The U-Turn Only sign (402.9) is a mandatory traffic sign indicating that you must make a U-turn. You are required to follow the direction shown by the sign and any accompanying arrows or markings, rather than choosing your own path. This sign is crucial for maintaining safe and orderly traffic flow, especially in areas with islands, one-way systems, or complex road layouts. Ignoring it can lead to dangerous situations, so always adhere to the indicated manoeuvre.
This mandatory sign dictates a compulsory U-turn manoeuvre, crucial for traffic order and safety in specific Icelandic road layouts. Understanding its precise meaning is vital for your theory test revision and safe driving practice.
U-Turn Only is a mandatory sign used where traffic has to move in a particular way to stay safe and orderly. It often appears at islands, central refuges, one-way arrangements, path networks, and places where separating traffic streams matters more than driver preference. The sign should be read together with arrows, lane markings, kerbs, and the physical road layout because those details show exactly how the instruction is applied on site. Ignoring a mandatory sign can place you into direct conflict with opposing traffic, pedestrians, cyclists, or a protected part of the road space.
This sign makes u-turn only compulsory for the road user or lane concerned. You must follow the direction, side, or path shown instead of choosing your own line through the location.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 402.9 - U-Turn Only 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 Icelandic driving theory exam in Iceland.
The U-Turn Only sign (402.9) mandates that you must perform a U-turn. It indicates a compulsory direction or path that you must follow. This sign ensures traffic moves safely and predictably through specific areas like central refuges or complex junctions.
When you see the U-Turn Only sign (402.9), you are prohibited from choosing any other direction, driving on the wrong side of an obstruction, or entering a reserved path. Swerving late across lanes to recover a missed U-turn or improvising when the sign clearly dictates a specific manoeuvre is also forbidden.
You must position your vehicle early to safely execute the U-turn as indicated by the sign and any lane markings. Use your mirrors and signals appropriately for the manoeuvre, and adapt your speed to complete the turn smoothly and without conflict with other traffic.
A common exam trap is assuming you can choose your direction if the road seems wide enough. The 402.9 sign is mandatory; it overrides any personal assessment of the road layout. Always follow the sign's instruction precisely, combining it with physical road features like islands or markings.
You'll often find the U-Turn Only sign (402.9) at traffic islands, central refuges, the start or end of one-way roads, or in areas where separating traffic streams is vital for safety and order. It ensures drivers follow the intended route through these potentially complex points.
A clear reference image of the 402.9 - U-Turn Only road sign used in Iceland.

The 402.9 - U-Turn Only road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 402.9 - U-Turn Only road sign is part of the Mandatory Direction Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Reviewing adjacent or similar Icelandic road signs helps solidify your understanding and reduces confusion during your theory test revision. Comparing signs like this 'U-Turn Only' sign with others in its category improves sign recognition and exam preparation, ensuring you master traffic sign comparison.

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After reviewing the full list of Icelandic road signs, reinforce your learning with targeted practice. Explore our sign group categories or take a specific quiz to test your recognition and recall. Ensure you're fully prepared to identify and interpret all traffic signs for your upcoming driving theory exam.
View All Icelandic Road Signs