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One-way traffic
The sign indicates that driving is permitted only in the direction of the arrow up to the first road junction.
When you see the sign
Drive only in the direction indicated by the arrow, and do not turn onto the road in the direction opposite the arrow. Follow the one-way system until the first intersection, and look for new signs if the road continues.
Rules
- Driving is permitted only in the direction of the arrow.
- The sign applies up to the first intersection.
- After the intersection, you must follow the signs that apply further on; the one-way system may be signed again.
- The sign regulates the direction of travel, but does not in itself give priority at intersections.
- On a one-way road, you may park on the left side when this is otherwise permitted and no other signs or road markings prohibit it.
Tips
- Move into the correct lane early if you are going to turn at the next intersection.
- Look for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians approaching from both sides at intersections, even if other motor traffic would normally follow a single direction of travel.
- Check the signs after the first intersection instead of assuming that the one-way system continues.
- Look for supplementary plates or other regulations that may create exceptions for specific road-user groups.
Common misconceptions
- Believing that the sign gives priority because all regular traffic travels in the same direction.
- Believing that the one-way system automatically applies along the entire road, even though the sign ceases to apply at the first intersection.
- Confusing the sign with a mandatory-direction sign that only determines which direction you must take at a particular intersection.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign mean?
- ADriving is permitted only in the direction of the arrow up to the first road junction.
- BDriving is permitted only for motor vehicles in the lane toward which the arrow points.
- CDriving is permitted only in the direction of the arrow through the nearest road junction.
- DDriving in the direction of the arrow has priority up to the first road junction.
Medium
You are driving in the direction of the arrow and want to park on the left side before the first road junction. There are no signs or road markings prohibiting parking. What is correct?
- AYou may park on the left side only after the first road junction.
- BYou may park on the left side only if the right side is occupied.
- CYou may park on the left side if the parking is otherwise legal.
- DYou may park on the right side because the left side is always prohibited.
Hard
You arrive at the first road junction after the sign. The junction is not regulated as a priority junction, and a vehicle is approaching from the right. What must you do?
- AYou must drive first because the sign gives you priority at the junction.
- BYou must drive first because all ordinary traffic follows the direction of the arrow.
- CYou must give way to the vehicle because the sign does not give you priority.
- DYou must give way only if the vehicle is also travelling on a one-way road.
Theory test tip
A common trap is to answer that the sign gives priority. Remember the wording in the regulations: It only indicates the permitted direction of travel and applies up to the first intersection.
Did you know
One-way systems are often used on narrow urban streets to improve traffic flow and create space for parking, goods deliveries or wider pavements. Unlike on an ordinary two-way road, parking on the left side may be permitted when the other parking rules are complied with.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the direction of travel indicated by the arrow apply?
It applies up to the first intersection. If the one-way system is to continue after the intersection, this must be indicated by new signs.
Do I have priority when driving on this road?
Not because of this sign alone. Priority is determined by give-way signs, traffic lights, road markings or the usual priority rules.
Can I park on the left side of the road?
Yes, on a one-way road, parking on the left side may be permitted. However, you must still follow all other rules and signs concerning stopping and parking.
Can cyclists ride against the direction of the arrow?
As a general rule, cyclists must also follow the one-way system. Cycling against the direction of travel requires signs or other regulations to expressly permit it.
Practise for the theory test
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