Mandatory direction of travel (402.6)

Mandatory direction of travel

Mandatory Signs Sign number: 402.6

The sign indicates that drivers shall leave the intersection in the direction indicated on the sign.

When you see the sign

You must either continue straight ahead or turn right in the situation governed by the sign. You cannot turn left or make a U-turn.

Rules

  • Both directions shown by the arrows are permitted: you can choose between going straight ahead and turning right.
  • You may not turn left or make a U-turn where the requirement applies.
  • The requirement does not override give-way rules, traffic lights or directions from the police.
  • When turning right, you must signal as required and take account of pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road you are turning into.

Tips

  • Read both arrows before positioning your vehicle so that you do not confuse the sign with one requiring you to go straight ahead only.
  • If you are turning right, move into the correct lane well in advance and use your turn signal.
  • If you are going straight ahead, stay in the correct lane and avoid following vehicles that turn right out of habit.
  • If you had planned to turn left, you must choose another legal route.

Common misconceptions

  • !Some people think one of the arrows is merely informative, but both arrows show legal alternatives.
  • !The sign is often confused with one requiring you to go straight ahead or turn left, even though the curved arrow here points to the right.
  • !Some people think turning right automatically gives them priority, but the usual give-way rules still apply.

Test yourself

Easy

Mandatory direction of travel (402.6)

What does this sign mean?

  • AYou must drive straight ahead or turn right.
  • BYou must drive straight ahead only.
  • CYou must drive straight ahead or turn left.
  • DYou must turn either right or left.

Medium

You are approaching an intersection with this sign, but the navigation system tells you to turn left. What should you do?

  • AYou must drive straight ahead or turn right and find another route.
  • BYou must stop in the intersection and reverse into the road on the left.
  • CYou must turn left if you give a clear signal.
  • DYou must make a U-turn if the intersection is empty.

Hard

A police officer directs you to the left at an intersection where this sign is displayed. What should you do?

  • AYou must wait until the police officer points straight ahead or to the right.
  • BYou must follow the police officer's instruction and turn left.
  • CYou must make a U-turn before entering the intersection.
  • DYou must follow the sign and drive straight ahead or to the right.

Theory test tip

Pay particular attention to which way the curved arrow points. A common trap is to choose “straight ahead or left” because the signs are otherwise very similar.

Did you know

The circular shape and blue background show that this is a mandatory sign. The two white arrows give the driver a choice between two permitted directions, unlike signs with only one arrow.

Frequently asked questions

Can I choose freely between the two arrows?

Yes, you can go straight ahead or turn right. However, your choice must be consistent with lane markings, traffic lights and other regulations at the location.

Can I turn left if the road is empty?

No, turning left is not one of the directions permitted by the sign. The fact that the road is empty does not make the manoeuvre legal.

Can I make a U-turn?

No, a U-turn does not follow either of the two required directions. You must continue straight ahead or turn right.

Do I have priority when turning right?

No, the sign only determines which directions you may drive in. Give-way obligations, traffic lights and consideration for pedestrians and cyclists still apply.

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