Mandatory signsMexico

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


Mandatory signs

A mandatory sign is a traffic sign that tells drivers what they must do. Instead of prohibiting actions, these signs impose obligations such as following a specific direction, using a particular lane, or keeping a minimum speed. Their purpose is to guide traffic safely and efficiently by ensuring that all road users follow the same required behaviour in places where it is necessary for order and safety.


Turning right mandatory. Pass obstacle on the right. Mandatory right. Road with two-way traffic.
How are compulsory instructions shown in Mexico?

Positive traffic instructions occur within the regulatory/restrictive system, including direction of circulation. Do not import a foreign blue-circle-only classification.

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Mexico federal Traffic Regulations — Articles 16–22, 60, 63, 96–155: actual controls, safe circulation and road jurisdiction

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Federal Traffic Regulations — amendment of 25 May 2026, operative and commencement provisions

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Federal Traffic Regulations — amendment of 13 August 2026, operative and commencement provisions

🔗 diputados.gob.mx • Manual de Señalización y Dispositivos para el Control del Tránsito en Calles y Carreteras, 2024 — relevant signs and markings

What does a mandatory-direction sign require in Mexico?

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

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Mexico federal Traffic Regulations — Articles 16–22, 60, 63, 96–155: actual controls, safe circulation and road jurisdiction

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Federal Traffic Regulations — amendment of 25 May 2026, operative and commencement provisions

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Federal Traffic Regulations — amendment of 13 August 2026, operative and commencement provisions

🔗 diputados.gob.mx • Manual de Señalización y Dispositivos para el Control del Tránsito en Calles y Carreteras, 2024 — relevant signs and markings

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

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.

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Mexico federal Traffic Regulations — Articles 16–22, 60, 63, 96–155: actual controls, safe circulation and road jurisdiction

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Federal Traffic Regulations — amendment of 25 May 2026, operative and commencement provisions

🔗 sidof.segob.gob.mx • Federal Traffic Regulations — amendment of 13 August 2026, operative and commencement provisions

🔗 diputados.gob.mx • Manual de Señalización y Dispositivos para el Control del Tránsito en Calles y Carreteras, 2024 — relevant signs and markings

1. Turning right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning right is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn right and may not continue straight ahead or turn left.

Turning right mandatory.

English • Traffic sign SR-10 • Continuous right turn. Permits a right turn at a signal-controlled junction even when straight-ahead traffic must stop. Respect pedestrians' and other vehicles' priority; turn only without conflict.

Español • SR-10 • Vuelta continua derecha. Permite dar vuelta a la derecha en la intersección controlada por semáforo, aun cuando el tránsito que sigue de frente tenga indicación de alto. Respete la prioridad de los peatones y de los demás vehículos; realice la maniobra únicamente sin conflicto.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dof.gob.mx • SICT/SEDATU · Manual federal 2024, p. 196 del PDF

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
United Mexican States • Public domain • Original revision 2020-08-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Mexican federal Manual de señalización y dispositivos para el control del tránsito en calles y carreteras (2024): Dof.gob.mx • SR-10, PDF page 196. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

2. Pass obstacle on the right

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the right. Keep to the right of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.

Pass obstacle on the right.

English • Traffic sign SR-11C • Pass to the right of the divider. Central separation begins; follow the arrow to its right.

Español • SR-11C • Circulación a la derecha del separador. Comienza una separación central de la vía. Circule por el lado derecho del separador, como indica la flecha.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dof.gob.mx • SICT/SEDATU · Manual federal 2024, p. 199 del PDF • SCT · Manual 2014, p. 86 del PDF (copia oficial de Coahuila; diseño anterior)

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
United Mexican States • Public domain • Original revision 2020-09-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Mexican federal Manual de señalización y dispositivos para el control del tránsito en calles y carreteras (2024): Dof.gob.mx • SR-11C, PDF page 199. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

3. Mandatory right

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory direction to the right. Traffic must proceed to the right at the sign and may not continue straight ahead or to the left.

Mandatory right.

English • Traffic sign SR-11A1 • Rightward direction. Follow the rightward arrow at the junction without entering an opposing lane.

Español • SR-11A1 • Circulación hacia la derecha. Circule en el sentido indicado por la flecha hacia la derecha en la intersección, sin invadir un carril de sentido contrario.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dof.gob.mx • SICT/SEDATU · Manual federal 2024, p. 197 del PDF

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
United Mexican States • Public domain • Original revision 2020-08-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Mexican federal Manual de señalización y dispositivos para el control del tránsito en calles y carreteras (2024): Dof.gob.mx • SR-11A1, PDF page 197. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

4. Road with two-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates the start of two-way traffic. From this point, traffic may travel in both directions on the road. Be prepared for oncoming vehicles.

Road with two-way traffic.

English • Traffic sign SR-14 • Two-way traffic. A two-way section begins. Stay on the side for your direction as shown by the arrows.

Español • SR-14 • Doble circulación. Comienza un tramo con circulación en ambos sentidos. Manténgase en el lado correspondiente a su sentido de marcha, como indican las flechas.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Dof.gob.mx • SICT/SEDATU · Manual federal 2024, p. 201 del PDF

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
United Mexican States • Public domain • Original revision 2020-08-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Mexican federal Manual de señalización y dispositivos para el control del tránsito en calles y carreteras (2024): Dof.gob.mx • SR-14, PDF page 201. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.