Sign 550-60, the 'Lane merge board - an continuinger Strecke - 5-lane plus 3 lane right', is a crucial traffic control board. It visually communicates a lane merge situation, indicating that five lanes are narrowing down to three lanes from the right. Drivers must recognise this early, adapt their speed and lane position before the merge point, and always pay attention to accompanying road markings and supplementary plates for precise instructions.
This detailed explanation helps decode the German road sign 550-60, crucial for understanding lane merges and traffic flow adjustments on busy routes. Master road sign meaning and traffic sign explanation for your theory test revision.
German road sign 550-60, officially designated "Zusammenführungstafel - an durchgehender Strecke - 5-streifig plus 3 Fahrstreifen von rechts", 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. An end version marks the point where that specific rule, facility, or marked section ceases to apply. 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 550-60 means "Lane merge board - an continuinger Strecke - 5-lane plus 3 lane right" and is officially listed as "Zusammenführungstafel - an durchgehender Strecke - 5-streifig plus 3 Fahrstreifen von rechts". 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 550-60 - Lane merge board - an continuinger Strecke - 5-lane plus 3 lane right 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 550-60's main purpose is to visually inform drivers about an upcoming lane merge, specifically where five lanes merge into three lanes coming from the right. It helps drivers anticipate and prepare for the reduction in available lanes, ensuring a smoother and safer transition.
Upon seeing sign 550-60, you should immediately start preparing for the lane merge. This means checking your mirrors, adjusting your speed, and choosing an appropriate lane early. Avoid waiting until the last moment to merge, as this can cause hazards for other drivers.
A common mistake is not recognizing the merge situation early enough and reacting too late, often trying to force their way into a lane at the merge point. Learners might also ignore supplementary plates or road markings that could modify how the merge applies, leading to exam errors.
Not necessarily. Sign 550-60 indicates that lanes are merging, and the number of available lanes is reducing. You must choose a lane that continues through the controlled section. If your current lane is shown as ending, you must merge into a continuing lane from the right, but you don't always have to change lanes if yours is one of the continuing ones.
Yes, sign 550-60 is typically seen on motorways or multi-lane roads where lane closures, roadworks, or construction stages necessitate a change in lane configuration. Its presence signals a temporary or permanent alteration in the road layout.
A clear reference image of the 550-60 - Lane merge board - an continuinger Strecke - 5-lane plus 3 lane right road sign used in Germany.

The 550-60 - Lane merge board - an continuinger Strecke - 5-lane plus 3 lane right road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 550-60 - Lane merge board - an continuinger Strecke - 5-lane plus 3 lane right road sign is part of the German Traffic Control Boards category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Mastering German road signs involves understanding subtle differences. Reviewing related signs like this lane merge board helps cement your knowledge, improving recall and reducing errors during your theory test revision.

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