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Lane reduction sign
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When you see the Zeichen
Use the lanes shown to identify which side of the carriageway is narrowed and whether a lane ends. Move into the correct position in good time and without braking abruptly, following the indicated traffic layout; if your lane ends in heavy traffic, merge only immediately before the narrowing using the Reißverschlussverfahren.
Rules
- The lane-narrowing sign shows the road ahead and the reduction in the number of usable lanes.
- If a lane ends, vehicles in the continuing lane must allow vehicles to merge immediately before the narrowing, one after another.
- The sign alone does not specify a particular maximum speed or give one lane general priority.
- At roadworks, any existing road markings must also be observed; temporary yellow markings take precedence over white markings.
Tips
- Check early whether your lane continues or ends, rather than simply following the vehicle ahead.
- In slow-moving traffic, use an ending lane until just before the narrowing and merge there using the Reißverschlussverfahren.
- Keep a sufficient distance because other vehicles may change lanes before the narrowing.
- Pay particular attention to narrower lanes, side barriers and any possible lane diversion in the roadworks area.
Common misunderstandings
- Many learner drivers change lanes long before the narrowing in heavy traffic. This leaves a lane unused and makes the tailback longer.
- The sign is confused with permission to use the Seitenstreifen. However, the lane-narrowing sign shows the lane layout; it does not automatically permit driving on the Seitenstreifen.
- Some people assume that the continuing lane has unrestricted priority. With the Reißverschlussverfahren, one vehicle from the ending lane must be allowed to merge immediately before the narrowing.
Exam tip
In exam illustrations, pay attention to which of the lanes shown actually ends. The typical trap is changing lanes too early: in heavy traffic, the ending lane is used until immediately before the narrowing and the lane change is made there using the Reißverschlussverfahren.
Did you know
Zeichen 531 has no separate written explanation in the StVO; its meaning is derived from its name and the lane layout shown graphically. It is used in different designs so that the specific narrowing, for example in roadworks areas, can be depicted as accurately as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Does the lane-narrowing sign prescribe a specific speed?
No, Zeichen 531 alone does not prescribe a specific maximum speed. A speed limit applies only if it is imposed by an additional traffic sign.
Do I have to change lanes immediately if my lane ends?
In flowing traffic, you may use a suitable gap early without obstructing others. In heavy or slow-moving traffic, the lane should be used until immediately before the narrowing and the lane change made there using the Reißverschlussverfahren.
May I move onto the Seitenstreifen because of the narrowing?
No, the lane-narrowing sign does not make the Seitenstreifen available as a traffic lane. In particular, Zeichen 223.1 or another clear traffic arrangement would be required to permit driving on it.
Who has to allow vehicles to merge when using the Reißverschlussverfahren?
Vehicles in the continuing lane must each allow one vehicle from the ending or blocked lane to merge immediately before the narrowing. Vehicles merge alternately and with mutual consideration.
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