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Arrows
Arrows placed in a lane before an intersection indicate that the lane shall be used by road users who intend to drive in the direction or one of the directions shown by the arrow. If the lane is bounded by a solid line, the arrow indicates the mandatory direction of travel. Arrows at an angle in the lane indicate that the lane in question ends, and that further driving shall take place in accordance with the provisions of trafikkreglene.
When you see the sign
Position yourself in the lane with the arrow showing the direction you intend to take through the junction. If the lane is bounded by a solid line, you must follow the direction of the arrow, while a diagonal arrow warns that the lane is ending and that you must change lanes when it is safe to do so.
Rules
- Arrows before a junction indicate which lane should be used for the direction or directions shown.
- When the lane is bounded by a solid line, the direction shown by the arrow is mandatory.
- You must not drive on or cross a solid line to change to another lane.
- A diagonal arrow in a lane means that the lane is ending and that you must continue in accordance with the traffic rules.
- A diagonal arrow does not give the driver priority when changing lanes; the driver changing lanes must give way to traffic in the lane they are moving into.
Tips
- Look for the arrows early and choose the correct lane before any solid line begins.
- Check both the direction of the arrow and the lines around the lane, because the solid line determines whether following the arrow is mandatory.
- When there is a diagonal arrow, check your mirrors and blind spot, signal and adjust your speed before changing lanes.
- If you are in the wrong lane and cannot change legally, follow the permitted direction for that lane and find a safe, legal way to continue.
Common misconceptions
- Assuming that all arrows always indicate an absolute requirement; the arrow indicates the mandatory direction of travel when the lane is bounded by a solid line.
- Mistaking a diagonal arrow for an ordinary turn arrow, even though the diagonal arrow warns that the lane is ending.
- Assuming that the driver automatically has priority because their own lane is ending.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this road marking mean when it is placed in a lane before an intersection?
- AIt indicates that changing lanes involves danger.
- BIt indicates that the lane is reserved for public transport.
- CIt indicates which directions of travel the lane must be used for.
- DIt indicates that the lane may be used in both directions of travel.
Medium
You are in the lane shown in the picture, and the lane is bounded by a solid line. Just before the intersection, you realize that you wanted a different direction. What do you do?
- AI cross the solid line if the adjacent lane is clear.
- BI drive over the solid line if I use my turn signal.
- CI follow the direction shown and find another route onward.
- DI stop in the lane and wait until I can change lanes.
Hard
How does the design in the picture differ from a diagonal arrow pointing towards an adjacent lane?
- AIt requires a lane change before the intersection, whereas the diagonal arrow gives priority when changing lanes.
- BIt shows the direction of travel through the intersection, whereas the diagonal arrow warns that the lane ends.
- CIt warns that the lane ends, whereas the diagonal arrow shows the direction of travel through the intersection.
- DIt marks danger when changing lanes, whereas the diagonal arrow prohibits all further driving.
Theory test tip
In the theory test, the trap may be an arrow in a lane bounded by a solid line. In that case, following the direction of the arrow is mandatory, and you cannot cross the solid line to correct a wrong lane choice.
Did you know
Arrows are road markings with sign number 1034.2 and are used both to distribute traffic before junctions and to warn that a lane is ending. Their meaning must therefore be assessed together with the shape of the arrow and the lines around the lane.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to drive in the direction shown by the arrow?
The arrow indicates which lane should be used for the direction shown. If the lane is bounded by a solid line, the direction of travel shown by the arrow is mandatory.
What does an arrow pointing diagonally towards the adjacent lane mean?
It means that the lane you are driving in is ending. You must change lanes according to the usual rules and give way to traffic in the lane you want to enter.
Can I cross a solid line if I have chosen the wrong lane?
No, you must not drive on or cross the solid line. Follow the mandatory direction and choose a legal route to continue.
What does it mean when one arrow shows several directions?
The lane may be used by road users who intend to travel in any of the directions shown by the arrow. You must still follow any other signs, signals and road markings at the junction.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
