Direction
The sign indicates the direction in which the sign applies
When You See This Sign
When you see the T12 plate you should first locate the main sign and then follow the arrow's instruction — the restriction or instruction applies only to the directions or lanes that the arrows show. If you intend to travel in a direction other than the one the arrow points to, do not assume the main sign applies to you.
Rules & Regulations
- T12 is a supplementary plate (add-on sign) and has no regulatory meaning on its own; it must always be read together with the main sign above or next to it.
- The direction of the arrows on the plate indicates which direction or which lanes the main sign applies to — obey the main sign only for the directions/arrows shown.
- Multiple arrows mean the restriction or instruction applies to all the indicated directions or lanes.
- If the placement or the direction of the arrows is unclear, interpret the sign so that the main sign only applies where the arrows point; it does not automatically apply to other directions.
Tips for Drivers
- First look for the main sign and then read the T12 arrow to determine whether the sign applies to your intended action (for example, if you plan to turn or go straight ahead).
- On multi-lane roads, check whether the arrow points to a specific lane — in that case the prohibition or instruction applies only to the marked lane.
- If the plate is mounted under a parking or no-stopping sign, use the arrow's direction to determine on which side or section the prohibition applies.
- Be especially attentive at intersections and complex road environments where T12 is used to clarify that a rule applies only to certain turns or driving directions.
Common Mistakes
- Believing that T12 is a standalone change to a prohibition sign instead of a supplementary plate — it does not change the main sign, it specifies where it applies.
- Missing the exact direction of the arrow and interpreting the sign as if it applied to all directions in the intersection.
- Assuming the arrow always indicates a side rather than a direction (for example reading a left arrow as 'on the left side' instead of 'for left turns').
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Direction
What does this supplementary sign mean for you as a driver?
- A It shows the direction in which the sign applies (e.g., an arrow pointing toward the affected road).
- B It indicates the exact times when the rule applies each day.
- C It states how long the section with the rule is.
- D It indicates that the place is reserved for residents.
Exam Tip
On the theory exam you may be asked about the legal status of T12 — the correct answer is that it is a supplementary plate and does not stand alone. Be prepared for questions about how the arrow's direction affects the validity of the main sign (for example, whether a parking prohibition with an arrow pointing left applies to the opposite side).
Did You Know?
T12 is frequently used in urban environments to clarify complicated traffic arrangements at intersections, exits, or parking rules. It is part of the standard set of supplementary plates designed to make signage more precise without introducing new standalone prohibition signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the T12 plate apply on its own if there is no main sign?
No. T12 is a supplementary plate and lacks its own meaning if it is not placed together with a main sign. It cannot issue prohibitions or instructions on its own.
What do multiple arrows on T12 mean?
Multiple arrows indicate that the main sign applies to all the specified directions or lanes. You must obey the main sign if you drive in any of the directions the arrows point to.
Can T12 indicate that a prohibition applies only on one side of the road?
Yes. An arrow can indicate which side or which turn the restriction applies to (for example, a parking prohibition in one direction). The interpretation depends on the arrow's design and placement relative to the main sign.
Does T12 affect who has right of way in an intersection?
No. T12 only specifies where a particular sign applies (for example parking or speed limit). It does not change traffic rules like the priority-to-the-right or yield unless the main sign explicitly does so.
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