Mandatory directionArgentina

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


14. 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 direction
Mandatory direction to the left. (Santa Cruz, Argentina)
Wikimedia.org • Christer T Johansson • CC BY
What does a mandatory-direction sign require in Argentina?

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

🔗 argentina.gob.ar • Argentina National Traffic Law 24,449 — Articles 22, 36, 39–52: actual controls, safe circulation and applicable restrictions

🔗 argentina.gob.ar • Decree 779/1995, current Annex L as replaced by Decree 196/2025 — national signs and markings

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

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.

🔗 argentina.gob.ar • Argentina National Traffic Law 24,449 — Articles 22, 36, 39–52: actual controls, safe circulation and applicable restrictions

🔗 argentina.gob.ar • Decree 779/1995, current Annex L as replaced by Decree 196/2025 — national signs and markings

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

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.

🔗 argentina.gob.ar • Argentina National Traffic Law 24,449 — Articles 22, 36, 39–52: actual controls, safe circulation and applicable restrictions

🔗 argentina.gob.ar • Decree 779/1995, current Annex L as replaced by Decree 196/2025 — national signs and markings

1 Argentina 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Minimum speed 5 Bike path 6 Speed bump 7 Slope 8 Bus stop 9 Stop sign 10 Give way 11 Roundabout 12 Road narrowing 13 Railway crossing 14 Mandatory direction 15 Turn prohibition 16 School area 17 Overtaking 18 Crossing animals 19 Curve 20 Wrong-way driving 21 Roadworks 22 Height limit 23 Traffic lights 24 International border 25 Parking 26 No parking 27 No stopping 28 Reversing 29 Uncontrolled crossroad 30 Licence plate 31 Charging station 32 Dip 33 Identity card 34 Pedestrian 35 Cyclist 36 Truck 37 Bus 38 Police 39 Ambulance 40 Taxi 41 Pothole 42 Path 43 Particulates 44 Air pollution 45 Rush hour 46 Road code 47 Street gutter 48 Cargo bike 49 Forestry vehicle 50 Construction vehicle 51 Semi-trailer truck 52 Trolleybus 53 Speed pedelec 54 Delivery vehicle 55 Idling 56 Tow truck 57 Four-wheel drive 58 Bicycle 59 Motorcycle equipment 60 Rail track 61 Caravan 62 Trailer 63 Tow hitch 64 Fire truck 65 Siren 66 Convoy 67 Emergency vehicle lighting 68 Agricultural machinery 69 Electric bicycle 70 Electric vehicle 71 Pedelec 72 Quadricycle 73 Microcar 74 All-terrain vehicle 75 Van 76 Recreational vehicle 77 Scooter 78 Trikke 79 Personal mobility device 80 Skateboard 81 Segway 82 Kick scooter 83 Roller skates 84 Mailman 85 Hitchhiker 86 Toddler 87 Child 88 Disability 89 Motorail 90 km/h 91 mph 92 Speedometer 93 Ride height 94 Dirt road 95 Driving 96 Start-stop system 97 Manual transmission 98 Automatic transmission 99 Throttle 100 Tachometer ...