Control sign · R3
No entry sign (R3)
Vehicles may not enter from this direction.
What does the no entry sign mean?
Vehicles may not enter from this direction.
What should you do?
Find a permitted route. This sign applies even when the road appears empty.
| Sign code | R3 |
|---|---|
| Sign group | Control signs |
| Applies to | All learner codes (1, 2 and 3) |
| Test section | Road signs and markings |
How to recognise the no entry sign
A red disc with a single white horizontal bar across the middle.
Where you will see it
The far end of a one-way street, the exit end of an off-ramp, and junctions where a two-way road becomes one-way.
What to do when you see it, step by step
- Do not enter the road, carriageway or lane beyond the sign, even if it looks empty.
- Choose another route and check that you have not turned into the wrong end of a ramp.
The common mistake
No entry stops you entering. A one-way arrow tells you which way traffic may go. Confusing the two is how drivers end up facing oncoming traffic.
About control signs
Control signs tell you how to enter, cross or use part of the road, for example by stopping or giving way. They are mostly red and white. The K53 learner's test asks you to recognise signs like the no entry sign (R3) and choose the correct response, so learn both the picture and the action.
How to answer a test question about this sign
- Look at the shape and colour first. They tell you the group: control signs for this one.
- Recall what the sign asks of you: find a permitted route. This sign applies even when the road appears empty.
- Remove the options that describe a different group of sign, then choose the response that matches the action.
Want the full explanation? Read the chapter Stop and yield signs.
Signs it is often confused with
Learners mix up signs that look or sound similar. Compare the no entry sign with these:
Stop (R1)A red octagon with white STOP lettering. No other road sign has eight sides, so it can be recognised even when dirt hides the…
Stop with left-turn yield (R1.2)A STOP sign mounted above a small yield triangle that contains a left-turn arrow.
Three-way stop (R1.3)A STOP sign with a small plate showing the number 3 beneath it.Test yourself: No entry sign questions
1 What does this sign mean?
- You must turn left at the junction ahead.
- Vehicles may not enter from this direction.
- You may not turn around to face the opposite direction here.
Show the answer
Answer B: Vehicles may not enter from this direction.
Find a permitted route. This sign applies even when the road appears empty.
Memory tip: R3 · No entry
All vehicle codes
2 Which response fits this sign?
- Continue to a place where turning around is permitted and safe.
- Position correctly and signal in good time.
- Find a permitted route. This sign applies even when the road appears empty.
Show the answer
Answer C: Find a permitted route. This sign applies even when the road appears empty.
No entry: Vehicles may not enter from this direction.
Memory tip: Find a permitted route. This sign applies even when the road appears empty.
All vehicle codes
No entry sign: quick questions
What does the no entry sign (R3) mean?
Vehicles may not enter from this direction.
What should you do at the no entry sign?
Do not enter the road, carriageway or lane beyond the sign, even if it looks empty. Choose another route and check that you have not turned into the wrong end of a ramp.
Where will you see the no entry sign?
The far end of a one-way street, the exit end of an off-ramp, and junctions where a two-way road becomes one-way.
What is the common mistake with the no entry sign?
No entry stops you entering. A one-way arrow tells you which way traffic may go. Confusing the two is how drivers end up facing oncoming traffic.
Sign artwork: Southern African Development Community (SADC), public domain. AceK53 is an independent study aid. Always confirm test requirements with your driving licence testing centre.