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Turn prohibitionUnited 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

24. 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
Turn-prohibition sign at the entrance to East Cowes town centre. (Isle of Wight, United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • Editor5807 • CC0
How do you recognise a prohibited turn in the United Kingdom?

A regulatory No left turn, No right turn or No U-turn sign prohibits the movement shown. A route-direction arrow without a prohibition symbol is not always the same kind of sign.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rule 109; separate prohibited movements and time plates

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

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

Do not assume that a U-turn is allowed or prohibited solely from a no-left-turn sign. Separate U-turn signs and local road rules may apply, and some jurisdictions treat turning restrictions differently. Check the actual control.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rule 109; separate prohibited movements and time plates

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

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

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.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rule 109; separate prohibited movements and time plates

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

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

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.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rule 109; separate prohibited movements and time plates

🔗 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 ...