about the exact lane configuration, any speed restrictions, or specific instructions for navigating the altered road section. Always obey these combined cues.
A clear reference image of the 514-21 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign used in Germany.
The 514-21 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- lane in the direction of travel 1-lane in the opposite direction road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 514-21 - Lane shift board kurze Verschwenkung - with oncoming traffic – to the right 2- lane in the direction of travel 1-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.
Comparing related road signs, like variations of traffic control boards, significantly enhances recognition and memory retention for your German driving theory test. This focused revision helps you distinguish subtle differences and avoid common errors in sign interpretation, crucial for exam preparation.
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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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