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Cycle lane – placed at the side
The sign indicates that the carriageway has a separate lane for cyclists and drivers of small electric motor vehicles. The sign also indicates that the provisions of the traffic rules concerning the use of cycle lanes apply.
When you see the sign
Be aware that the carriageway has a dedicated lane for cyclists and riders of small electric motor vehicles. Keep your car out of the cycle lane, and check your blind spot carefully before turning or crossing the lane.
Rules
- The cycle lane is for cyclists and riders of small electric motor vehicles, such as electric scooters.
- Car drivers must not use the cycle lane as an ordinary traffic lane, overtaking lane or queuing lane.
- When turning across a cycle lane, you must give way to cyclists and riders of small electric motor vehicles who are continuing straight ahead in the lane.
- Stopping or parking wholly or partly in the cycle lane is prohibited.
Tips
- Check your mirrors and blind spot immediately before turning across the cycle lane; a cyclist may be approaching faster than you expect.
- Position your car so that no part of it blocks the cycle lane when you stop in a queue or wait at an intersection.
- Pay particular attention at bus stops, driveways and car parks, where road users may cross the cycle lane.
- Open the car door carefully when parked next to a cycle lane, and check whether anyone is approaching from behind.
Common misconceptions
- Some people confuse the sign with a public transport lane or a heavy-traffic lane. This lane is intended for cyclists and riders of small electric motor vehicles.
- Many people think the car can stop briefly in the cycle lane with its hazard lights on. Hazard lights do not make stopping legal.
- Some people only look for cyclists before turning right and forget that riders of small electric motor vehicles may also use the lane.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign indicate?
- AThe carriageway has a dedicated lane for lorries and other heavy vehicles.
- BThe carriageway has a recommended route for cyclists without special traffic rules.
- CThe carriageway has a dedicated lane for cyclists and drivers of small electric motor vehicles.
- DThe carriageway has a dedicated lane for buses, taxis and other approved vehicles.
Medium
You are going to turn right across the lane. A person on an electric scooter continues straight ahead in the lane. What do you do?
- AYou turn first because the person on the electric scooter must give way to cars.
- BYou enter the lane and wait there until the person has passed.
- CYou signal with your indicator and turn because the signal gives you priority.
- DYou wait and let the person on the electric scooter pass before turning.
Hard
You are delivering a package and want to stop partly in the lane for less than one minute. What is correct?
- AYou may stop there if you use hazard warning lights while the delivery is taking place.
- BYou must find another place because even a brief stop in the lane is prohibited.
- CYou may stop there if no cyclists are visible when you stop.
- DYou may stop there if at least half of the lane remains open.
Theory test tip
A common trap is to interpret the bicycle symbol as indicating a recommended cycle route. The sign indicates that the carriageway actually has a dedicated cycle lane and that the traffic rules governing cycle lanes apply.
Did you know
Sign number 521.1 is the side-mounted version, meaning a sign positioned beside the carriageway. The sign series also includes a version intended to be placed above the traffic lanes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive my car in the lane when there are no cyclists there?
No, the lane is not an extra traffic lane for cars, even when it is empty. You may have to cross it when turning or entering a property, but you must then take particular care and comply with the give-way rules.
Do I have to give way when turning across the lane?
Yes. When turning, you must give way to cyclists and riders of small electric motor vehicles who are continuing straight ahead in the cycle lane. Check your mirrors and blind spot before turning.
Can an electric scooter use the cycle lane?
Yes. An electric scooter that qualifies as a small electric motor vehicle may be used in the cycle lane in accordance with the rules governing this type of road use.
Can I stop in the cycle lane to let a passenger out?
No, stopping in the cycle lane is prohibited. Find a legal place where the car will not obstruct or put the lane's users at risk.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
