No right turn sign: what it means
The No Right Turn sign means you must not turn right at the intersection ahead. It applies to the whole approach, not just one lane.
What does the No Right Turn sign mean?
It is a regulatory sign: red is used for stop or prohibition (Section 1D.05). MUTCD Section 2B.26 says Movement Prohibition signs are used where a movement is prohibited from an entire approach, and that at least one No Right Turn sign should be placed over the road or at a right-hand corner of the intersection.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Do not turn left here.
- Do not turn around here.
- Do not turn right here.
Show answer
C. Do not turn right here. A red circle and slash over a right-turn arrow prohibits right turns (MUTCD Section 2B.26). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.26, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 1, General: Section 1D.05, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA
Where will you see it?
At intersections where right turns would be unsafe or would block traffic, often with a traffic signal. Some signs only apply to certain vehicles or at certain times, shown with an extra legend or a blank-out sign.
What should you do?
Go straight or take another route, and plan a legal turn further on. If the sign only applies at certain times, check the plaque.
What do people get wrong?
Turning right on red because the sign seems to be about the green phase. The sign bans right turns from that approach whatever the light shows.
Common questions
Does a No Right Turn sign apply to every lane?
Yes. MUTCD Section 2B.26 says these signs prohibit a movement from an entire approach, not from one lane.
Can a No Right Turn sign apply only at certain times?
Yes. Section 2B.26 allows part-time prohibitions, preferably shown with a blank-out or changeable message sign.
Compare with
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 3 November 2026 against the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA), Sections 1D.05 and 2B.26.
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.26, FHWA
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 1, General: Section 1D.05, FHWA
- MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA. FHWA lists the current version as the 11th Edition with Revision 1, dated December 2025
Sign pictures are our own simplified drawings of the MUTCD designs, which are in the public domain (MUTCD Section 1D.06). Sources and image credits.