Mandatory directionSlovenia

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20. 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 direction to the right. (Celje, Slovenia)
Wikimedia.org • Szeder László • CC BY-SA
What does a mandatory-direction sign mean?

It requires drivers to follow the direction or one of the directions shown by the arrow or arrows.

How can you recognise a mandatory-direction sign?

It is commonly a blue circular sign with one or more white arrows. Colours and designs may differ in some countries.

What does an upward arrow mean?

It normally means that drivers must continue straight ahead and may not turn in another direction at that location.

What does a left or right arrow mean?

It normally requires drivers to turn or proceed in the direction shown by the arrow.

What do two arrows mean?

Drivers may choose one of the displayed directions. Any direction not shown is prohibited.

What does an arrow beside an obstacle mean?

It requires drivers to pass the traffic island, barrier, roadworks equipment or other obstruction on the side indicated by the arrow.

Is a mandatory-direction sign the same as a one-way sign?

No. A mandatory-direction sign prescribes a movement at a particular location. A one-way sign indicates the permitted direction along a road or carriageway.

Is it the same as a no-turn sign?

No. A mandatory sign states which direction must be followed, while a prohibition sign states which movement is forbidden. Both may produce a similar practical result.

Does the sign impose a speed limit?

No. Drivers must follow the applicable general, zonal or posted speed limit and reduce speed when necessary to complete the required movement safely.

Does the sign give you priority?

No. You must still obey traffic lights, priority signs and the ordinary rules concerning oncoming traffic, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

When does the obligation begin?

It normally applies at the sign, intersection or obstacle associated with it. An advance sign may indicate that the obligation begins farther ahead.

Can a mandatory-direction sign apply to only one lane?

Yes. When it is positioned above a particular lane or clearly associated with that lane, it normally applies only to traffic using that lane.

Can road arrows also prescribe a direction?

Yes. Lane arrows may require drivers to use a particular lane and follow one of the directions displayed within that lane.

Must you use an indicator?

Yes, when the required movement involves turning or changing position and local law requires signalling. The sign does not replace the obligation to indicate.

Does signalling give you priority?

No. An indicator communicates your intention but does not allow you to force another road user to brake or change direction.

May you make a U-turn?

Not when doing so would conflict with the mandatory direction or another prohibition. Drivers must follow the permitted route shown by the signs and markings.

May you reverse to avoid following the sign?

No. Reversing must not be used to evade a mandatory direction. Continue along a lawful route and turn around later where permitted.

Does the sign apply to cyclists?

Cyclists are normally treated as drivers and must obey the sign unless a supplementary panel or local rule expressly exempts them.

Can other road users be exempted?

Yes. Supplementary signs may exempt or separately regulate cyclists, public transport or other specified categories where local law permits this.

What if the required route is blocked?

Do not enter a closed or unsafe route. Stop where safe and follow temporary signs, traffic lights or instructions from authorised personnel.

Do traffic lights cancel a mandatory-direction sign?

Not normally. Traffic lights determine when traffic may proceed, while the mandatory-direction sign determines which movement is permitted.

Do police instructions override the sign?

Yes. Instructions from an authorised traffic officer normally take precedence over traffic signs and ordinary traffic rules.

Can a temporary mandatory-direction sign be binding?

Yes. Properly placed temporary signs at roadworks, incidents or events must be obeyed.

What is a mandatory route for dangerous-goods vehicles?

It requires vehicles carrying specified dangerous goods to follow a designated route suitable for their cargo and any applicable tunnel restrictions.

When does the mandatory direction end?

The obligation is normally completed after the driver has followed the required direction at the intersection or passed the obstacle on the indicated side.

1 Slovenia 2 Motorway 3 Zone 4 Speed limit 5 Bike path 6 Tunnel 7 Pedestrian zone 8 Speed bump 9 Customs 10 One-way traffic 11 Slope 12 Bus lane 13 Dead end 14 Stop sign 15 Roundabout 16 Priority road 17 Road narrowing 18 Pedestrian crossing 19 Railway crossing 20 Mandatory direction 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Rockfall 24 Chevron 25 Wrong-way driving 26 Roadworks 27 Height limit 28 Weight limit 29 Traffic lights 30 Pedestrian lights 31 Traffic mirror 32 International border 33 Cycling route 34 Parking 35 No stopping 36 Parking disc 37 Reversing 38 Emergency exit 39 City limit 40 Licence plate 41 Charging station 42 Dangers 43 Dip 44 Pedestrian 45 Cyclist 46 Truck 47 Bus 48 Police 49 Ambulance 50 Taxi 51 European emission standard 52 Pothole 53 Path 54 Particulates 55 Air pollution 56 Rush hour 57 Road code 58 Street gutter 59 Cargo bike 60 Forestry vehicle 61 Construction vehicle 62 Semi-trailer truck 63 Trolleybus 64 Speed pedelec 65 Delivery vehicle 66 Idling 67 Tow truck 68 Four-wheel drive 69 No vehicles 70 Bicycle 71 Motorcycle equipment 72 Rail track 73 Caravan 74 Trailer 75 Tow hitch 76 Fire truck 77 Siren 78 Convoy 79 Emergency vehicle lighting 80 Agricultural machinery 81 Electric bicycle 82 Electric vehicle 83 Pedelec 84 Quadricycle 85 Microcar 86 All-terrain vehicle 87 Van 88 Recreational vehicle 89 Scooter 90 Trikke 91 Personal mobility device 92 Skateboard 93 Segway 94 Kick scooter 95 Roller skates 96 Mailman 97 Hitchhiker 98 Toddler 99 Child 100 Disability ...