Lane division (538.12)

Lane division

Information Signs Sign number: 538.12

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 one lane for oncoming traffic and two lanes in your direction of travel. Normally position yourself in the right-hand lane of the two, and use the left-hand lane only when permitted by the traffic rules and road markings.

Rules

  • The sign indicates the lane arrangement: one lane is for traffic travelling in the opposite direction, while two lanes are for traffic travelling in your direction.
  • As a general rule, you should drive in the right-hand lane of the two lanes in your direction.
  • The left-hand lane may, among other things, be used for overtaking when this can be done legally and safely.
  • The sign does not in itself give permission to cross a solid line or other road markings.

Tips

  • Look at the arrow directions to distinguish the lane for oncoming traffic from the two lanes in your direction.
  • Check your mirrors and blind spots before changing between the two lanes in your direction.
  • Be prepared for the two lanes to merge into one later, particularly on roads with alternating overtaking lanes.
  • Do not start overtaking unless you have enough room to move back into the right-hand lane before any narrowing of the road.

Common misconceptions

  • !Some people think that all three lanes travel in the same direction. The arrow pointing in the opposite direction shows that one of the lanes is used by oncoming traffic.
  • !Some people interpret the sign as a motorway or expressway sign. It only indicates the lane arrangement and does not specify the type of road.
  • !Some people think that the left-hand lane can always be used freely. Road markings, overtaking rules and other signs still apply.

Test yourself

Easy

Lane division (538.12)

What information does the sign provide?

  • AOne lane is kollektivfelt, and two are ordinary lanes.
  • BAll three lanes travel in the same direction as you.
  • COne lane is a heavy-traffic lane, and two are ordinary lanes.
  • DOne lane travels in the opposite direction, and two travel in your direction.

Medium

You pass the sign and are going to continue straight ahead without overtaking. Which lane should you normally use?

  • AThe lane for oncoming traffic if it is free.
  • BThe right-hand one of the two lanes in your direction.
  • CThe lane with the least traffic ahead of you.
  • DThe left-hand one of the two lanes in your direction.

Hard

You want to overtake after the sign, but a solid line prevents you from changing lanes. What applies?

  • AYou must stop because the sign ends the road with several lanes.
  • BYou may cross the solid line because the sign permits the use of both lanes.
  • CYou may cross the solid line because the sign introduces the rules for motorveg.
  • DYou must follow the solid line even though the sign shows two lanes in your direction.

Theory test tip

Look carefully at which way the arrows point. The trap is often to count three lanes without noticing that one arrow points towards you and therefore marks oncoming traffic.

Did you know

This type of sign is often used on so-called 2+1 roads, where the directions of travel take turns having two lanes. This arrangement allows for safer overtaking without the entire road having four lanes.

Frequently asked questions

Does the sign mean that I am driving on a motorway?

No. The sign only indicates how the lanes are divided between the directions of travel. A motorway is indicated by a separate sign.

Can I use the left-hand lane of the two lanes in my direction?

Yes, for example when overtaking legally or when traffic conditions make it necessary. You should normally keep to the right and must follow the road markings.

Can I cross a solid line because the sign shows two lanes in my direction?

No. The sign does not override solid lines or other restrictions. Changing lanes must be permitted and must be possible without causing danger or unnecessary inconvenience.

Does the sign indicate a specific speed limit?

No. You must follow any posted speed limit or the general speed limit that applies at the location.

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