Support us

Mandatory directionSwitzerland

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

28. 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 to the right. (Geneva, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What does a mandatory-direction sign require in Switzerland?

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

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Road Signs Ordinance article 24; Traffic Rules Ordinance articles 6,14

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Supporting official source

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

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.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Road Signs Ordinance article 24; Traffic Rules Ordinance articles 6,14

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Supporting official source

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

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.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Road Signs Ordinance article 24; Traffic Rules Ordinance articles 6,14

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Supporting official source

1 Switzerland 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Minimum speed 8 Footpath 9 Bike path 10 Shared-use path 11 Tunnel 12 Pedestrian zone 13 Customs 14 One-way traffic 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Road narrowing 24 Priority over oncoming traffic 25 Give way to oncoming traffic 26 Pedestrian crossing 27 Railway crossing 28 Mandatory direction 29 Turn prohibition 30 School area 31 Overtaking 32 Crossing animals 33 Slippery road 34 Rockfall 35 Aircraft 36 Curve 37 Chevron 38 Wrong-way driving 39 Roadworks 40 Crosswind 41 Height limit 42 Width limit 43 Length limit 44 Weight limit 45 Intersection direction sign 46 Priority at the next junction 47 Traffic lights 48 Traffic lights warning 49 Pedestrian lights 50 Road markings 51 Junction layout 52 Driving licence 53 Location marker 54 Road number 55 Countdown markers 56 Traffic mirror 57 Emergency telephone 58 International border 59 Pedestrian underpass 60 Cycling route 61 End of restriction 62 Parking 63 No parking 64 No stopping 65 Parking disc 66 Reversing 67 U-turn 68 Traffic jam 69 Detour 70 Uncontrolled crossroad 71 Road surface 72 Exit 73 Information point 74 Horse riding 75 Emergency exit 76 Runaway truck ramp 77 Radio service 78 Oversize load 79 City limit 80 Hospital 81 Parking garage 82 Passing place 83 Pedestrian overpass 84 Axle weight limit 85 Licence plate 86 Charging station 87 Dangers 88 Weather 89 Turn on red 90 Pedestrian 91 Cyclist 92 Moped 93 Motorcycle 94 Car 95 Truck 96 Bus 97 Police 98 Ambulance 99 Tailgating 100 European emission standard ...