Regulatory sign
No left turn sign
What does the No left turn sign mean?
You must not turn left at the junction ahead. If a time plate is shown with the sign, the ban only applies at those times.
What it means
Turning left at the junction ahead is banned.
The red ring makes it an order, and the red bar across the arrow bans that turn.
Look for another route. If there is a time plate under the sign, the ban applies only during the times shown.
What the symbol shows
The black arrow shows the turn, and the red bar across it means that turn is banned. The arrow bending right means no right turn.
Where you'll see it
At junctions where a left turn is unsafe or would send traffic down an unsuitable road.
Rules to know
Where changes of direction are prohibited, a red bar across the sign is used in addition to the red circle.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 19
A time plate used with a 'no right turn' or 'no left turn' sign indicates a part-time prohibition.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 19
You must obey traffic signs giving orders, including temporary signs.
The Highway Code, Rule 109
What happens if you ignore it
Making a banned turn can lead to 3 penalty points (endorsement code TS50).
Penalty points (endorsements): endorsement codes and penalty points, Endorsement code TS50
In some parts of England, the council enforces banned turns instead, issuing a penalty charge notice based on camera evidence. Councils outside London have to apply for these powers.
Statutory guidance on civil enforcement of bus lane and moving traffic contraventions (outside London), Moving traffic contraventions
General information, not legal advice. Enforcement can differ between areas.
Common mistakes
Mistake: Reading the arrow as a direction to follow.
Instead: The red bar crosses it out. A blue circle with an arrow tells you which way to go; a red ring with a barred arrow tells you which way not to go.
Test yourself
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© Crown copyright. Free to reuse under the Open Government Licence v3.0, as long as the sign is reproduced accurately and not in a misleading context.
Related signs
Often confused with
No right turn
Regulatory sign
The same sign with the arrow bending right.
Opposite
Turn left ahead
Regulatory sign
A blue circle that tells you to turn left.
More regulatory signs
All regulatory signs
Sources
- Know Your Traffic Signs (Department for Transport, Sixth edition, 2023), Regulatory signs, p. 19
- The Highway Code, Rule 109
Sign image: Department for Transport, Traffic sign images (diagram 613). © Crown copyright, reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Last reviewed 6 October 2026. This page explains the sign in our own words; for the full rules, see The Highway Code. How we source and check content