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Crossover sign
The sign announces the transfer of traffic to the opposite carriageway.
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When you see the Zeichen
Be prepared for your lane or several lanes to be diverted onto the opposite carriageway. Move into the appropriate lane in good time, following the lanes shown, the subsequent road markings and any further traffic signs, without changing lanes abruptly.
Rules
- Zeichen 501 announces that traffic will be diverted onto the opposite carriageway; the diagram shows the intended course of the lanes.
- At the diversion point, follow the road markings and traffic signs. Temporary yellow markings override any conflicting white markings.
- The sign itself does not prescribe a specific maximum speed; any additionally erected speed limit signs and the actual traffic conditions also apply.
- You may change lanes only where crossing a lane line is permitted and provided that other road users are neither endangered nor impeded.
Tips
- Identify early which of the arrows shown corresponds to your lane, and check your mirrors and blind spot in good time.
- Pay particular attention to yellow roadworks markings, as existing white markings may still be visible in diversion areas.
- Keep a sufficient distance, as lanes in diversion areas often become narrower or shift laterally.
- Drive smoothly through the shift and avoid braking suddenly or cutting across adjacent lanes.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is interpreted as an immediate instruction to change lanes. It initially announces the diversion; the decisive factors are the course of the lanes, the markings and any further signs.
- Learner drivers confuse the diversion with the opening of a Seitenstreifen. Zeichen 501 directs traffic onto the opposite carriageway, whereas Zeichen 223.1 opens the Seitenstreifen as a lane.
- Drivers follow white markings despite conflicting yellow roadworks markings. In this case, the yellow markings take precedence.
Exam tip
In exam questions, the arrows shown are decisive: Follow the arrow for your current lane and do not confuse a diversion onto the opposite carriageway with the opening of a Seitenstreifen or a mere reduction in the number of lanes.
Did you know
The diversion sign is used particularly frequently at Autobahn roadworks. Its graphic representation can be adapted to the specific number and layout of the lanes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to change lanes immediately at the sign?
No, the sign announces the upcoming traffic layout. Change lanes only if the layout shown and the markings require it and the change can be made safely.
Which marking applies if yellow and white lines conflict with each other?
Temporary yellow markings override the conflicting white markings. Therefore, pay particular attention to the yellow lines in roadworks areas.
Does Zeichen 501 automatically impose a lower speed?
No, Zeichen 501 does not itself contain a speed limit. Any limit is indicated by additional traffic signs; regardless of this, your speed must be adapted to narrow or laterally shifted lanes.
Does the diversion mean that I am driving against the prescribed direction of travel?
No, the opposite carriageway is arranged accordingly for the temporary traffic layout. Follow the designated lanes, markings and traffic barriers there.
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