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Mandatory directionPortugal

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

11. 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
Mandatory left turn. (Funchal, Portugal)
Wikimedia.org • PESP • CC BY-SA
What does a mandatory-direction sign require in Portugal?

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

🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • Portugal, Código da Estrada — articles 7, 35, 43–47; RST C11a–C12, D1–D3 and supplementary panels

🔗 ansr.pt • ANSR official RST — corrected 2019 republication, sign descriptions and markings

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

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.

🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • Portugal, Código da Estrada — articles 7, 35, 43–47; RST C11a–C12, D1–D3 and supplementary panels

🔗 ansr.pt • ANSR official RST — corrected 2019 republication, sign descriptions and markings

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

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.

🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • Portugal, Código da Estrada — articles 7, 35, 43–47; RST C11a–C12, D1–D3 and supplementary panels

🔗 ansr.pt • ANSR official RST — corrected 2019 republication, sign descriptions and markings

1 Portugal 2 Motorway 3 Zone 4 Speed limit 5 Bike path 6 Bus stop 7 Dead end 8 Stop sign 9 Roundabout 10 Railway crossing 11 Mandatory direction 12 School area 13 Overtaking 14 Crossing animals 15 Wrong-way driving 16 Traffic lights 17 Traffic mirror 18 International border 19 Parking 20 No parking 21 Disabled parking 22 Reversing 23 Tourist attraction 24 Licence plate 25 Charging station 26 Bus 27 Police 28 Ambulance 29 European emission standard 30 Pothole 31 Path 32 Particulates 33 Air pollution 34 Rush hour 35 Road code 36 Street gutter 37 Cargo bike 38 Forestry vehicle 39 Construction vehicle 40 Semi-trailer truck 41 Trolleybus 42 Speed pedelec 43 Delivery vehicle 44 Idling 45 Tow truck 46 Four-wheel drive 47 Bicycle 48 Motorcycle equipment 49 Rail track 50 Caravan 51 Trailer 52 Tow hitch 53 Fire truck 54 Siren 55 Convoy 56 Emergency vehicle lighting 57 Agricultural machinery 58 Electric bicycle 59 Electric vehicle 60 Pedelec 61 Quadricycle 62 Microcar 63 All-terrain vehicle 64 Van 65 Recreational vehicle 66 Scooter 67 Trikke 68 Personal mobility device 69 Skateboard 70 Segway 71 Kick scooter 72 Roller skates 73 Mailman 74 Hitchhiker 75 Toddler 76 Child 77 Disability 78 Motorail 79 km/h 80 mph 81 Speedometer 82 Ride height 83 Dirt road 84 Driving 85 Start-stop system 86 Manual transmission 87 Automatic transmission 88 Throttle 89 Tachometer 90 Steering wheel 91 Power steering 92 Visual scanning 93 Mirror 94 Fuel 95 Fuel gauge 96 Petrol 97 Diesel 98 Diesel exhaust fluid 99 Car insurance 100 First aid kit ...