Mandatory signsArgentina

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.

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.

How are compulsory instructions shown in Argentina?

Prescriptive signs also give obligations and directions. The order applies to the road users it addresses.

🔗 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

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

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. 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 R-20(b) • Compulsory left turn. Turn left as shown by the arrow.

Español • R-20(b) • Giro obligatorio a la izquierda. Obliga a efectuar el giro a la izquierda indicado por la flecha.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Servicios.infoleg.gob.ar • Anexo L vigente, sustituido por Decreto 196/2025, R.20
🔗 Servicios.infoleg.gob.ar • Anexo L 2025, lámina 03 • ANSV, manual de señales, PDF p. 4

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Gobierno de la República Argentina • Public domain • Original revision 2014-01-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork individually reviewed against current Argentinian Argentina.gob.ar • Annex L, substituted by Decreto 196/2025:
🔗 Argentina.gob.ar • Annex III plate 03, R-20(b). Supporting ANSV manual, PDF page 4. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

2. 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 R-20(a) • Compulsory right turn. Turn right as shown by the arrow.

Español • R-20(a) • Giro obligatorio a la derecha. Obliga a efectuar el giro a la derecha indicado por la flecha.

Sources

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Gobierno de la República Argentina • Public domain • Original revision 2014-01-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork individually reviewed against current Argentinian Argentina.gob.ar • Annex L, substituted by Decreto 196/2025:
🔗 Argentina.gob.ar • Annex III plate 03, R-20(a). Supporting ANSV manual, PDF page 4. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

3. 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 R-22(b) • Pass on the left. Pass to the left of the obstacle or traffic divider.

Español • R-22(b) • Paso obligado por la izquierda. Indica el paso por el lado izquierdo del obstáculo o canalizador de tránsito.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Servicios.infoleg.gob.ar • Anexo L vigente, sustituido por Decreto 196/2025, R.21/22
🔗 Servicios.infoleg.gob.ar • Anexo L 2025, lámina 03 • ANSV, manual de señales, PDF p. 4

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Gobierno de la República Argentina • Public domain • Original revision 2023-04-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork individually reviewed against current Argentinian Argentina.gob.ar • Annex L, substituted by Decreto 196/2025:
🔗 Argentina.gob.ar • Annex III plate 03, R-22(b). Supporting ANSV manual, PDF page 4. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

4. 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 R-22(a) • Pass on the right. Pass to the right of the obstacle or traffic divider.

Español • R-22(a) • Paso obligado por la derecha. Indica el paso por el lado derecho del obstáculo o canalizador de tránsito.

Sources

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Gobierno de la República Argentina • Public domain • Original revision 2023-04-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork individually reviewed against current Argentinian Argentina.gob.ar • Annex L, substituted by Decreto 196/2025:
🔗 Argentina.gob.ar • Annex III plate 03, R-22(a). Supporting ANSV manual, PDF page 4. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

5. Mandatory left

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory direction to the left. Traffic must proceed to the left at the sign and may not continue straight ahead or to the right.

English • Traffic sign R-21(b) • Direction of travel to the left. Travel in the leftward direction shown by the arrow is compulsory.

Español • R-21(b) • Sentido de circulación hacia la izquierda. Establece la obligación de circular en el sentido hacia la izquierda indicado por la flecha.

Sources

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Gobierno de la República Argentina • Public domain • Original revision 2023-04-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork individually reviewed against current Argentinian Argentina.gob.ar • Annex L, substituted by Decreto 196/2025:
🔗 Argentina.gob.ar • Annex III plate 03, R-21(b). Supporting ANSV manual, PDF page 4. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

6. Mandatory right

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory direction to the right. Traffic must proceed to the right at the sign and may not continue straight ahead or to the left.

English • Traffic sign R-21(a) • Direction of travel to the right. Travel in the rightward direction shown by the arrow is compulsory.

Español • R-21(a) • Sentido de circulación hacia la derecha. Establece la obligación de circular en el sentido hacia la derecha indicado por la flecha.

Sources

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Gobierno de la República Argentina • Public domain • Original revision 2023-04-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork individually reviewed against current Argentinian Argentina.gob.ar • Annex L, substituted by Decreto 196/2025:
🔗 Argentina.gob.ar • Annex III plate 03, R-21(a). Supporting ANSV manual, PDF page 4. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

7. 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 R-21(c) • One-way straight ahead. Follow the forward arrow and respect the road's one-way direction.

Español • R-21(c) • Sentido único hacia adelante. Establece un sentido único de circulación hacia adelante, según la flecha. Respeta ese sentido de la vía.

Sources

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Gobierno de la República Argentina • Public domain • Original revision 2023-04-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork individually reviewed against current Argentinian Argentina.gob.ar • Annex L, substituted by Decreto 196/2025:
🔗 Argentina.gob.ar • Annex III plate 03, R-21(c). Supporting ANSV manual, PDF page 4. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

8. 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 R-18(e) • Pedestrians only. Marks a road or path exclusively for pedestrians.

Español • R-18(e) • Circulación exclusiva para peatones. Indica una vía o senda de uso exclusivo para peatones.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Servicios.infoleg.gob.ar • Anexo L vigente, sustituido por Decreto 196/2025, R.18
🔗 Servicios.infoleg.gob.ar • Anexo L 2025, lámina 03 • ANSV, manual de señales, PDF p. 4
🔗 Argentina.gob.ar • DNV, Manual de Señalamiento Vertical 2017, PDF p. 114

SVG source: Gobierno de la República Argentina • Public domain • Original revision 2014-01-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

9. 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 R-18(c) • Bicycles only. Marks a road or lane exclusively for bicycles.

Español • R-18(c) • Circulación exclusiva para bicicletas. Indica una vía o carril de uso exclusivo para bicicletas.

Sources

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Gobierno de la República Argentina • Public domain • Original revision 2014-01-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork individually reviewed against current Argentinian Argentina.gob.ar • Annex L, substituted by Decreto 196/2025:
🔗 Argentina.gob.ar • Annex III plate 03, R-18(c). Supporting ANSV manual, PDF page 3. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

10. Mandatory path for motorcycles

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for motorcycles. Motorcyclists must use the designated path 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.

English • Traffic sign R-18(b) • Motorcycles and mopeds only. Marks a road or lane exclusively for motorcycles and mopeds.

Español • R-18(b) • Circulación exclusiva para motos y ciclomotores. Indica una vía o carril de uso exclusivo para motocicletas y ciclomotores.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Servicios.infoleg.gob.ar • Anexo L vigente, sustituido por Decreto 196/2025, R.18
🔗 Servicios.infoleg.gob.ar • Anexo L 2025, lámina 03 • ANSV, manual de señales, PDF p. 3
🔗 Argentina.gob.ar • DNV, Manual de Señalamiento Vertical 2017, PDF p. 111

SVG source: Gobierno de la República Argentina • Public domain • Original revision 2014-01-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

11. Mandatory path for equestrians

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

English • Traffic sign R-18(d) • Horse riders only. Marks a road or path exclusively for people on horseback.

Español • R-18(d) • Circulación exclusiva para jinetes. Indica una vía o senda de uso exclusivo para personas montadas a caballo.

Sources

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Gobierno de la República Argentina • Public domain • Original revision 2014-01-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork individually reviewed against current Argentinian Argentina.gob.ar • Annex L, substituted by Decreto 196/2025:
🔗 Argentina.gob.ar • Annex III plate 03, R-18(d). Supporting ANSV manual, PDF page 3. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

12. Mandatory lane for trucks

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

English • Traffic sign R-18(a) • Public transport only. Marks a lane exclusively for public transport, represented by the bus.

Español • R-18(a) • Circulación exclusiva para transporte público. Indica un carril de uso exclusivo para el transporte público representado por el ómnibus.

Sources

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Gobierno de la República Argentina • Public domain • Original revision 2014-01-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork individually reviewed against current Argentinian Argentina.gob.ar • Annex L, substituted by Decreto 196/2025:
🔗 Argentina.gob.ar • Annex III plate 03, R-18(a). Supporting ANSV manual, PDF page 3. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

13. 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 R-16 • Minimum speed: 35 km/h. Sets a 35 km/h minimum. Always adapt driving to safety conditions.

Español • R-16 • Velocidad mínima: 35 km/h. Establece una velocidad mínima de 35 kilómetros por hora para la vía señalizada. Adapta siempre la conducción a las condiciones de seguridad.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Servicios.infoleg.gob.ar • Anexo L vigente, sustituido por Decreto 196/2025, R.16
🔗 Servicios.infoleg.gob.ar • Anexo L 2025, lámina 02 • ANSV, manual de señales, PDF p. 3

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Gobierno de la República Argentina • Public domain • Original revision 2014-01-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork individually reviewed against current Argentinian Argentina.gob.ar • Annex L, substituted by Decreto 196/2025:
🔗 Argentina.gob.ar • Annex III plate 02, R-16. Supporting ANSV manual, PDF page 3. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

14. 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 R-32 · family • End of indicated minimum speed. Ends the 35 km/h minimum represented on the sign. Identifies the R-32 end-of-requirement family. The drawing retains an outer red border absent from Annex L's blue 35 example; it is not presented as an exact reproduction.

Español • R-32 · familia • Fin de la velocidad mínima indicada. Indica que termina la imposición de velocidad mínima de 35 kilómetros por hora representada en la señal. Identificación de la familia de fin de imposición R-32. El dibujo conserva una orla roja exterior que no aparece en el ejemplo azul de 35 del Anexo L; no se presenta como una reproducción exacta de ese modelo.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Servicios.infoleg.gob.ar • Anexo L vigente, sustituido por Decreto 196/2025, R.31/32
🔗 Servicios.infoleg.gob.ar • Anexo L 2025, lámina 04 • ANSV, manual de señales, PDF p. 5

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Gobierno de la República Argentina • Public domain • Source revision 2014-01-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

15. Parking permitted

This traffic sign indicates that parking is permitted. Vehicles may park in the area covered by the sign, subject to any conditions shown on supplementary signs or road markings.

English • Traffic sign I-20 • Parking permitted. Park on the road in the indicated manner. Check hours, position and other supplementary conditions.

Español • I-20 • Estacionamiento permitido. Permite estacionar sobre la vía en la forma indicada. Comprueba los horarios, la posición de estacionamiento y otras condiciones complementarias.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Servicios.infoleg.gob.ar • Anexo L vigente, sustituido por Decreto 196/2025, 1.20
🔗 Servicios.infoleg.gob.ar • Anexo L 2025, lámina 11 • ANSV, manual de señales, PDF p. 13

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Argentina_-_NO_symbol.svg: Fry1989 Argentina road sign R27.svg: unknown (vector graphics image by Fma12) derivative work: Fry1989 • Public domain • Original revision 2014-01-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork individually reviewed against current Argentinian Argentina.gob.ar • Annex L, substituted by Decreto 196/2025:
🔗 Argentina.gob.ar • Annex III plate 11, I-20. Supporting ANSV manual, PDF page 13. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

16. Exclusive parking

This traffic sign indicates exclusive parking. Parking is permitted only for the vehicle category or users indicated on an accompanying supplementary sign.

English • Traffic sign R-17 · incomplete plate • Reserved parking. Reserved for vehicles identified on an additional plate. Check eligibility before parking. The drawing omits the plate identifying authorised vehicles. The letter E alone does not identify who may use it.

Español • R-17 · placa incompleta • Estacionamiento exclusivo. Reserva el estacionamiento a los vehículos identificados en una placa adicional. Comprueba quiénes están autorizados antes de estacionar. El dibujo no incluye la placa adicional que identifica los vehículos autorizados. La letra E por sí sola no permite saber a quién está reservado el estacionamiento.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Servicios.infoleg.gob.ar • Anexo L vigente, sustituido por Decreto 196/2025, R.17
🔗 Servicios.infoleg.gob.ar • Anexo L 2025, lámina 03 • ANSV, manual de señales, PDF p. 3

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Gobierno de la República Argentina • Public domain • Source revision 2014-01-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.