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Mandatory signsFrance

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of France. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
France
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Warning signs
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Mandatory signs
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Mandatory signs

A mandatory sign is a traffic sign that tells drivers what they must do. Instead of prohibiting actions, these signs impose obligations such as following a specific direction, using a particular lane, or keeping a minimum speed. Their purpose is to guide traffic safely and efficiently by ensuring that all road users follow the same required behaviour in places where it is necessary for order and safety.

Turning left mandatory. Turning left or right mandatory. Turning right mandatory. Pass obstacle on the left. Pass obstacle on the right. Driving straight ahead or turning left mandatory. Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory. Mandatory left. Mandatory right. Driving straight ahead mandatory. Mandatory path for pedestrians. End of mandatory path for pedestrians. Mandatory path for cyclists. End of mandatory path for cyclists. Mandatory path for equestrians. End of mandatory path for equestrians. Mandatory lane for buses. End of mandatory bus lane. Mandatory lane for trams. Snow chains mandatory. Dipped headlights mandatory. End of mandatory use of dipped headlights. Start of a minimum speed. End of the minimum speed.
How are compulsory instructions shown in France?

Compulsory instructions also use B catalogue codes, including the B21 direction signs; B does not mean prohibition only.

🔗 equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • French road-sign order, Article 5-8, signs EB10 and EB20 — Current full published Order Articles3/4/5/5-1 and direction groups: A danger, AB priority, B prohibitions and obligations including B21, C indications, CE services; not a production-memory verification.

What does a mandatory-direction sign require in France?

Where a compulsory-direction sign is installed in France, follow only the arrow direction or permitted combination of directions. The restriction applies at the location or movement it regulates; it is not an instruction to ignore other traffic controls.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R411-25, R412-10, R415-11; 1967 order article 4

Does a mandatory-direction sign give me priority over pedestrians in France?

No. It tells you which way to move, not who goes first. Check traffic lights, other priority signs, pedestrians and cyclists, and give way when required before completing the manoeuvre.

🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R411-25, R412-10, R415-11; 1967 order article 4

1. Turning left mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning left is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn left and may not continue straight ahead or turn right.

Turning left mandatory.

English • Traffic sign B21c2 • Compulsory direction at the next junction: left.

Français • Panneau B21c2 • Direction obligatoire à la prochaine intersection : à gauche.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2013-01-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

2. Turning left or right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning left or right is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic may turn either left or right but may not continue straight ahead.

Turning left or right mandatory.

English • Traffic sign B21e • Compulsory directions at the next junction: right or left.

Français • Panneau B21e • Directions obligatoires à la prochaine intersection : à droite ou à gauche.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2013-01-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. Turning right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning right is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn right and may not continue straight ahead or turn left.

Turning right mandatory.

English • Traffic sign B21c1 • Compulsory direction at the next junction: right.

Français • Panneau B21c1 • Direction obligatoire à la prochaine intersection : à droite.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2013-01-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

4. Pass obstacle on the left

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the left. Keep to the left of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.

Pass obstacle on the left.

English • Traffic sign B21a2 • Pass on the left.

Français • Panneau B21a2 • Contournement obligatoire par la gauche.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2013-01-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

5. Pass obstacle on the right

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the right. Keep to the right of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.

Pass obstacle on the right.

English • Traffic sign B21a1 • Pass on the right.

Français • Panneau B21a1 • Contournement obligatoire par la droite.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 3.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Source revision 2013-01-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

6. Driving straight ahead or turning left mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must continue straight ahead or turn left. One of the indicated directions must be followed; turning right is prohibited.

Driving straight ahead or turning left mandatory.

English • Traffic sign B21d2 • Compulsory directions at the next junction: straight ahead or left.

Français • Panneau B21d2 • Directions obligatoires à la prochaine intersection : tout droit ou à gauche.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2023-03-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.

7. Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must continue straight ahead or turn right. One of the indicated directions must be followed; turning left is prohibited.

Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory.

English • Traffic sign B21d1 • Compulsory directions at the next junction: straight ahead or right.

Français • Panneau B21d1 • Directions obligatoires à la prochaine intersection : tout droit ou à droite.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2023-03-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.

8. Mandatory left

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory direction to the left. Traffic must proceed to the left at the sign and may not continue straight ahead or to the right.

Mandatory left.

English • Traffic sign B21-2 • Turn left before the sign.

Français • Panneau B21-2 • Obligation de tourner à gauche avant le panneau.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2013-01-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

9. Mandatory right

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory direction to the right. Traffic must proceed to the right at the sign and may not continue straight ahead or to the left.

Mandatory right.

English • Traffic sign B21-1 • Turn right before the sign.

Français • Panneau B21-1 • Obligation de tourner à droite avant le panneau.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2013-01-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

10. Driving straight ahead mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that driving straight ahead is mandatory. Traffic must continue straight ahead and may not turn left or right at the location to which the sign applies.

Driving straight ahead mandatory.

English • Traffic sign B21b • Compulsory direction at the next junction: straight ahead.

Français • Panneau B21b • Direction obligatoire à la prochaine intersection : tout droit.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2023-03-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.

11. Mandatory path for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the start of a mandatory path for pedestrians. Pedestrians must use the designated path, while other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory path for pedestrians.

English • Traffic sign B22b • Compulsory footpath reserved for pedestrians.

Français • Panneau B22b • Chemin obligatoire pour piétons et réservée aux piétons.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2023-08-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

12. End of mandatory path for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory path for pedestrians. The requirement associated with the designated path ends at this point. Pedestrians must continue according to the subsequent path or road layout and applicable local rules.

End of mandatory path for pedestrians.

English • Traffic sign B41 • End of compulsory footpath.

Français • Panneau B41 • Fin de chemin obligatoire pour piétons.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2019-10-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.

13. Mandatory path for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for cyclists. Cyclists must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory path for cyclists.

English • Traffic sign B22a • Compulsory cycle track or lane for cycles without sidecars or trailers, reserved for two- or three-wheeled cycles.

Français • Panneau B22a • Piste ou bande obligatoire pour les cycles sans side-car ou remorque et réservée aux cycles à deux ou trois roues.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2023-08-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

14. End of mandatory path for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory path for cyclists. The requirement associated with the designated path ends at this point. Cyclists must continue according to the road layout, other traffic signs and applicable local rules.

End of mandatory path for cyclists.

English • Traffic sign B40 • End of compulsory cycle track or lane.

Français • Panneau B40 • Fin de piste ou bande obligatoire pour cycle.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2019-10-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.

15. Mandatory path for equestrians

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for equestrians. Equestrians must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory path for equestrians.

English • Traffic sign B22c • Compulsory bridleway reserved for horse riders.

Français • Panneau B22c • Chemin obligatoire pour cavaliers et réservée aux cavaliers.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2019-10-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.

16. End of mandatory path for equestrians

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory path for equestrians. The requirement associated with the designated path ends at this point. Equestrians must continue according to the subsequent path or road layout and applicable local rules.

End of mandatory path for equestrians.

English • Traffic sign B42 • End of compulsory bridleway.

Français • Panneau B42 • Fin de chemin obligatoire pour cavaliers.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2019-10-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.

17. Mandatory lane for buses

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory lane for buses. Buses must use the designated lane where the sign applies. Other road users may use the lane only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory lane for buses.

English • Traffic sign B27a • Lane reserved for vehicles operating scheduled public transport services duly authorised by the authority responsible for traffic regulation.

Français • Panneau B27a • Voie réservée aux véhicules de transports en commun des lignes régulières dûment autorisées par l'autorité détentrice du pouvoir de police de la circulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2013-01-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

18. End of mandatory bus lane

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory lane for buses. The requirement associated with the bus lane ends at this point. Continue according to the lane markings, other traffic signs and applicable local rules.

End of mandatory bus lane.

English • Traffic sign B45 • End of lane reserved for scheduled public transport services and end of its associated speed limit.

Français • Panneau B45 • Fin de voie réservée aux véhicules des services réguliers de transport en commun et fin de limitation de vitesse y étant associée.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2009-04-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

19. Mandatory lane for trams

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory lane for trams. The lane or track is reserved for trams and may be used by other road users only where the applicable signs or local rules allow it.

Mandatory lane for trams.

English • Traffic sign B27b • Lane reserved for trams.

Français • Panneau B27b • Voie réservée aux tramways.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2013-01-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

20. Snow chains mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that snow chains are mandatory. Vehicles covered by the sign must use snow chains from this point as required by the applicable rules. Follow any supplementary signs or local instructions specifying the affected vehicles, wheels or conditions.

Snow chains mandatory.

English • Traffic sign B26 • Snow chains compulsory on at least two driven wheels. For vehicles in categories M1 and N1, M2 and M3, and N2 and N3 without a trailer or semi-trailer, winter tyres meeting the conditions of article D. 314-8 of the Highway Code are accepted as complying with this requirement.

Français • Panneau B26 • Chaînes à neige obligatoires sur au moins deux roues motrices. Pour les véhicules de catégories M1 et N1, M2 et M3, et N2 et N3 sans remorque ni semi-remorque, le port de pneumatiques hiver selon les conditions de l'article D. 314-8 du code de la route est admis pour le respect de cette prescription.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2013-01-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

21. Dipped headlights mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that the use of dipped headlights is mandatory. Drivers must use dipped headlights from this point until the requirement ends or is replaced, while continuing to follow the general lighting rules.

Dipped headlights mandatory.

English • Traffic sign B29 • Other obligations specified by an inscription on the sign. Inscription: SWITCH ON YOUR LIGHTS.

Français • Panneau B29 • Autres obligations dont la nature est mentionnée par une inscription sur le panneau. Inscription : ALLUMEZ VOS FEUX.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2013-04-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

22. End of mandatory use of dipped headlights

This traffic sign indicates the end of the requirement to use dipped headlights. Dipped headlights are no longer mandatory because of this sign, but they must still be used whenever required by the general traffic rules or driving conditions.

End of mandatory use of dipped headlights.

English • Traffic sign B49 • End of an obligation specified by an inscription on the sign. Inscription: END OF LIGHTS REQUIREMENT.

Français • Panneau B49 • Fin d'obligation dont la nature est mentionnée par une inscription sur le panneau. Inscription : FIN D’ALLUMAGE DES FEUX.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2013-04-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

23. Start of a minimum speed

This traffic sign indicates the start of a minimum speed. Road users covered by the sign must travel at or above the indicated speed when conditions allow. Driving more slowly may still be necessary because of traffic, weather, road conditions or another safety-related reason.

Start of a minimum speed.

English • Traffic sign B25 • Compulsory minimum speed.

Français • Panneau B25 • Vitesse minimale obligatoire.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2013-04-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

24. End of the minimum speed

This traffic sign indicates the end of the minimum speed. The previously indicated minimum speed no longer applies beyond this point. Continue to follow any other posted speed requirements and the applicable traffic rules.

End of the minimum speed.

English • Traffic sign B43 • End of compulsory minimum speed.

Français • Panneau B43 • Fin de vitesse minimale obligatoire.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967

© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex 45 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2013-04-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.