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Arrows
Arrows placed in a lane before an intersection indicate that the lane shall be used by road users who intend to drive in the direction or one of the directions shown by the arrow. If the lane is bounded by a solid line, the arrow indicates the mandatory direction of travel. Arrows at an angle in the lane indicate that the lane in question ends, and that further driving shall take place in accordance with the provisions of trafikkreglene.
When you see the sign
Move into the lane with the arrow showing your intended direction early. If the lane is separated by a solid line, you must follow the direction of the arrow; if the arrow points diagonally towards the adjacent lane, prepare for the lane to end.
Rules
- Arrows before an intersection indicate which lanes should be used for the directions shown.
- If the arrow shows several directions, the lane may be used for each of the directions indicated.
- When the lane is separated by a solid line, the direction indicated by the arrow is mandatory, and you must not drive on or cross the solid line.
- A diagonal arrow in the lane means that the lane ends, and that you must continue in another lane in accordance with the rules on changing lanes or merging.
- When changing lanes, you must give way to traffic in the lane you are moving into. When the number of ordinary lanes is reduced, drivers must adjust their speed so that they can continue by merging in turn.
Tips
- Read the arrows early and choose the correct lane before you approach the solid line or the intersection.
- Check your mirrors and blind spot before changing lanes in response to a diagonal arrow.
- Avoid changing lanes late if this would require you to cross a solid line; instead, follow the legal direction of travel and find a new route.
- Look at both the arrow and the lines around the lane, because the solid line determines whether the direction indicated by the arrow is mandatory.
Common misconceptions
- Thinking that all arrows always make the indicated direction mandatory. The arrow becomes mandatory when the lane is separated by a solid line.
- Confusing a diagonal arrow with an arrow showing the direction of a turn at an intersection. A diagonal arrow normally indicates that the lane is ending.
- Thinking that a diagonal arrow automatically gives you priority when moving into the adjacent lane. When changing lanes normally, the driver changing lanes must give way.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this road marking in the lane indicate?
- AIt indicates that the line next to the lane can always be crossed.
- BIt indicates that the lane may only be used for turning left at the next intersection.
- CIt indicates that the lane ends and that further driving must take place according to the applicable rules.
- DIt indicates that visibility ahead is too short for normal overtaking.
Medium
You are approaching a narrowing where two ordinary lanes become one, and you see this marking in your lane. Traffic is heavy. What do you do?
- AI increase speed and drive ahead of the vehicles already in the adjacent lane.
- BI maintain my speed and expect the vehicles in the adjacent lane always to let me in.
- CI adjust my speed so that vehicles from the two lanes can continue alternately.
- DI stop in the lane and wait until all vehicles in the adjacent lane have passed.
Hard
The marking points diagonally towards an adjacent lane just before an intersection. Which interpretation is correct?
- AIt warns that the lane ends, and further driving follows the rules on changing lanes or merging.
- BIt requires a turn in the direction of the arrow, even when the lane is not bounded by a solid line.
- CIt warns of short visibility ahead, as a warning line does before overtaking.
- DIt gives priority into the adjacent lane because the lane you are driving in will soon end.
Theory test tip
Look carefully for the solid line in the question. A common trap is asking whether the arrow merely indicates the correct lane or whether the direction is mandatory; with a solid line, the direction indicated by the arrow is mandatory.
Did you know
Arrows on the road are regulated as official road markings in skiltforskriften. The same arrow has particular binding significance when the lane is also separated by a solid line.
Frequently asked questions
Must I always follow the direction shown by an arrow before an intersection?
You should choose a lane that shows the direction in which you intend to travel. If the lane is separated by a solid line, the direction indicated by the arrow is mandatory, and you cannot cross the line to choose another direction.
What does an arrow pointing diagonally towards the adjacent lane mean?
It means that your lane is ending. You must prepare to continue in the adjacent lane and follow the rules on changing lanes or merging in turn.
Must I give way when following a diagonal arrow into another lane?
When changing lanes normally, you must give way to vehicles in the lane you are moving into. If the number of ordinary lanes is reduced, drivers must adjust their speed and continue by merging in turn without causing unnecessary obstruction.
Can one arrow allow both continuing straight ahead and turning?
Yes. If the arrow has several arrowheads, the lane may be used for each of the directions shown.
Practise for the theory test
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