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Turn prohibitionUnited States

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

25. 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 eastern end of US Route 84 Business. (Thomas County, Georgia, United States)
Wikimedia.org • Michael Rivera • CC BY-SA
What do NO LEFT TURN and NO RIGHT TURN signs mean in the United States?

They prohibit the specified turn at the controlled intersection. The US MUTCD identifies R3-1 as No Right Turn and R3-2 as No Left Turn. States and local authorities apply and enforce the restrictions.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV — navigating roads, lane markings, turning, merging and passing

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA MUTCD11th Edition including Revision1 — relevant signs/markings; device standard, not state law

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

The US MUTCD specifies separate signs for no left turn, no U-turn, and no left turn or U-turn combined. Check the actual sign and the state or local turning rules; a no-left-turn sign alone is not a reliable way to decide whether a U-turn is permitted.

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA, current MUTCD11th Edition Revision1 December2025

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

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.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV — navigating roads, lane markings, turning, merging and passing

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA MUTCD11th Edition including Revision1 — relevant signs/markings; device standard, not state law

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

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.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV — navigating roads, lane markings, turning, merging and passing

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA MUTCD11th Edition including Revision1 — relevant signs/markings; device standard, not state law

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