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Advance warning arrow
The advance warning arrow announces a lane boundary or indicates the end of a lane. The design of the arrow may differ from the one shown.
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When you see the Zeichen
Pay attention to the direction of the arrow and check your mirrors and blind spot early, because a lane boundary or the end of your lane is approaching. Only change lanes when it is safe to do so; if the lane ends, the Reißverschlussverfahren applies immediately before the narrowing in heavy traffic.
Rules
- The advance warning arrow indicates a lane boundary or the end of a lane.
- The arrow itself does not prescribe a direction of travel at an intersection or junction.
- You may only change lanes if you can rule out any danger to other road users; you must use the turn signal in good time.
- If a continuous lane boundary follows, you generally must not cross it.
Tips
- Check your interior and exterior mirrors immediately so that you can assess the traffic situation in the adjacent lane.
- Look for additional arrows and follow the road markings to determine which lane is ending or being separated.
- In moving traffic, you can use a suitable gap early; in heavy traffic with a lane that is ending, drive up to just before the narrowing and merge using the Reißverschlussverfahren.
- Use your turn signal before changing lanes and check your blind spot immediately before moving over.
Common misunderstandings
- The advance warning arrow is confused with an arrow marking according to Zeichen 297, which may prescribe a direction of travel at a subsequent intersection or junction.
- Learner drivers believe that the arrow automatically gives them Vorfahrt when changing lanes. In reality, the driver changing lanes must rule out any danger to other road users.
- Some drivers change lanes immediately in slow-moving traffic, even though the Reißverschlussverfahren should only be applied immediately before the narrowing when a lane is ending.
Exam tip
In exam questions, watch out for confusion with Zeichen 297: Zeichen 297.1 announces a change in road markings or the end of a lane, but the arrow alone does not require a specific direction of travel at the next intersection.
Did you know
The shape and design of the advance warning arrow may differ from the version shown in the StVO. What matters is its function and the indicated lateral direction: it gives advance warning of an upcoming lane boundary or the end of a lane.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to change lanes immediately when I see the advance warning arrow?
No. You must first determine whether a lane boundary is beginning or your lane is ending, and you may only change lanes when it is safe to do so. In heavy traffic with a lane that is ending, you merge only immediately before the narrowing using the Reißverschlussverfahren.
Do I have priority when changing lanes in the direction of the arrow?
No. The arrow does not give you Vorfahrt or create a gap for you. When changing lanes, you must rule out any danger to other road users.
What is the difference between this and the arrow markings according to Zeichen 297?
Zeichen 297.1 announces a lane boundary or the end of a lane. By contrast, arrow markings according to Zeichen 297 can, where the lanes are separated accordingly, require a specific direction of travel at the following intersection or junction.
May I still cross a continuous line after the arrow?
No. Once a continuous lane boundary according to Zeichen 295 has begun, you generally must not cross it. You must therefore monitor the road markings ahead in good time and complete any permitted lane change before reaching it.
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