The B21-2 sign is a mandatory traffic sign in France, indicating that you must turn left. As part of France's mandatory signs, it requires strict adherence to the indicated direction. You should prepare to turn left well in advance, checking your mirrors and signalling, then execute the manoeuvre smoothly. Ignoring this sign is a serious traffic violation.
Master the mandatory 'Turn Left' sign (B21-2) in France; this critical instruction requires specific directional adherence for safe driving. Perfect your understanding for theory test revision and ensure compliance with French traffic rules by recognizing and acting upon this essential road sign meaning.
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: B21-2.
"Turn left" 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.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the B21-2 - Turn left 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 B21-2 'Turn Left' sign is a mandatory instruction. It means you must turn left at the location of the sign or as indicated by road markings. You cannot proceed straight or turn right; you must follow the leftward path.
The obligation to turn left begins either directly at the sign itself or at the point specified by road markings and the layout of the junction. Always be attentive to how the road and markings guide your path.
A common mistake is confusing mandatory signs like B21-2 with informational signs that suggest a direction. Learners might also fail to react early enough, leading to a sudden or incorrect manoeuvre, or might ignore the sign altogether. Always remember mandatory signs require you to comply.
If you cannot legally comply with the B21-2 sign (e.g., your vehicle cannot navigate the turn, or the path is blocked by an emergency vehicle), you must find an alternative legal route. You may need to proceed to the next junction where you can safely and legally turn around or take a different direction.
No, you cannot go straight or turn right when you see the B21-2 sign. This is a mandatory sign that strictly requires you to follow the indicated direction, which is left. Any other movement would be a violation.
A clear reference image of the B21-2 - Turn left road sign used in France.

The B21-2 - Turn left road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The B21-2 - Turn left road sign is part of the France Mandatory Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing this mandatory 'Turn Left' sign (B21-2) with similar directional signs strengthens your theory test revision and improves sign recognition skills. Effective traffic sign comparison prevents confusion and ensures you correctly interpret French road rules.

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

Mandatory 'Keep Left' Sign: Your Essential Guide

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

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

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

B21c: Mandatory Turn Right Ahead Sign

B21d: You Must Go Ahead or Turn Right

The B21d Sign: You Must Go Ahead or Turn Left!
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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: B21-1.
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: B26.
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