Mandatory Direction
The sign indicates that vehicles are only allowed to proceed in the direction of the arrow, or in either direction if two arrows are present.
When You See This Sign
When you see a Mandatory Direction sign you should immediately adjust your driving so that you only follow the direction of the arrow (or one of the arrows if there are two). Position the vehicle in the correct lane, signal well in advance, and proceed only when it is safe and permitted.
Rules & Regulations
- The sign indicates a mandatory driving direction: you may only drive in the direction the arrow shows, or in one of the directions indicated when two arrows are shown.
- The sign's instruction applies to the vehicles that are on the road or in the lane where the sign is placed, until another sign or instruction cancels it.
- If the sign is placed over a particular lane it applies only to that lane; if it is placed above the entire carriageway it applies to all vehicles on that road.
- Instructions from the police or other traffic controllers take precedence over the traffic sign; always follow an official manual instruction if one is given.
Tips for Drivers
- Position yourself in the correct lane well in advance when you see the sign, signal clearly, and check your blind spot before changing lanes.
- If the sign shows two arrows you may choose either direction — choose the one that fits your route and is permitted for your vehicle (for example, do not use a bus lane if you are not allowed to).
- Read the sign together with road markings and lane arrows on the carriageway; sometimes the direction applies only to a single lane or to a specific vehicle type.
- Be extra attentive in heavy traffic or at intersections where other road users may misunderstand the sign; keep your speed so that you can safely follow the instruction.
Common Mistakes
- Believing the sign is only a recommendation when in fact it is mandatory.
- Assuming the sign applies to all lanes even though it is placed over a specific lane.
- Failing to choose the correct one of two arrows in time and ending up in the wrong part of the intersection or in a lane that does not allow your intended route.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Mandatory Direction
How should you act when you see this sign?
- A Drive the vehicle only in the direction(s) indicated by the arrow(s).
- B The arrow only shows a recommended direction of travel that is optional.
- C The sign's arrow indicates a speed limit ahead.
- D The sign's arrow means that left turns are prohibited for all vehicles.
Exam Tip
In the theory exam you may be shown a picture where the sign is placed above a specific lane; the decisive question then is whether the instruction applies to all lanes or only that lane — answer that it applies to the lane where the sign is placed.
Did You Know?
Mandatory Direction (D1) is a standardized mandatory sign according to the Swedish road signs regulation and is often used at intersections, exits, and above lane markings to control traffic flow and prevent prohibited turns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the sign apply to all vehicles?
Yes, the sign generally applies to all vehicles traveling on the road where the sign is placed, unless a supplementary plate or another sign indicates an exception. However, instructions from the police or traffic controllers take precedence.
What does it mean if the sign is placed over a single lane?
If the sign is placed over a particular lane the instruction applies only to vehicles in that lane. Vehicles in other lanes may be subject to other signs or arrows above their lanes.
Can I choose between two arrows if the sign shows two directions?
Yes, when there are two arrows you may choose either of the indicated directions. Choose the direction that is allowed and appropriate for your vehicle, and manage lane choice and signaling accordingly.
What do I do if a police officer gives a different instruction than the sign?
Follow the police officer's or traffic controller's instructions because they take precedence over road signs. If a manual instruction is given you should follow it even if it differs from the sign.
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