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Turn prohibitionAustralia

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

20. Turn prohibition

A turn prohibition prevents drivers from turning in the direction indicated by a traffic sign. It may prohibit a left turn, a right turn or a U-turn at an intersection or along a specified section of road.

Drivers must continue along a permitted route and follow any lane arrows or mandatory-direction signs. A turn prohibition does not itself determine priority or speed, and any exemption for cyclists, public transport or other road users must be expressly indicated.

Turn-prohibition sign in Cabramatta. (New South Wales, Australia)
Wikimedia.org • Maksym Kozlenko • CC BY-SA
What does a no-turn sign prohibit in Australia?

It prohibits the left, right or other turn shown at the junction or position controlled by the sign in Australia. Follow any supplementary panel or authorised direction and choose another legal route.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, NSW official road-user guidance — turn-prohibition

Does a no-left-turn sign always prohibit a U-turn in Australia?

Check the state or territory rules and every applicable sign and marking. For example, NSW prohibits U-turns at traffic lights unless a U-turn-permitted sign is displayed, and prohibits them on motorways and freeways. A no-left-turn sign alone does not settle those other restrictions.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • NSW Government, U-turns and three-point turns

Can a no-turn restriction apply only to certain vehicles or hours in Australia?

Yes, where the local sign system provides a supplementary condition or exemption, such as a vehicle class, time or authorised access. Without a valid exception, comply with the prohibited movement shown.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, NSW official road-user guidance — turn-prohibition

If a traffic light permits movement, can I ignore a prohibited-turn sign in Australia?

Not automatically. A green traffic signal normally authorises proceeding only in a lawful direction; an applicable no-turn restriction may still prohibit the manoeuvre. Follow any specific turn signal and authorised traffic direction.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, NSW official road-user guidance — turn-prohibition

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