Driving Theory
French Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

B21a 'Keep Right' sign: You must stay to the right.

B21a - Keep right French road sign meaning

The B21a road sign, meaning 'Keep Right', is a mandatory instruction sign used in France. It tells you that you must direct your travel to the right side of the road or traffic feature. This sign group consists of signs that tell road users what they absolutely must do, so ignoring this instruction is not an option. You'll typically see it at obstructions, diverging traffic streams, or the start of mandatory lanes.

Understand the B21a 'Keep Right' Sign

This mandatory sign, B21a, directs you to stay on the right side of the road or traffic flow. Mastering its meaning is crucial for correct driving theory revision and passing your French driving test.

Definition of B21a

Mandatory signs tell road users what they must do rather than what they must avoid. This sign can control direction of travel, required lanes, special routes for buses or trams, pedestrian or cycle facilities, snow chains, or minimum speed. A learner should read the sign early, confirm whether it applies to their vehicle, and follow the required movement smoothly. Official French sign code: B21a.

Meaning of B21a

"Keep right" gives a positive instruction that the driver or named road user must follow. It may require a direction, lane, path, minimum speed, equipment, or reserved route.

Allowed actions for B21a

Follow the required direction, lane, path, or equipment rule from the sign.Check mirrors and signal before moving to comply with the instruction.Use another route if your vehicle cannot legally follow the mandatory instruction.Keep enough space around road users who are directed into the same facility.

Prohibited actions for B21a

Do not choose a different movement when the sign requires a specific direction or facility.Do not enter a mandatory lane or path unless your road-user category is included.Do not ignore a minimum speed or equipment requirement when it applies.Do not make a sudden manoeuvre after noticing the sign late.

B21a - Keep right road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the B21a - Keep right road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the French driving theory exam in France.

What does the B21a 'Keep Right' mandatory road sign mean?

The B21a sign is a clear, positive instruction that you must keep to the right. This applies to your direction of travel, a specific lane, or a particular path. It's a rule you must follow, not a suggestion.

What should I do if I see the B21a 'Keep Right' sign?

You must adjust your driving to ensure you are on the right side as indicated by the sign. This might involve steering into the right lane, passing an obstruction on the right, or following a designated rightward path. Always check your mirrors and signal if changing lanes or direction.

Are there any actions prohibited by the B21a 'Keep Right' sign?

Yes, you are prohibited from choosing a different direction or path than what the sign mandates. You must not enter a lane or path that is specifically directed to the right if it's not meant for your type of vehicle. Ignoring the instruction or making a sudden manoeuvre after seeing the sign late is also prohibited.

Can I choose to go left if the B21a sign is present?

No, the B21a 'Keep Right' sign is a mandatory instruction. It explicitly tells you that you must follow the rightward direction or path. Choosing to go left when this sign is displayed would be a violation of traffic law and a common mistake in the theory exam.

What are common exam traps related to the B21a 'Keep Right' sign?

A common trap is confusing this mandatory sign with an informational sign. Learners might also misinterpret when the obligation starts, often assuming it's further ahead than it actually is. Always be prepared to follow the instruction from the sign itself or from road markings that reinforce it.

B21a - Keep right road sign image

A clear reference image of the B21a - Keep right road sign used in France.

B21a - Keep right road sign

Other names for the B21a - Keep right

The B21a - Keep right road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Keep rightB21a mandatory signFrance mandatory signmandatory signs

France Mandatory Signs road sign category

The B21a - Keep right road sign is part of the France Mandatory Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Knowledge: Compare Similar Road Signs

Comparing signs like 'Keep Right' with other mandatory directives sharpens your ability to distinguish subtle differences, crucial for accurate theory test revision. Practicing traffic sign comparison aids memory and prevents mistakes when encountering similar road signs in real driving situations.

B21-1 - Turn right road sign

Turn right

The B21-1 'Turn Right' sign: your mandatory direction in France.

France Mandatory SignsB21-1
B21-2 - Turn left road sign

Turn left

Obey the 'Turn Left' Mandatory Sign (B21-2) in France

France Mandatory SignsB21-2
B21a - Keep left road sign

Keep left

Mandatory 'Keep Left' Sign: Your Essential Guide

France Mandatory SignsB21a
B21b - Ahead only road sign

Ahead only

The B21b 'Ahead Only' Sign: A Mandatory Direction You Must Follow

France Mandatory SignsB21b
B21c - Turn left ahead road sign

Turn left ahead

The B21c 'Turn Left Ahead' Sign: Your Mandatory Direction

France Mandatory SignsB21c
B21c - Turn right ahead road sign

Turn right ahead

B21c: Mandatory Turn Right Ahead Sign

France Mandatory SignsB21c
B21d - Go ahead or turn right road sign

Go ahead or turn right

B21d: You Must Go Ahead or Turn Right

France Mandatory SignsB21d
B21d - Go ahead or turn left road sign

Go ahead or turn left

The B21d Sign: You Must Go Ahead or Turn Left!

France Mandatory SignsB21d

Ready to Deep Dive into French Road Sign Categories and Meanings?

Now that you've reviewed the full list of French road signs, enhance your understanding. Explore signs grouped by specific categories for deeper insights, test your recognition with practice questions, and solidify your knowledge for the Code de la route exam.

Browse All French Road Signs
CTA Decorative Squares

Dive into French road sign knowledge

French HGV Theory courseFrench Motorcycle Theory courseFrench Category B Theory courseFrench D Category Theory courseB21a Keep left French road signCategory AM French Theory courseB21-2 Turn left French road signB21a Keep right French road signB21b Ahead only French road signB21-1 Turn right French road signB21c Turn left ahead French road signB21c Turn right ahead French road signB21e Turn left or right French road signB21d Go ahead or turn left French road signB21d Go ahead or turn right French road signFrance Warning Signs French road sign categoryFrance Service Signs French road sign categoryFrance Extent Plates French road sign categoryFrance Priority Signs French road sign categoryFrance Location Signs French road sign categoryFrance Parking Plates French road sign categoryFrance Mandatory Signs French road sign categoryFrance Distance Plates French road sign categoryFrance Direction Plates French road sign categoryFrance Prohibitory Signs French road sign categoryFrance Information Signs French road sign categoryFrance Stop Ahead Plates French road sign categoryFrance Indication Plates French road sign categoryFrance Road Number Plates French road sign categoryFrance Lane Section Plates French road sign categoryFrance Priority Route Plates French road sign categoryFrance Railway Crossing Signs French road sign categoryFrance Temporary Warning Signs French road sign categoryFrance Vehicle Category Plates French road sign categoryFrance Bicycle-Specific Plates French road sign categoryFrance End of Restriction Signs French road sign categoryFrance Zonal Prescription Signs French road sign categoryFrance Other Restriction Plates French road sign categoryFrance Temporary Information Signs French road sign categoryFrance Temporary Additional Plates French road sign category