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Mandatory directionUnited Kingdom

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United Kingdom. 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
United Kingdom

23. 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 pass on the left. (Surrey, United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • Simon Burchell • CC BY-SA
How is mandatory direction shown in the United Kingdom?

Blue circular signs with white arrows commonly show a compulsory direction or side to pass. Lane markings and turn-only signs can also restrict permitted movements. Follow the control applying to your approach.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rule 109; lane directions and turn rules

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: regulatory signs (Great Britain)

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

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.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rule 109; lane directions and turn rules

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: regulatory signs (Great Britain)

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

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.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rule 109; lane directions and turn rules

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: regulatory signs (Great Britain)

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

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.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rule 109; lane directions and turn rules

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: regulatory signs (Great Britain)

1 United Kingdom 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Bike path 5 Pedestrian warning 6 Bridge 7 Speed bump 8 Toll road 9 One-way traffic 10 Quay 11 Slope 12 Bus lane 13 Bus stop 14 Dead end 15 Stop sign 16 Give way 17 Roundabout 18 Road narrowing 19 Priority over oncoming traffic 20 Give way to oncoming traffic 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Crossing animals 27 Slippery road 28 Rockfall 29 Aircraft 30 Curve 31 Chevron 32 Wrong-way driving 33 Roadworks 34 Height limit 35 Radar speed sign 36 Selective barriers 37 Low-emission zone 38 Priority at the next junction 39 Traffic lights 40 Traffic lights warning 41 Road markings 42 Climbing lane 43 Bike box 44 Left-hand traffic 45 Speed feedback 46 Driving licence 47 Cycling route 48 Parking 49 No parking 50 Park and ride 51 Disabled parking 52 Reversing 53 Detour 54 Road surface 55 Verge 56 Traffic calming 57 Horse riding 58 Emergency exit 59 City limit 60 Tourist attraction 61 Licence plate 62 Charging station 63 Dangers 64 Dip 65 Tram lane 66 Cyclist 67 Bus 68 Police 69 Ambulance 70 Roadway 71 Street 72 Pothole 73 Private road 74 Path 75 Particulates 76 Air pollution 77 Rush hour 78 Road code 79 Two-way traffic 80 Tram stop 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 Passenger 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Public transport 98 Caravan 99 Trailer 100 Tow hitch ...