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Arrow signal
The signal applies to those who wish to drive in the direction indicated by the arrow. An arrow signal may have one, two or three light apertures.
When you see the sign
If you intend to turn left, you must follow the arrow signal and stop at a red light or the stop line. When the green left-turn arrow is displayed, you may drive in the direction of the arrow when the road is clear, but you must still watch out for pedestrians, cyclists and obstacles.
Rules
- The signal applies only to road users who want to turn left, that is, in the direction indicated by the arrow.
- A red left-turn arrow means that you must not pass the signal or the stop line to turn left.
- A yellow left-turn arrow means that the signal is about to change to red, and you must stop if this can be done safely.
- A green left-turn arrow means that you may pass the signal or the stop line and turn left if the road is clear.
- Red and yellow lights displayed at the same time warn that the green light is coming shortly, but you must wait until the green arrow is displayed.
Tips
- Move into the correct lane early, and check that the arrow signal actually points to the left.
- Look at your own arrow signal, not just the main signal for traffic going straight ahead.
- When the arrow is green, check the pedestrian crossing and the area you are turning into before proceeding.
- When the light is yellow, consider whether you can stop in a controlled manner before the stop line without braking harshly.
Common misconceptions
- Assuming that a green main signal for traffic going straight ahead also permits you to turn left when the left-turn arrow is red.
- Starting to drive when the red and yellow arrows are lit at the same time; this only warns that green is coming.
- Mistaking a green left-turn arrow for a lane-control signal. The arrow signal regulates driving in a particular direction, while the lane-control signal shows whether a lane may be used.
Theory test tip
Pay close attention to the direction indicated by the arrow and which signal applies to the vehicle's intended direction of travel. A common trap is that the main signal is green while the left-turn arrow is red; in that case, you cannot pass the signal to turn left.
Did you know
Pilsignal venstre can have one, two or three lights. It is often used to give left-turning traffic its own signal phase, independently of traffic going straight ahead or turning right.
Frequently asked questions
Can I turn left when the main signal is green but the left-turn arrow is red?
No, not when the red arrow signal applies to your left turn. You must wait until the arrow signal permits travel to the left.
Do I have priority when the left-turn arrow is green?
A green arrow permits you to drive in the direction of the arrow, but only if the road is clear. You must still avoid obstructing or endangering pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
What should I do when the left-turn arrow turns yellow?
You must stop before the signal or the stop line. You may continue only if you have come so far forward that stopping cannot be done safely.
Does the left-turn arrow apply to vehicles going straight ahead?
No, the arrow signal applies only to those who want to travel in the direction indicated by the arrow. Traffic going straight ahead must follow the signal that applies to that direction of travel.
Practise for the theory test
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