Dirección obligatoriaPolonia

Aprende normas de tráfico con explicaciones claras y ejemplos visuales en nuestro libro ilustrado, diseñado para que estudiar sea sencillo y ameno.


32. Dirección obligatoria

Una señal de dirección obligatoria exige a los conductores circular únicamente en la dirección o una de las direcciones indicadas por su flecha o flechas. Puede obligar a seguir recto, girar o pasar un obstáculo por un lado determinado.

La señal no determina por sí sola la prioridad ni la velocidad. Los conductores deben seguir utilizando el carril adecuado, señalizar cuando sea obligatorio y ceder el paso conforme a las señales y normas de tráfico locales.

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.

How can you recognise a mandatory-direction sign?

It is commonly a blue circular sign with one or more white arrows. Colours and designs may differ in some countries.

What does an upward arrow mean?

It normally means that drivers must continue straight ahead and may not turn in another direction at that location.

What does a left or right arrow mean?

It normally requires drivers to turn or proceed in the direction shown by the arrow.

What do two arrows mean?

Drivers may choose one of the displayed directions. Any direction not shown is prohibited.

What does an arrow beside an obstacle mean?

It requires drivers to pass the traffic island, barrier, roadworks equipment or other obstruction on the side indicated by the arrow.

Is a mandatory-direction sign the same as a one-way sign?

No. A mandatory-direction sign prescribes a movement at a particular location. A one-way sign indicates the permitted direction along a road or carriageway.

Is it the same as a no-turn sign?

No. A mandatory sign states which direction must be followed, while a prohibition sign states which movement is forbidden. Both may produce a similar practical result.

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.

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.

When does the obligation begin?

It normally applies at the sign, intersection or obstacle associated with it. An advance sign may indicate that the obligation begins farther ahead.

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.

Can road arrows also prescribe a direction?

Yes. Lane arrows may require drivers to use a particular lane and follow one of the directions displayed within that lane.

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.

Does signalling give you priority?

No. An indicator communicates your intention but does not allow you to force another road user to brake or change direction.

May you make a U-turn?

Not when doing so would conflict with the mandatory direction or another prohibition. Drivers must follow the permitted route shown by the signs and markings.

May you reverse to avoid following the sign?

No. Reversing must not be used to evade a mandatory direction. Continue along a lawful route and turn around later where permitted.

Does the sign apply to cyclists?

Cyclists are normally treated as drivers and must obey the sign unless a supplementary panel or local rule expressly exempts them.

Can other road users be exempted?

Yes. Supplementary signs may exempt or separately regulate cyclists, public transport or other specified categories where local law permits this.

What if the required route is blocked?

Do not enter a closed or unsafe route. Stop where safe and follow temporary signs, traffic lights or instructions from authorised personnel.

Do traffic lights cancel a mandatory-direction sign?

Not normally. Traffic lights determine when traffic may proceed, while the mandatory-direction sign determines which movement is permitted.

Do police instructions override the sign?

Yes. Instructions from an authorised traffic officer normally take precedence over traffic signs and ordinary traffic rules.

Can a temporary mandatory-direction sign be binding?

Yes. Properly placed temporary signs at roadworks, incidents or events must be obeyed.

What is a mandatory route for dangerous-goods vehicles?

It requires vehicles carrying specified dangerous goods to follow a designated route suitable for their cargo and any applicable tunnel restrictions.

When does the mandatory direction end?

The obligation is normally completed after the driver has followed the required direction at the intersection or passed the obstacle on the indicated side.

1 Polonia 2 Autopista 3 Vía rápida 4 Zona residencial 5 Zona urbana 6 Zona 7 Límite de velocidad 8 Senda peatonal 9 Carril bici 10 Vía compartida 11 Vía separada 12 Advertencia de peatones 13 Túnel 14 Resalto 15 Carretera de peaje 16 Aduana 17 Sentido único 18 Muelle 19 Pendiente 20 Carril bus 21 Parada de autobús 22 Calle sin salida 23 Señal de STOP 24 Ceda el paso 25 Glorieta 26 Vía con prioridad 27 Estrechamiento de calzada 28 Prioridad sobre el tráfico en sentido contrario 29 Ceda el paso al tráfico en sentido contrario 30 Paso de peatones 31 Paso a nivel 32 Dirección obligatoria 33 Prohibición de giro 34 Zona escolar 35 Adelantamiento 36 Cruce de animales 37 Curva 38 Panel direccional 39 Circulación en sentido contrario 40 Obras 41 Límite de altura 42 Límite de peso 43 Señal de control de velocidad 44 Prioridad en la próxima intersección 45 Semáforos 46 Advertencia de semáforos 47 Semáforos peatonales 48 Marcas viales 49 Esquema de intersección 50 Permiso de conducir 51 Espejo de tráfico 52 Frontera internacional 53 Paso inferior peatonal 54 Ruta ciclista 55 Estacionamiento 56 Prohibido estacionar 57 Prohibido parar 58 Aparcamiento disuasorio 59 Kiss and Ride 60 Estacionamiento para personas con discapacidad 61 Gestión del tráfico 62 Incorporación 63 Marcha atrás 64 Cambio de sentido 65 Estado de la calzada 66 Permiso provisional 67 Mercancías peligrosas 68 Servicio de radio 69 Atracción turística 70 Claxon 71 Matrícula 72 Estación de carga 73 Peligros 74 Seguridad ferroviaria 75 Peatón 76 Ciclista 77 Turismo 78 Camión 79 Autobús 80 Policía 81 Ambulancia 82 Taxi 83 Norma europea de emisiones 84 Vía pública 85 Bache 86 Propiedad privada 87 Camino 88 Partículas 89 Contaminación del aire 90 Hora punta 91 Código de circulación 92 Doble sentido 93 Canaleta de la calle 94 Bicicleta de carga 95 Vehículo forestal 96 Vehículo de construcción 97 Camión articulado 98 Trolebús 99 Speed pedelec 100 Vehículo de reparto ...