Mandatory signsRussia

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

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.

Driving straight ahead or turning left mandatory.

Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory.

Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path.

End of shared pedestrian and cycle path.

Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path.

End of divided pedestrian and cycle path.

How are compulsory instructions shown in Russia?

4-series signs prescribe directions, routes or other obligations; learn the particular symbol.

🔗 sh380.krsl.gov.spb.ru • Russia — Traffic Rules 1.3–1.5, 8–13 and Annexes 1–2, actual controls and safe movement

🔗 static.government.ru • Government of Russia — enacted Resolution 1088, 28 August 2026, full one-page amendment to document-presentation footnote

What does a mandatory-direction sign require in Russia?

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

🔗 sh380.krsl.gov.spb.ru • Russia — Traffic Rules 1.3–1.5, 8–13 and Annexes 1–2, actual controls and safe movement

🔗 static.government.ru • Government of Russia — enacted Resolution 1088, 28 August 2026, full one-page amendment to document-presentation footnote

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

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.

🔗 sh380.krsl.gov.spb.ru • Russia — Traffic Rules 1.3–1.5, 8–13 and Annexes 1–2, actual controls and safe movement

🔗 static.government.ru • Government of Russia — enacted Resolution 1088, 28 August 2026, full one-page amendment to document-presentation footnote

1. Mandatory roundabout direction

This traffic sign indicates the mandatory direction around a roundabout. Traffic must circulate in the direction shown by the arrows. The sign does not itself determine priority; follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local rules.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Source revision 2023-06-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

2. 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.

English • Traffic sign 4.1.3 • Left only. Left turns and U-turns are permitted at the intersection ahead. Scheduled-route vehicles are exempt.

Русский • 4.1.3 • Движение налево. Разрешены движение налево и разворот на пересечении перед знаком. Исключение — маршрутные транспортные средства.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.1.3
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2023-06-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. 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.

English • Traffic sign 4.1.6 • Right or left only. Right turns, left turns and U-turns are permitted at the intersection ahead. Scheduled-route vehicles are exempt.

Русский • 4.1.6 • Движение направо или налево. Разрешены повороты направо, налево и разворот на пересечении перед знаком. Исключение — маршрутные транспортные средства.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.1.6
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2023-06-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

4. 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.

English • Traffic sign 4.1.2 • Right only. Only right turns are permitted at the intersection ahead. Scheduled-route vehicles are exempt.

Русский • 4.1.2 • Движение направо. Разрешён только поворот направо на пересечении перед знаком. Исключение — маршрутные транспортные средства.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.1.2
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2023-06-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

5. 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.

English • Traffic sign 4.2.2 • Pass the obstacle on the left. Pass only on its left side in the arrow's direction.

Русский • 4.2.2 • Объезд препятствия слева. Препятствие разрешено объезжать только слева, по направлению стрелки.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.2.2
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2023-06-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

6. Pass obstacle on either side

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on either the left or the right. Use either permitted side while following the road layout and any accompanying signs or markings.

English • Traffic sign 4.2.3 • Pass the obstacle on either side. Passing on either side is permitted.

Русский • 4.2.3 • Объезд препятствия справа или слева. Препятствие разрешено объезжать с любой стороны.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.2.3
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2023-06-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

7. 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.

English • Traffic sign 4.2.1 • Pass the obstacle on the right. Pass only on its right side in the arrow's direction.

Русский • 4.2.1 • Объезд препятствия справа. Препятствие разрешено объезжать только справа, по направлению стрелки.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.2.1
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2023-06-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

8. 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.

English • Traffic sign 4.1.5 • Straight ahead or left only. Straight ahead, left turns and U-turns are permitted at the intersection ahead. Scheduled-route vehicles are exempt.

Русский • 4.1.5 • Движение прямо или налево. Разрешены движение прямо, поворот налево и разворот на пересечении перед знаком. Исключение — маршрутные транспортные средства.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.1.5
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2023-06-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

9. 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.

English • Traffic sign 4.1.4 • Straight ahead or right only. Both indicated directions are permitted at the intersection ahead. Scheduled-route vehicles are exempt.

Русский • 4.1.4 • Движение прямо или направо. Разрешены движение прямо и поворот направо на пересечении перед знаком. Исключение — маршрутные транспортные средства.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.1.4
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2023-06-11. 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.

English • Traffic sign 4.1.1 • Straight ahead only. At the intersection ahead, only straight-ahead travel is permitted except for scheduled services. At the beginning of a section, applies to the next junction and does not prohibit right turns into courtyards or adjoining premises.

Русский • 4.1.1 • Движение прямо. На пересечении перед знаком разрешено движение только прямо, кроме маршрутного транспорта. Установленный в начале участка знак действует до ближайшего перекрёстка и не запрещает поворот направо во дворы и на прилегающие территории.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.1.1
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Юкатан • Public domain • Original revision 2023-06-11. 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.

English • Traffic sign 4.5.1 • Footpath. Pedestrians and users of personal mobility devices are permitted; cyclists are admitted in the cases specified by traffic rules 24.2–24.4 and 24.6.

Русский • 4.5.1 • Пешеходная дорожка. Разрешены пешеходы и лица на средствах индивидуальной мобильности; велосипедисты допускаются в случаях, предусмотренных пунктами 24.2–24.4 и 24.6 ПДД.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.5.1
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2017-12-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.

12. 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.

English • Traffic sign 4.4.1 • Cycle path. Marks a cycle path. Admission of cyclists and personal mobility device users is governed by section 24 of the traffic rules.

Русский • 4.4.1 • Велосипедная дорожка. Обозначена велосипедная дорожка. Допуск велосипедистов и лиц на средствах индивидуальной мобильности определяется разделом 24 ПДД.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.4.1
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2018-05-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

13. 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.

English • Traffic sign 4.4.2 • End of cycle path. Ends the path marked by 4.4.1.

Русский • 4.4.2 • Конец велосипедной дорожки. Оканчивается велосипедная дорожка, обозначенная знаком 4.4.1.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Nikolaev_ec06ffa5 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.4.2
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Nikolaev_ec06ffa5 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2018-05-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

14. Mandatory lane for cars

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

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org

SVG source: Nikolaev_ec06ffa5 • Public domain • Original revision 2014-01-19. Wikimedia original unmodified.

15. Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the same designated path rather than separate sections. They must share the space safely and follow the applicable local rules.

English • Traffic sign 4.5.2 • Shared pedestrian and cycle path. Pedestrians and cyclists share the route. Requirements for personal mobility devices are in section 24 of the traffic rules.

Русский • 4.5.2 • Пешеходная и велосипедная дорожка с совмещённым движением. Обозначена велопешеходная дорожка с совместным движением пешеходов и велосипедистов. Требования к средствам индивидуальной мобильности определены разделом 24 ПДД.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Nikolaev_ec06ffa5 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.5.2
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Nikolaev_ec06ffa5 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-19. Wikimedia original unmodified.

16. End of shared pedestrian and cycle path

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

English • Traffic sign 4.5.3 • End of shared pedestrian and cycle path. Ends the shared route.

Русский • 4.5.3 • Конец пешеходной и велосипедной дорожки с совмещённым движением. Оканчивается совмещённая велопешеходная дорожка.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Nikolaev_ec06ffa5 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.5.3
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Nikolaev_ec06ffa5 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-19. Wikimedia original unmodified.

17. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path

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

English • Traffic sign 4.5.4 • Separate pedestrian and cycle path. The cycle side is on the left and the pedestrian side on the right. Use the appropriate side; requirements for personal mobility devices are in section 24 of the traffic rules.

Русский • 4.5.4 • Пешеходная и велосипедная дорожка с разделением движения. Велосипедная сторона дорожки расположена слева, пешеходная — справа. Двигайтесь по соответствующей стороне; требования к средствам индивидуальной мобильности определены разделом 24 ПДД.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Nikolaev_ec06ffa5 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.5.4
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Nikolaev_ec06ffa5 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-19. Wikimedia original unmodified.

18. End of divided pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory divided path for pedestrians and cyclists. The requirement to use the separately designated sections ends at this point. Continue according to the subsequent path or road layout and applicable local rules.

English • Traffic sign 4.5.6 • End of separate pedestrian and cycle path. Ends the route with separate cycle and pedestrian sides.

Русский • 4.5.6 • Конец пешеходной и велосипедной дорожки с разделением движения. Оканчивается велопешеходная дорожка с отдельными сторонами для велосипедистов и пешеходов.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Nikolaev_ec06ffa5 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.5.6
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Nikolaev_ec06ffa5 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-19. Wikimedia original unmodified.

19. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path

English • Traffic sign 4.5.5 • Separate pedestrian and cycle path. The pedestrian side is on the left and the cycle side on the right. Use the appropriate side; requirements for personal mobility devices are in section 24 of the traffic rules.

Русский • 4.5.5 • Пешеходная и велосипедная дорожка с разделением движения. Пешеходная сторона дорожки расположена слева, велосипедная — справа. Двигайтесь по соответствующей стороне; требования к средствам индивидуальной мобильности определены разделом 24 ПДД.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Nikolaev_ec06ffa5 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.5.5
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Nikolaev_ec06ffa5 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-19. Wikimedia original unmodified.

20. End of divided pedestrian and cycle path

English • Traffic sign 4.5.7 • End of separate pedestrian and cycle path. Ends the route with separate cycle and pedestrian sides.

Русский • 4.5.7 • Конец пешеходной и велосипедной дорожки с разделением движения. Оканчивается велопешеходная дорожка с отдельными сторонами для велосипедистов и пешеходов.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Nikolaev_ec06ffa5 • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.5.7
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Nikolaev_ec06ffa5 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-19. Wikimedia original unmodified.

21. 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.

English • Traffic sign 4.6 • Minimum speed limit. Travel at no less than 50 km/h is permitted.

Русский • 4.6 • Ограничение минимальной скорости. Разрешено движение со скоростью не менее 50 км/ч.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.6
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

22. 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.

English • Traffic sign 4.7 • End of minimum speed limit. Ends the minimum imposed by 4.6.

Русский • 4.7 • Конец зоны ограничения минимальной скорости. Оканчивается ограничение минимальной скорости, введённое знаком 4.6.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0)
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • ПДД РФ • приложение 1 • 4.7
🔗 Pravo.gov.ru • Официальная редакция от 28.08.2026

SVG source: Юкатан • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.