Speed signs and mandatory directions

Maximum and minimum speed signs

The maximum-speed sign is a red-bordered circular sign with a number. The number is the maximum speed in kilometres per hour applying from the sign, subject to any lower vehicle-specific limit. It is not a recommended target. Reduce speed further when conditions require it.

The minimum-speed sign is blue and circular with a white number. It directs traffic to maintain at least the indicated speed on the applicable road where it can be done safely. Never accelerate into danger to satisfy it. If your vehicle cannot lawfully use a route under its controls, choose a permitted alternative.

Compare both the colour and the number. The blue example in this app displays 50, while the red example displays 60. A legacy internal illustration name is not the number printed on the sign.

Key idea: Red-bordered maximum and blue minimum have different meanings.

Keep left and keep right at an obstruction

Keep-left R103 and keep-right R104 are blue circular command signs with diagonal arrows. They are commonly mounted at a traffic island or other obstruction. The arrow tells you which side of that obstruction to pass.

Choose the required path early, check surrounding traffic and maintain clearance around the island. A keep-left arrow does not mean take a left turn into a side street. Likewise, keep-right does not authorise driving into the opposing side of a two-way road beyond the obstruction.

Use the actual arrow and road layout. The command is compulsory, but you must still make the movement without endangering pedestrians or other traffic.

Key idea: Keep left or right describes the side of an obstruction.

Proceed left, right or straight at this point

R105 and R106 use horizontal arrows to direct you left or right at the controlled point. R107 has an upward arrow directing you straight. These are command signs, not suggestions about a convenient route.

Read the direction in advance, select a permitted lane and signal when turning. Check pedestrians, cyclists, opposing traffic and any signal controlling the movement. A compulsory direction does not give you priority over a red light or another road user.

If you realise too late that you are in the wrong lane, do not make a sudden prohibited manoeuvre. Follow a safe permitted movement and correct the route later.

Key idea: A direction command tells you the required route, not who has priority.

Turn left or right at the junction ahead

R108 and R109 have arrows that turn through a bend and specify a turn at the junction ahead. They let you prepare before reaching the turning point. Compare them with the at-point arrows instead of assuming every left arrow controls the same location.

Check mirrors, identify the correct lane and indicate in good time. Adjust speed before the turn. At the junction, obey the stop, yield or light control and turn only when the intended path is clear.

The instruction remains about the signed movement and any supplementary conditions. It does not allow cutting across a painted island or ignoring lane markings to reach the turn.

Key idea: Prepare before the junction and follow the direction where it applies.

Other blue commands

Some blue circular commands specify a type of road user rather than a turn. Pedestrians-only and cyclists-only signs set aside a route for the indicated users. Motorcycles-only and motorcars-only signs likewise identify the permitted vehicle class. A motor driver must not enter a pedestrian or cycle route.

The pay-toll command means that using the indicated route requires payment; select a permitted alternative in good time if you do not want that route. The headlights-on command requires dipped headlights, often before a tunnel. The roundabout command requires clockwise circulation and must be read with the entry controls.

Blue does not mean “optional”. Read the symbol to identify the specific required action.

Key idea: Identify the symbol: blue commands cover directions, users and actions.

Quick recap

• Maximum: do not exceed the number.
• Minimum: not a reason to drive into danger.
• Diagonal keep arrow: pass the obstruction on that side.
• Ahead-turn arrows apply at the junction ahead.