Turn Left Only - R108

Turn Left Only

Turn Left Only

Road Signs - R108



The Turn Left Only sign is used to indicate to drivers the direction in which they must turn left at the intersection ahead and is placed at intersections.

Additional Info

The Turn Left Only road sign is a regulatory command sign used to instruct drivers to turn left at the intersection ahead. It indicates the direction in which traffic must turn and is commonly placed at or before intersections where a left turn is required.

The sign provides a clear instruction to drivers approaching an intersection and helps control vehicle movements where other turning directions may not be permitted. It is particularly useful at junctions and road layouts where traffic must follow a specific route.

What Does the Turn Left Only Sign Mean?

A Turn Left Only sign means that drivers approaching the relevant intersection must turn left in the direction indicated by the arrow. The sign communicates a required traffic movement rather than simply suggesting that a left turn is available.

Drivers should follow the sign while also observing traffic lights, road markings, pedestrian crossings, other road signs and surrounding traffic conditions.

Where Are Turn Left Only Signs Used?

Turn Left Only signs are commonly installed at intersections and other locations where traffic movement needs to be restricted to a left turn. Applications can include:

  • Road intersections
  • Junctions
  • Traffic-controlled intersections
  • Channelised intersections
  • Lane-specific turning movements
  • Roads with restricted turning options
  • Temporary traffic-management areas
  • Roadworks and construction areas where applicable
  • Private roads and controlled traffic areas
  • Industrial and commercial properties

Turn Left Only Signs at Intersections

Intersections are the main application for Turn Left Only signs. They can be positioned before the intersection to give drivers advance notice of the required movement, allowing them to approach the junction in the correct lane and follow the indicated route.

The sign can be particularly useful where the intersection has multiple possible movements but traffic from a particular lane or approach is required to turn left.

Turn Left Only vs Proceed Left Only

A Turn Left Only sign should not be confused with a Proceed Left Only sign. Although both signs direct traffic towards the left, they communicate different movements.

  • Turn Left Only: Directs drivers to turn left at the intersection ahead.
  • Proceed Left Only: Directs drivers to proceed only in the direction indicated by the arrow.

Selecting the correct road sign is important because the sign should accurately communicate the traffic movement required by the road layout.

Turn Left Only vs Keep Left

A Turn Left Only sign also has a different purpose from a Keep Left sign. Keep Left is used to instruct vehicles to pass to the left of an obstruction, such as a traffic island, while Turn Left Only directs vehicles to make a left turn at the intersection ahead.

Why Are Turn Left Only Signs Important?

Clear directional commands help drivers understand the required movement at intersections and other controlled traffic locations. A Turn Left Only sign provides a direct instruction where vehicles need to follow a designated left-turn route.

Correctly positioned signage can help drivers identify the required movement before reaching the intersection.

Turn Left Only Sign Placement

The exact placement of a Turn Left Only sign depends on the intersection design, road layout, visibility and applicable road-sign requirements. The sign should be positioned where drivers can clearly see and understand the instruction before reaching the point where the turn must be made.

For public-road installations, the relevant road authority should determine the appropriate sign specification, location, mounting method and installation requirements.

Temporary Turn Left Only Signs

Temporary traffic-management arrangements may require directional signs where roadworks, construction or other activities change normal traffic movements. Where appropriate, a temporary version of the relevant command sign can be used together with other traffic-control devices.

Temporary traffic management may also include cones, barriers, road markings and warning signs depending on the conditions at the site.

Turn Left Only Road Signs in South Africa

Turn Left Only signs form part of South Africa's road traffic signage system and are used to communicate a specific required movement at an intersection.

For public roads, road signs should follow the applicable South African road traffic requirements and road-sign specifications. For private roads, shopping centres, industrial properties and other controlled areas, signage should be selected according to the site's traffic-management requirements and applicable regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turn Left Only Road Signs

What does a Turn Left Only road sign mean?

It instructs drivers to turn left at the intersection ahead in the direction indicated by the sign.

Where are Turn Left Only signs used?

They are commonly used at or before intersections where traffic is required to make a left turn.

Is a Turn Left Only sign mandatory?

It is a command sign that communicates a required left-turn movement where the sign applies.

What is the difference between Turn Left Only and Proceed Left Only?

Turn Left Only directs drivers to make a left turn at the intersection ahead, while Proceed Left Only directs drivers to proceed in the leftward direction indicated by the arrow.

What is the difference between Turn Left Only and Keep Left?

Turn Left Only directs vehicles to turn left at an intersection. Keep Left directs vehicles to pass to the left of an obstruction.

Can Turn Left Only signs be used at roadworks?

They may be used as part of an appropriate temporary traffic-management arrangement where traffic needs to make a left turn because of a changed road layout.

Can Turn Left Only signs be used on private roads?

Directional command signage can be used on suitable private or controlled roads where a specific traffic movement is required, subject to the site's traffic-management requirements.

Can Signs4SA supply Turn Left Only road signs?

Yes. Signs4SA can assist with Turn Left Only road signs for suitable road, property and traffic-management applications. Sign specifications, materials and installation requirements can be discussed according to your project.

Request a Turn Left Only Road Sign

Need a Turn Left Only road sign for an intersection, traffic-management project, private road or controlled property? Contact Signs4SA to discuss your road-sign requirements, provide your specifications and request a quotation.

Turn Left Only signs come in a variety of styles and formats, including danger signs, warning signs, and caution signs. Danger signs are used to indicate an immediate threat that could cause serious injury or death, such as high voltage areas or hazardous materials. Warning signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause injury, such as slippery floors or falling objects. Caution signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause minor injury, such as low ceilings or uneven surfaces. Another type of safety sign is the Turn Left Only sign, which is used to provide guidance on safe behavior. These signs can include instructions on how to use equipment or machinery safely, as well as reminders to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or follow specific safety protocols. Turn Left Only signs can also be used to ensure compliance with safety regulations. For example, fire safety signs are required by law in most public buildings and workplaces. These signs indicate the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment.

More About Turn Left Only

Safety signs are an essential part of any workplace or public space. They are used to warn people of potential hazards, provide guidance on safe behavior, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. One type of safety sign is the Turn Left Only sign, which is designed to alert people to potential dangers in a particular area. Turn Left Only signs come in a variety of styles and formats, including danger signs, warning signs, and caution signs. Danger signs are used to indicate an immediate threat that could cause serious injury or death, such as high voltage areas or hazardous materials. Warning signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause injury, such as slippery floors or falling objects. Caution signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause minor injury, such as low ceilings or uneven surfaces. Another type of safety sign is the Turn Left Only sign, which is used to provide guidance on safe behavior. These signs can include instructions on how to use equipment or machinery safely, as well as reminders to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or follow specific safety protocols. Turn Left Only signs can also be used to ensure compliance with safety regulations. For example, fire safety signs are required by law in most public buildings and workplaces. These signs indicate the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment. In addition to these types of safety signs, there are also specialized signs available for specific industries or hazards. For example, construction sites may use signs to indicate the location of underground utilities or to warn of falling debris. Healthcare facilities may use signs to remind employees to wash their hands or to indicate the location of first aid supplies. When selecting safety signs, it is important to choose signs that are appropriate for the specific hazard or situation. Signs should be placed in prominent locations where they are easily visible, and should be made from durable materials that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. By using safety signs effectively, businesses and organizations can help protect their employees, customers, and visitors from harm.

Customer Reviews