Mandatory directionWorldwide

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


37. 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.

Mandatory right turn except for cyclists. (Wuppertal-Elberfeld, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Atamari • CC BY-SA
What does a mandatory-direction sign mean?

It requires drivers to follow the direction or one of the directions shown by the arrow or arrows.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section D II.1 and section C II.2–3; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 5, 14, 16 and 18; international framework subject to national law

Does the sign impose a speed limit?

No. Drivers must follow the applicable general, zonal or posted speed limit and reduce speed when necessary to complete the required movement safely.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section D II.1 and section C II.2–3; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 5, 14, 16 and 18; international framework subject to national law

Does the sign give you priority?

No. You must still obey traffic lights, priority signs and the ordinary rules concerning oncoming traffic, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section D II.1 and section C II.2–3; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 5, 14, 16 and 18; international framework subject to national law

Can a mandatory-direction sign apply to only one lane?

Yes. When it is positioned above a particular lane or clearly associated with that lane, it normally applies only to traffic using that lane.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section D II.1 and section C II.2–3; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 5, 14, 16 and 18; international framework subject to national law

Must you use an indicator?

Yes, when the required movement involves turning or changing position and local law requires signalling. The sign does not replace the obligation to indicate.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section D II.1 and section C II.2–3; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 5, 14, 16 and 18; international framework subject to national law

1 Worldwide 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Minimum speed 9 Advisory speed 10 Footpath 11 Bike path 12 Shared-use path 13 Separated path 14 Pedestrian warning 15 Tunnel 16 Bridge 17 Cycling street 18 Pedestrian zone 19 Speed bump 20 Toll road 21 Customs 22 One-way traffic 23 Quay 24 Slope 25 Bus lane 26 Bus stop 27 Dead end 28 Stop sign 29 Give way 30 Roundabout 31 Priority road 32 Road narrowing 33 Priority over oncoming traffic 34 Give way to oncoming traffic 35 Pedestrian crossing 36 Railway crossing 37 Mandatory direction 38 Turn prohibition 39 School area 40 Overtaking 41 Crossing animals 42 Slippery road 43 Rockfall 44 Aircraft 45 Curve 46 Chevron 47 Wrong-way driving 48 Roadworks 49 Crosswind 50 Height limit 51 Width limit 52 Length limit 53 Weight limit 54 Radar speed sign 55 Selective barriers 56 Low-emission zone 57 Intersection direction sign 58 Priority at the next junction 59 Traffic lights 60 Traffic lights warning 61 Pedestrian lights 62 Road markings 63 All-way stop 64 Junction layout 65 Climbing lane 66 Bike box 67 Left-hand traffic 68 Speed feedback 69 Driving licence 70 Location marker 71 Road number 72 Countdown markers 73 Public toilet 74 Rest area 75 Traffic mirror 76 Emergency telephone 77 International border 78 Pedestrian underpass 79 Cycling route 80 End of restriction 81 Parking 82 No parking 83 No stopping 84 Parallel parking 85 Park and ride 86 Kiss and ride 87 Alternate-side parking 88 Parking meter 89 Parking disc 90 Disabled parking 91 Traffic management 92 Merging 93 Reversing 94 U-turn 95 Carpool 96 Traffic jam 97 Detour 98 Uncontrolled crossroad 99 Road surface 100 Advisory cycle lane ...