Teorio
Lane division
The sign indicates the number of lanes on the carriageway and the direction of travel for the individual lanes. Special regulations applying to individual lanes may be shown on the sign. 539 (Example)
When you see the sign
Be prepared for the road to have three lanes in your direction of travel, and position yourself in the lane that suits your onward journey. Follow the road markings and any signs above the individual lanes, and make any necessary lane changes well in advance.
Rules
- The sign indicates three lanes in the same direction of travel, but does not in itself require you to choose a particular lane.
- As a general rule, you must use the right-hand lane unless the traffic regulations require or permit you to use another lane.
- When changing lanes, you must give way to traffic in the lane you intend to enter.
- The sign does not indicate the start of a motorway, motor traffic road or a new speed limit.
- Arrows, symbols, road markings or other signs may indicate that certain lanes are to be used for specific directions or by specific groups of road users.
Tips
- Look well ahead for road markings and signs above the lanes, particularly before junctions and exits.
- Choose the correct lane well in advance to avoid sudden or multiple consecutive lane changes.
- Check your mirrors and blind spot, signal and change only one lane at a time when it is safe to do so.
- Move back to the right after overtaking when it is safe and the rules do not require you to remain elsewhere.
Common misconceptions
- Thinking that the sign means a motorway is beginning. It shows how the lanes are arranged and that the right-hand lane is a bus lane.
- Thinking that all three lanes can be used freely at all times. The right-hand lane is the general rule, while using the other lanes must be permitted and safe.
- Thinking that the sign indicates a specific speed limit, such as 110 km/t. The speed limit is set by separate speed-limit signs or by the general limits.
Test yourself
Easy
What information does this sign provide?
- AThat there are three lanes in your direction, and that the right-hand one is kollektivfelt
- BThat there are three ordinary lanes in your direction
- CThat there are three lanes in your direction, and that the right-hand one is a heavy-traffic lane
- DThat there are three lanes, one of which travels in the opposite direction
Medium
You are driving an ordinary passenger car and are going to continue straight ahead after this sign. Which lanes may you use?
- AThe two left-hand lanes, since the right-hand one is kollektivfelt
- BAll three lanes, since the sign only shows how many lanes the road has
- COnly the right-hand lane, since you should keep to the right on the road
- DAll three lanes, as long as you do not obstruct a bus or taxi
Hard
You are driving alone in a passenger car and catch up with a slow-moving vehicle in the middle lane. The right-hand lane is free. What applies?
- AYou may not use the right-hand lane to pass because it is kollektivfelt
- BYou may use the right-hand lane because it is free and the passing will be brief
- CYou may use the right-hand lane because overtaking on the right is permitted there
- DYou may use the right-hand lane if you signal well in advance and afterwards
Theory test tip
A typical trap is to confuse the three upward-pointing lane arrows with a motorway sign or a requirement to choose a particular lane. The correct meaning is simply that there are three lanes in your direction of travel.
Did you know
Skilt 538 comes in several variants showing different lane arrangements. Variant number 538.03 is used when the illustration shows three lanes in the same direction of travel.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to move into a particular lane when I pass the sign?
No, the sign does not require you to use a particular lane. You must choose a lane in accordance with the traffic regulations, road markings and your onward direction of travel, with the right-hand lane as the general rule.
Do I have priority when I want to change into one of the other two lanes?
No. Anyone changing lanes must give way to vehicles already in the lane they are moving into.
Does the sign mean that the road is a motorway?
No. A motorway is indicated by Skilt 502, whereas this sign shows the number and arrangement of lanes in your direction of travel, with the right-hand lane being a bus lane.
Could one of the lanes later become a bus lane or turning lane?
Yes. Subsequent signs, lane arrows or road markings may indicate that one or more lanes are to be used for a specific purpose, and these instructions must be followed.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
