Mandatory directionIndia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of India. 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.


1. Mandatory direction

A mandatory-direction sign requires drivers to travel only in the direction or one of the directions indicated by its arrow or arrows. It may require traffic to continue straight ahead, turn, or pass an obstacle on a specified side.

The sign does not itself determine priority or speed. Drivers must still use the appropriate lane, signal when required and give way according to local traffic signs and regulations.

What does a mandatory-direction sign require in India?

Where a compulsory-direction sign is installed in India, 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.

🔗 morth.gov.in • India — Driving Regulations 3–5, 6–16, 22 and 24: actual controls and safe circulation

🔗 morth.gov.in • MoRTH — GSR 38(E), 15 January 2024, clause 12: indirect-vision devices

🔗 simpliance.in • GSR 586(E), 25 September 2020 — full government gazette reproduction, Regulations 37–38

🔗 pib.gov.in • PIB/MoRTH — official confirmation of the 2020 driving-regulation amendment

🔗 transport.jharkhand.gov.in • Jharkhand Transport — official mandatory, cautionary and informatory sign groups

🔗 transport.jharkhand.gov.in • Jharkhand Transport — mandatory signs, actual signs and accompanying instructions

🔗 transport.jharkhand.gov.in • Jharkhand Transport — cautionary signs, actual hazard guidance

🔗 transport.jharkhand.gov.in • Jharkhand Transport — direction and facility information

Can I choose another turn if the mandatory-direction arrow is inconvenient in India?

No, unless another applicable sign, lane instruction or authorised traffic direction lawfully permits it. Plan a permitted alternative route; do not make an abrupt or prohibited turn to reach your destination.

🔗 morth.gov.in • India — Driving Regulations 3–5, 6–16, 22 and 24: actual controls and safe circulation

🔗 morth.gov.in • MoRTH — GSR 38(E), 15 January 2024, clause 12: indirect-vision devices

🔗 simpliance.in • GSR 586(E), 25 September 2020 — full government gazette reproduction, Regulations 37–38

🔗 pib.gov.in • PIB/MoRTH — official confirmation of the 2020 driving-regulation amendment

🔗 transport.jharkhand.gov.in • Jharkhand Transport — official mandatory, cautionary and informatory sign groups

🔗 transport.jharkhand.gov.in • Jharkhand Transport — mandatory signs, actual signs and accompanying instructions

🔗 transport.jharkhand.gov.in • Jharkhand Transport — cautionary signs, actual hazard guidance

🔗 transport.jharkhand.gov.in • Jharkhand Transport — direction and facility information

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

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.

🔗 morth.gov.in • India — Driving Regulations 3–5, 6–16, 22 and 24: actual controls and safe circulation

🔗 morth.gov.in • MoRTH — GSR 38(E), 15 January 2024, clause 12: indirect-vision devices

🔗 simpliance.in • GSR 586(E), 25 September 2020 — full government gazette reproduction, Regulations 37–38

🔗 pib.gov.in • PIB/MoRTH — official confirmation of the 2020 driving-regulation amendment

🔗 transport.jharkhand.gov.in • Jharkhand Transport — official mandatory, cautionary and informatory sign groups

🔗 transport.jharkhand.gov.in • Jharkhand Transport — mandatory signs, actual signs and accompanying instructions

🔗 transport.jharkhand.gov.in • Jharkhand Transport — cautionary signs, actual hazard guidance

🔗 transport.jharkhand.gov.in • Jharkhand Transport — direction and facility information