Understanding which direction you can continue driving is a fundamental skill for any driver who wants to avoid tickets and accidents. The road infrastructure of cities and highways is constantly changing, new junctions appear, and old signs are overgrown with additional signs, which often causes confusion even among experienced road users. This is why knowing the priorities of signs, traffic lights and road markings becomes critical to safe driving.
Many drivers mistakenly believe that if there is no prohibiting sign, then the maneuver is permitted, but traffic rules are based on the principle of permitting signals in certain zones. Traffic organization dictates its own rules, ignoring which can lead to driving into the oncoming lane or driving in the wrong direction on a one-way road. In this article we will analyze in detail all the nuances regulating the choice of movement trajectory.
It is important to realize that an error in choosing a lane or direction often becomes the cause of not only administrative penalties, but also serious accidents. Road markings and signs often duplicate each other, but if they conflict, the driver must clearly understand the hierarchy of road signs. Let's figure out what you need to pay attention to first when approaching an intersection.
Priority of road signs over markings
One of the most common questions in driving schools and exams is the situation when the requirements of a temporary or permanent sign contradict horizontal markings on the asphalt. According to traffic rules, signs have unconditional priority. If you see a sign indicating the direction, but the markings are erased or show something different, you need to follow the vertical sign.
This rule is especially relevant in winter, when snow slush or reagents completely hide the lines on the road. Road signs in such conditions they become the only source of information about where to turn. Ignoring this fact often leads to drivers inertia turning from a lane intended only for straight-line traffic.
⚠️ Attention: If you see sign 6.3.1 “Place for a U-turn,” but the marking is solid, it is prohibited to make a U-turn until a broken line or a break in the solid line appears.
It is also worth considering temporary signs that are installed on portable stands at road work sites. They block the effect of all permanent signs and markings. Temporary traffic organization can radically change the usual pattern of driving through an intersection, forcing you to move in an unusual direction.
Always pay attention to the date of installation of temporary signs - if they have been standing for several months and are covered with dust, check with the main markings; perhaps the work has been completed long ago, but the signs have not been removed.
Signs indicating the direction of travel
A group of mandatory signs (usually blue with white arrows) clearly dictates to the driver in which direction he is allowed to go. These signs are installed immediately before an intersection or section of the road where the traffic pattern changes. The most common is the “Go Straight” sign, which prohibits any turns or U-turns within its coverage area.
Signs “Move to the right” or “Move to the left” are stricter restrictions, since they do not just recommend, but oblige the driver to turn. Mandatory signs may have various modifications, for example, indicating movement only in the second row or allowing movement only to trucks. It is important to look carefully at the arrow image.
- 🚗 Sign 4.1.1 “Move straight ahead” prohibits turns and U-turns, but does not prohibit stopping if it is not prohibited by other signs.
- 🚙 Sign 4.1.2 “Move to the right” obliges you to turn right; ignoring this requirement is tantamount to driving into the oncoming lane.
- 🚐 Sign 4.1.4 “Move straight or right” gives the driver a choice of two directions, prohibiting left turns and U-turns.
- 🚕 Sign 4.1.6 “Move to the right or left” prohibits movement in the forward direction, which is often found at T-shaped intersections.
These signs only apply to the nearest intersection of roadways. If traffic separation begins immediately after the intersection, the sign may be duplicated. Coverage area sign 4.1.1 “Move straight ahead” may also apply to intersections with adjacent territories if there is no dedicated lane for maneuver between them.
Markings that determine the direction of the stripes
Horizontal markings 1.18 are applied to the roadway before intersections and indicate which lane is allowed to go to. This is a visual addition to the signs that helps the driver to take the correct position in advance. If there are no signs, the driver must be guided solely by the markings.
Arrows on the pavement can indicate going straight, right, left, or a combination of these directions. Road markings is especially important on multi-lane roads, where the number of turning lanes may differ from the number of straight lanes. A mistake in choosing a lane in such a situation often leads to congestion.
Therefore, it is necessary to occupy the desired lane in advance, guided by markings 1.18. If you find yourself in a lane from which your maneuver is prohibited, the only correct decision is to follow the direction of the arrow and adjust the route.
☑️ Check before the intersection
There are also times when the markings may be temporary and orange. It takes precedence over permanent white markings. Orange lines are often drawn wider and more prominently to attract drivers' attention to changes in traffic patterns in the repair area.
Traffic signals and driving directions
Traffic lights not only regulate the order of travel, but can also indicate permitted directions of movement using additional sections with arrows. If the main green light is on but there is no additional section to the right, turning right is permitted unless there are signs prohibiting it. However, the situation changes when shooters come into play.
The green arrow in the additional section allows movement in the indicated direction, even if the main signal is red. But here lies an important nuance: traffic lights with an additional section they require you to give way to vehicles coming from other directions. This rule is often forgotten, which leads to accidents.
| Traffic light signal | Allowed direction | Should I give in? |
|---|---|---|
| Green main | Straight ahead, right (if there are no signs) | No (noise on the right) |
| Green arrow + red | Only by arrow | Yes, everyone |
| Green arrow + green | Arrow and straight | No (noise on the right) |
| Flashing green | Same directions | No (time to stop) |
If the arrow in the additional section is turned off, movement in the direction of this arrow is prohibited, even if the main green light is on. This rule is relevant for complex intersections with tram tracks or dedicated lanes. Vehicles, ignoring the switched off arrow, create an emergency situation.
⚠️ Attention: When driving on a “flashing green arrow” or the main green one when the arrow is off, turning left is prohibited, even if oncoming traffic is clear.
Features of circular motion
Roundabouts (roundabouts) have their own unique rules that often cause controversy. Entry into the circle is usually permitted from any lane unless signs indicate otherwise, but exit must be strictly from the right lane unless you plan to continue driving around the circle. Circular motion assumes priority for those already on the circle, unless otherwise indicated by “Main Road” signs.
When approaching the circle, 4.3 “Roundabout” signs are often installed, which indicate the direction to go around the central island (counterclockwise). Driving clockwise on a normal circle is prohibited - this will be regarded as driving into the oncoming lane. Trajectory of movement must be predictable for other participants.
It is important to determine your exit in advance and occupy the appropriate lane on the circle. If you need to turn right (first exit), take the right lane immediately upon entering. If you need to drive straight or to the left, you can use the left lanes, but you need to change lanes carefully, allowing those who are already moving in the lane to pass.
Is it possible to turn around on a circle?
Yes, if the movement pattern allows you to make a full circle (360 degrees) and return to the starting point. However, it is important not to cross solid marking lines when entering and exiting, if there are any.
Frequent mistakes and controversial situations
Even knowing the rules, drivers often make mistakes due to inattention or misinterpretation of signs. One of the most common mistakes is turning left from the right lane at an intersection, where this is not formally prohibited by signs, but is contrary to the logic of traffic and markings. Traffic safety requires not only formal compliance, but also predictability.
Another controversial situation arises when there is a “Go straight” sign after an intersection. Many drivers think that it prohibits turns at the next intersection, but this is not the case. The sign is valid only until the first intersection. Coverage area signs are often limited, and it is important not to give them unnecessary meaning.
- 🚦 Turning from two rows: allowed only if there are appropriate markings or signs.
- 🚧 Avoiding obstacles: allowed to enter the oncoming lane only if this is not prohibited by signs 3.20, 3.21 or markings 1.1.
- 🅿️ Parking: the “Go straight” sign does not prohibit turning right into the yard if it is not an intersection.
It is also worth mentioning the situation with “pockets” for public transport. If you are driving in a bus lane, the direction of travel may be different from the general bus lanes. Leaving the dedicated lane is allowed only in places where there are intermittent markings, and only for boarding/disembarking or turning, if this does not contradict the signs.
The main principle of safe driving: if you are in doubt about whether you can turn, it is better to drive straight and turn around in a safe place than to risk a collision or a fine.
How to plan a maneuver correctly
To avoid rushing around at the last moment, you need to plan your route in advance. Modern navigators often tell you which lane is best to change lanes into, but you can’t rely on them alone. Road conditions changes and the electronics may not take temporary changes into account. Always check your navigator data with real signs.
When approaching a complex intersection, slow down and carefully inspect the signs posted on the right and above the road. If you see an Advance Directions sign, it will help you find your way. Advance lane change — the key to a smooth ride without sudden braking or cutting.
If you do miss a turn or occupy the wrong lane, do not try to correct the mistake with a sudden maneuver. Continue along the permitted path and look for a place to turn around. Safety is more important than five minutes saved.
☑️ Algorithm of actions at an unfamiliar intersection
What to do if signs and markings contradict each other?
In the event of a conflict between temporary signs and permanent markings, temporary signs take precedence. If permanent signs and markings conflict, the signs take precedence. If the signs contradict each other (a rare case of error by utility workers), you should be guided by the temporary sign. In a controversial situation, it is better to choose the safest movement option.
Is a U-turn allowed if there is a “Go straight ahead” sign?
No, sign 4.1.1 “Go straight ahead” strictly prohibits left turns and U-turns. Making a U-turn under this sign is equivalent to moving in the opposite direction and may result in deprivation of your license.
Is it possible to turn right if the light is red but there is a flashing green arrow?
Yes, you can, but you must stop completely before the stop line (or the edge of the roadway you are crossing) and give way to all vehicles and pedestrians who have the right of way. Only after this can you continue moving.
Does the “Go Straight” sign apply to adjacent areas?
Sign 4.1.1 does not prohibit turning right into courtyards and other adjacent areas if they are located after the intersection. However, turning left and making U-turns within the sign's coverage area are prohibited.