Teorio
Lane-control signal
A red cross indicates a prohibition against using the lane in the direction towards the signal. A green arrow indicates that the lane may be used. A yellow arrow indicates that the lane will be closed, and that drivers must immediately change lanes in the direction indicated by the arrow.
When you see the sign
A yellow arrow pointing left warns that the lane under the signal will be closed. You should immediately begin a safe lane change to the left, in the direction of the arrow, and not continue unnecessarily in the lane that is being closed.
Rules
- A yellow arrow means that the lane will be closed and that you must immediately change lanes in the direction shown by the arrow.
- When a yellow arrow points left, you should move into the lane on the left as soon as this can be done safely.
- You do not automatically have the right of way when following the arrow; you must give way to traffic in the lane you are moving into.
- Signal before changing lanes, check your mirrors and blind spot, and adjust your speed so that the lane change can be completed safely.
- A red cross over the lane means that the lane must not be used in the direction facing the signal, while a green arrow means that the lane may be used.
Tips
- Look well ahead for lane signals, especially in tunnels, at roadworks and on roads where lane use changes.
- Start changing lanes early when the yellow arrow appears; do not drive all the way up to where the lane is physically blocked.
- Check that the signal applies to the lane you are in, as each lane may have a different signal.
- Avoid making a sudden move to the left if the lane is occupied; adjust your speed and find a safe gap.
Common misconceptions
- Some people think that a yellow arrow merely recommends changing lanes. It requires you to change lanes immediately in the direction of the arrow.
- Some people confuse the lane signal with a direction arrow at an intersection. The lane signal controls the use of the lane under the signal, not whether you may turn at the intersection.
- Some people think that the arrow gives them the right of way when moving into the adjacent lane. The usual rules for changing lanes and giving way still apply.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this signal mean?
- AThe lane is already closed, and you must stop below the signal.
- BThe lane is open only to traffic that is turning left.
- CThe lane may continue to be used, but you should prepare to turn left.
- DThe lane will be closed, and you must immediately change to the lane on the left.
Medium
You are driving in the lane below the signal, and there is traffic in the lane on the left. What should you do?
- AYou signal, check your mirrors and blind spot, adjust your speed, and change lanes when it is safe to do so.
- BYou signal, increase your speed, and change lanes immediately because the arrow gives you priority.
- CYou stop in the lane and wait until a green arrow shows that the lane may be used.
- DYou continue in the same lane until a red cross shows that the lane is actually closed.
Hard
The signal is above a lane immediately before a road intersection. What does the arrow direction indicate?
- AIt indicates that you may turn left at the intersection, but not that you must leave the lane.
- BIt indicates that the lane on the left will be closed, but that your own lane may still be used.
- CIt indicates that you must leave the lane to the left, but does not in itself permit you to turn at the intersection.
- DIt indicates that left-turning traffic has priority both during the lane change and through the intersection.
Theory test tip
In the theory test, you may be asked about the difference between a yellow arrow and a red cross: A yellow arrow means that you must immediately leave the lane in the direction of the arrow, while a red cross means that the lane is already prohibited for use in the direction facing the signal.
Did you know
Lane signals are used, among other places, in tunnels, at roadworks and on stretches of road where lanes can be opened or closed depending on traffic conditions. The signals are positioned above the lanes so that each lane can be controlled separately.
Frequently asked questions
What does a yellow arrow pointing left above the lane mean?
The lane will be closed, and you should immediately move into the lane on the left. The lane change must be carried out safely, and you must give way to traffic in the lane you are moving into.
Can I continue in the lane if it is still physically open?
No, you should not continue unnecessarily in the lane when the yellow arrow requires you to change lanes. Start looking for a safe gap to the left straight away.
What should I do if there is no available gap in the lane to the left?
Reduce your speed and try to find a safe gap without forcing your way in or creating a hazard. The requirement to change lanes immediately does not remove your duty to give way when changing lanes.
Does the signal apply to the entire carriageway?
No, the signal applies to the lane it is positioned above. Other lanes may simultaneously have a green arrow, yellow arrow or red cross.
Practise for the theory test
Teorio has the complete theory syllabus in your own language. Download the app and practise whenever it suits you.
