SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-red-circle-slash

A sign shows a red circle with a red slash over a symbol, like a U-turn arrow. What does it mean?

That action is not allowed.

  1. That action is allowed only at night
  2. That action is coming up ahead
  3. That action is not allowed ✔

Why: The red circle and slash means NO. The picture inside shows what you cannot do, such as no U-turn, no left turn or no trucks.

Huh, didn't know that: In the national manual, red means stop or prohibition, which is why STOP, DO NOT ENTER and the slash all use it.

The dad joke
Why did the U-turn arrow look sad? It got crossed out again.
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References

Answer: That action is not allowed. The red circle and slash means NO. The picture inside shows what you cannot do, such as no U-turn, no left turn or no trucks.

  1. California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road
    The picture inside the circle shows what you cannot do and may be shown with words.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 1D.05 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Editionr1/mutcd11theditionr1hl.pdf
    Red: stop or prohibition
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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