California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Traffic Signs and SignalsHard

You are driving on a road and notice a sign with a black arrow pointing right, encircled by a red circle with a diagonal line through it. What does this regulatory sign mean?

  1. ARight turn is allowed only during specific hours.
  2. BRight turn is prohibited at all times.
  3. CRight turn is optional, but caution is advised.
  4. DRight turn is mandatory, follow the arrow.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Right turn is prohibited at all times.

A red circle with a diagonal line (a prohibitory symbol) always means 'NO' or 'PROHIBITED' for the action depicted inside. Therefore, a right arrow within this symbol means no right turn.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Time-based restrictions would typically be indicated by supplementary plaques.
  • C. Optional actions are not indicated by prohibitory signs.
  • D. Mandatory actions are indicated by solid white arrows without a prohibitory symbol.

Prohibitory Turn Sign

A regulatory sign featuring a red circle with a diagonal line through it, superimposed over a symbol (e.g., an arrow), indicating that the depicted action is prohibited.

  • Red circle with diagonal line means 'NO' or 'PROHIBITED'.
  • Symbol inside indicates the action being prohibited.
  • Commonly used for turns (no right turn, no left turn, no U-turn).
  • A type of regulatory sign.

Memory trick: Red slash means 'NO!', whatever's beneath it won't go.

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