The C12 'One-Way Traffic' sign is an important information sign used in France to clearly indicate that a road or lane operates in a single direction. Understanding this sign helps you plan your route and lane position in advance, ensuring safer driving and avoiding confusion. Always ensure your actions align with this directional information, as well as any other signals or road markings present.
Master the meaning and application of the C12 'One-Way Traffic' sign to ensure you comply with French road rules. This essential traffic sign explanation is key for your theory test revision and safe navigation.
Information signs make the road environment easier to interpret before a driver has to act. This sign may identify a one-way street, lane arrangement, pedestrian crossing, toll facility, tunnel, motorway, expressway, escape lane, or route condition. It should be read with markings, signals, and regulatory signs before changing speed, lane, or route. Official French sign code: C12.
"One-way traffic" gives official information about road layout, direction, lanes, facilities, restrictions, tolls, tunnels, motorways, or traffic conditions. It helps drivers plan early and avoid sudden manoeuvres.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the C12 - One-way traffic 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.
The C12 sign's main purpose is to inform drivers about the road layout, specifically that traffic flows in only one direction. This helps you anticipate traffic flow, plan lane changes, and avoid potentially dangerous situations like entering a road the wrong way.
When you see the C12 sign, you should acknowledge that all traffic on that road or in that lane moves in the direction indicated or implied by the sign's placement. Use this information to plan your route, lane positioning, and speed accordingly. Do not attempt to travel in the opposite direction.
Yes, the C12 sign often appears with other regulatory signs, traffic signals, or road markings. You must always obey the stricter instruction from any combination of signs, signals, or markings. For example, if the C12 sign indicates one-way traffic, but a 'No Entry' sign is also present, you must adhere to the 'No Entry' prohibition.
A common mistake is failing to interpret the C12 sign's implications for subsequent movements or junctions. Learners might also forget to check for accompanying signs or markings that could modify the one-way rule. Always assume the information is critical for your immediate driving decisions and future route.
The C12 sign itself is an information sign and does not directly prohibit stopping or parking. However, you must always comply with any separate parking or stopping restrictions indicated by other signs (like prohibition signs) or road markings. A one-way street can still have parking restrictions.
A clear reference image of the C12 - One-way traffic road sign used in France.

The C12 - One-way traffic road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The C12 - One-way traffic road sign is part of the France Information Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing signs like the C12 'One-way traffic' with other directional or regulatory signs sharpens your recognition skills and aids memory. Effective traffic sign comparison is crucial for accurate understanding during your theory test revision and French licence process.

The Autoroute-F sign indicates you are on or approaching a French motorway.

Prepare for the 'End of Motorway' sign to safely transition off the autoroute.

Prepare for Tunnels with the C111 Information Sign

The C112 'End of Tunnel' sign informs you about upcoming road conditions or layout changes.

The C113 Cycle Route sign informs you about road layout and facilities ahead.

The C114 'End of Cycle Route' sign signals the end of a designated cycle path.

The C115 sign indicates a dedicated route for pedestrians and cyclists.

The C116 sign marks the end of a dedicated pedestrian and cycle route.
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Information signs make the road environment easier to interpret before a driver has to act. This sign may identify a one-way street, lane arrangement, pedestrian crossing, toll facility, tunnel, motorway, expressway, escape lane, or route condition. It should be read with markings, signals, and regulatory signs before changing speed, lane, or route. Official French sign code: C115.
Information signs make the road environment easier to interpret before a driver has to act. This sign may identify a one-way street, lane arrangement, pedestrian crossing, toll facility, tunnel, motorway, expressway, escape lane, or route condition. It should be read with markings, signals, and regulatory signs before changing speed, lane, or route. Official French sign code: C116.
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