No Left Turn sign
What does it mean?
The crossed-out left arrow prohibits the left-turn movement at the location it controls. It is a restriction to obey, even if the intersection is empty or your navigation asks you to turn.
What to do when you see it
- Do not make the prohibited left turn.
- Read any plaque stating when or to whom the restriction applies.
- Choose another legal route without an abrupt lane change.
How to recognize it
- Black arrow bending left.
- Red circle and diagonal slash over the arrow.
- White square background.
On the road
You are following directions to a store on the left when this sign appears. Continue on a permitted path and find a legal approach to the store.
Don’t confuse it with
Left Turn Only sign
A left arrow with ONLY directs a lane to turn left; the red slash prohibits that turn.
No U-Turn sign
The No U-Turn symbol bends back toward its starting direction rather than making a quarter-turn left.
Put the meaning into practice
The related quiz includes this sign and other study questions. State practice can also cover local rules; it is not an official DMV exam.
Common U.S. sign recognition, reviewed October 3, 2026. Actual sign values, additional plaques and local rules can change how you should respond.