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Optional lane
The sign indicates an optional lane.
When you see the sign
You may pass the sign on whichever side is most suitable, because the lanes on both sides are permitted for your direction of travel. Choose your lane in good time, and follow road markings, traffic signals and any other signs.
Rules
- The sign indicates that you may choose a lane on either side of the sign or traffic divider.
- The sign does not give you priority; the usual give-way rules still apply.
- If you change lanes, you must give way to traffic in the lane you are moving into.
- Road markings, traffic signals or other signs may restrict which lane you can actually use.
Tips
- Look ahead early to see where the lanes continue, so you can avoid making a sudden lane change.
- Choose your lane based on your onward route and traffic flow, not just on which lane appears shortest.
- Check your mirrors and blind spot before changing lanes near the sign.
- Be aware that traffic may merge again after the lanes have passed on either side.
Common misconceptions
- Thinking that the sign requires you to pass only on the right.
- Thinking that the sign marks the start of a public transport lane or heavy-vehicle lane.
- Assuming that being free to choose a lane means you have priority when changing lanes or merging.
Test yourself
Easy
What does the sign mean?
- AYou must pass the sign or traffic island only on the right side.
- BYou are entering a road where a kollektivfelt begins.
- CYou may choose the lane on either side of the sign or traffic island.
- DYou are entering a road where a heavy-traffic lane begins.
Medium
You are driving in the right lane and want to change to the left lane after the sign. A car is driving beside you in the left lane. What do you do?
- AYou stop in the right lane because both lanes are occupied.
- BYou wait until the left lane is clear before changing lanes.
- CYou immediately change to the left lane because the sign gives you priority.
- DYou always continue in the right lane because the sign requires this.
Hard
The left lane is simultaneously marked and signed as a kollektivfelt. You are driving a petrol-powered passenger car that is not permitted to use the kollektivfelt. How should you drive?
- AYou use the right lane and follow the restriction for the kollektivfelt.
- BYou use the left lane because the sign cancels the restriction for the kollektivfelt.
- CYou use the left lane because the sign ends the kollektivfelt at this point.
- DYou use both lanes because the sign gives passenger cars unrestricted access.
Theory test tip
A typical trap is confusing the sign with an instruction to keep to one particular side. Remember that the main point is the freedom of choice: both lanes can be used, but the sign gives no special priority.
Did you know
The sign is often used at traffic islands or other physical separators where traffic travelling in the same direction may legally pass on either side. It differs from circular mandatory signs, which specify which side you must pass on.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pass on both the right and left sides of the sign?
Yes, when the lanes on both sides are open to traffic travelling in your direction. You must still follow road markings, traffic signals and other signs.
Do I have priority when choosing a lane?
No. The sign only indicates that the lane may be chosen; it does not change the rules on giving way or changing lanes.
Does the sign mean that one of the lanes is a public transport lane?
No. A public transport lane is marked with its own sign, and this sign does not reserve a lane for specific vehicles.
Can other signs restrict the freedom to choose a lane?
Yes. Traffic signals, lane arrows, road markings and other signs may close a lane or reserve it, 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.
