Driving Theory
French Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

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

B21-2 - Turn left French road sign meaning

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.

Understand the French 'Turn Left' Mandatory Sign (B21-2)

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.

Definition of B21-2

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.

Meaning of 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.

Allowed actions for B21-2

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 B21-2

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.

B21-2 - Turn left road sign FAQ

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.

What does the B21-2 'Turn Left' sign mean 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.

When does the obligation of the B21-2 sign start?

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.

What are common mistakes learners make with the B21-2 sign in the French theory exam?

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.

What should I do if I cannot turn left due to my vehicle or another situation?

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.

Can I go straight or turn right if I see the B21-2 'Turn Left' sign?

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.

B21-2 - Turn left road sign image

A clear reference image of the B21-2 - Turn left road sign used in France.

B21-2 - Turn left road sign

Other names for the B21-2 - Turn left

The B21-2 - Turn left road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Turn leftB21-2 mandatory signFrance mandatory signmandatory signs

France Mandatory Signs road sign category

The B21-2 - Turn left road sign is part of the France Mandatory Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Master Similar Road Signs

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.

B21-1 - Turn right road sign

Turn right

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

France Mandatory SignsB21-1
B21a - Keep left road sign

Keep left

Mandatory 'Keep Left' Sign: Your Essential Guide

France Mandatory SignsB21a
B21a - Keep right road sign

Keep right

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

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