Teorio
Applies against the direction of travel
The supplementary plate indicates that it applies against the direction of travel.
When you see the sign
Read the main sign together with the supplementary plate, and understand that the regulation indicated by the main sign applies from the sign location in the direction opposite to the direction of travel. Do not interpret the arrow as an instruction to turn around or choose a particular direction of travel.
Rules
- The supplementary plate cannot be interpreted on its own; it indicates the direction in which the main sign applies.
- The regulation indicated by the main sign applies from the sign location against the direction of travel, meaning along the section behind the sign.
- The supplementary plate does not change the meaning of the main sign, but limits where the regulation applies.
- The arrow does not indicate a direction of travel or turning direction that the driver must follow.
Tips
- Look at the main sign first to determine what regulation applies, and then read the direction indicated by the arrow.
- When parking, check the sign before leaving the vehicle, especially if the vehicle is on the section behind the sign.
- Distinguish between a directional arrow and a supplementary plate that shows distance or extent using numbers.
Common misconceptions
- Thinking that the arrow shows which way you must drive or turn.
- Thinking that the main sign starts to apply farther ahead in the direction of travel.
- Confusing the supplementary plate with «Extent», which uses distance indications to show the beginning and end of a regulated road section.
Test yourself
Easy
What does the supplementary plate in the image indicate?
- AIt indicates the distance to the location where the main sign applies.
- BIt indicates that the main sign continues to apply in the direction of travel.
- CIt indicates that the main sign applies against the direction of travel.
- DIt indicates which direction you must drive or turn.
Medium
You see the main sign «Parkering forbudt» (No parking) with the supplementary plate shown in the image. You want to park near the sign, and parking is otherwise permitted both before and after the sign. What do you do?
- AYou refrain from parking both before and after the sign.
- BYou park just before the sign without passing it.
- CYou follow the arrow and park on the opposite side of the road.
- DYou pass the sign and park just after it.
Hard
A driver confuses the supplementary plate in the image with a supplementary plate indicating the extent of a stretch. Which interpretation is correct?
- AThe main sign applies to a specific road stretch, where the arrow indicates the beginning and end.
- BThe main sign applies only to road users driving or turning in the direction of the arrow.
- CThe main sign begins to apply farther ahead, where the arrow points toward the location.
- DThe main sign applies backwards from the sign location, without the arrow indicating a distance.
Theory test tip
In the theory test, the arrow may be a trick: It does not show where you should drive, but that the regulation indicated by the main sign applies from the sign in the direction opposite to the direction of travel.
Did you know
Supplementary plates showing direction are often used together with signs regulating stopping or parking, so that the driver can see which side of the sign location the regulation covers.
Frequently asked questions
Does the main sign apply before or after the sign location?
It applies from the sign location in the direction opposite to the direction of travel, meaning backwards relative to the direction of travel. The main sign indicates which regulation applies.
Does the arrow mean that I have to turn around?
No. The arrow is not an instruction about the direction of travel, but information about the geographical area in which the main sign applies.
Can the supplementary plate be used on its own?
No, its meaning must be read together with the main sign above it. The supplementary plate limits the direction in which the main sign applies.
Is this the same as a supplementary plate showing distance?
No. A distance supplementary plate states the distance to the location where the main sign begins to apply, whereas this supplementary plate shows that the regulation applies against the direction of travel.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
