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Mandatory directionGermany

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

32. 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 left turn except for cyclists. (Marburg, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • LudwigSebastianMicheler • CC BY-SA
Which German signs require a specific driving direction?

German Zeichen 209, 211 and 214, among others, prescribe the indicated direction or directions. These are regulatory directions, not signs conferring priority over pedestrians or opposing vehicles.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§8–9,36–37; Annex 2, signs 209–215 and directional arrows

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

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.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§8–9,36–37; Annex 2, signs 209–215 and directional arrows

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

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.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§8–9,36–37; Annex 2, signs 209–215 and directional arrows

Are lane arrows and compulsory-direction signs always identical in Germany?

Not necessarily. A lane-use arrow can govern a particular lane, while a regulatory turn or direction sign can govern the approach or indicated manoeuvre. Read both together and comply with the active control.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany StVO: §§8–9,36–37; Annex 2, signs 209–215 and directional arrows

1 Germany 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Pedestrian warning 11 Tunnel 12 Bridge 13 Cycling street 14 Pedestrian zone 15 Toll road 16 Customs 17 One-way traffic 18 Quay 19 Slope 20 Bus lane 21 Bus stop 22 Dead end 23 Stop sign 24 Give way 25 Roundabout 26 Priority road 27 Road narrowing 28 Priority over oncoming traffic 29 Give way to oncoming traffic 30 Pedestrian crossing 31 Railway crossing 32 Mandatory direction 33 School area 34 Overtaking 35 Crossing animals 36 Slippery road 37 Rockfall 38 Aircraft 39 Curve 40 Chevron 41 Wrong-way driving 42 Roadworks 43 Crosswind 44 Height limit 45 Width limit 46 Length limit 47 Weight limit 48 Radar speed sign 49 Selective barriers 50 Low-emission zone 51 Intersection direction sign 52 Priority at the next junction 53 Traffic lights 54 Traffic lights warning 55 Pedestrian lights 56 Road markings 57 Junction layout 58 Bike box 59 Speed feedback 60 Driving licence 61 Location marker 62 Countdown markers 63 Traffic mirror 64 Emergency telephone 65 International border 66 Pedestrian underpass 67 Cycling route 68 End of restriction 69 Parking 70 No parking 71 No stopping 72 Parallel parking 73 Park and ride 74 Kiss and ride 75 Parking meter 76 Parking disc 77 Disabled parking 78 Traffic management 79 Reversing 80 Traffic jam 81 Detour 82 Uncontrolled crossroad 83 Road surface 84 Exit 85 Horse riding 86 Provisional licence 87 Hazardous cargo 88 Emergency exit 89 Runaway truck ramp 90 Oversize load 91 Cycle highway 92 Carsharing 93 City limit 94 Gantry 95 Distance board 96 Breakdown bay 97 Hiking 98 Pavement parking 99 Road church 100 Tourist attraction ...