Road sign S-22: U-turn at the same level

What it means

«Indica la proximidad de un lugar en el que se puede efectuar un cambio de sentido al mismo nivel.» RD 465/2025, Annex I of the RGC (BOE-A-2025-12199), Spanish original.

It warns that a place provided for turning round without changing level is near. It expressly authorises the manoeuvre, and in the regulation it is that express authorisation that counts (RGC art. 79.1).

Where you meet it

You see it before the place provided for changing direction.

What you must do

Follow the sign to the place indicated and make the change of direction there. Slowing down does not replace express authorisation.

Details that count

Outside the place it indicates, article 79.1 rules. It expressly bans changing direction at level crossings and in tunnels, underpasses and stretches covered by the «Tunnel» sign, and as a general rule, where overtaking is banned you may not change direction either, unless it is expressly authorised. The number of lanes or vehicles present is not, by itself, the cause of the ban. Tell what informs from what prohibits. S-22 is an information sign and says where you may turn round; R-304 bans that manoeuvre, and R-303 bans turning left and also covers changing direction (RD 465/2025 catalogue). Three signs, three roles: the permitted manoeuvre, the banned manoeuvre and the banned turn that carries the U-turn with it.

What it is confused with

It is confused with R-304, «No U-turn». S-22 is an information sign saying where you may turn round; R-304 is a regulation sign and bans that manoeuvre. The first informs of a possibility, the second imposes a prohibition.

Related signs

• R-304: No U-turn
• R-303: No left turn
• S-5: Tunnel

Studied in topic 24: Changing direction.

Source: RGC art. 79.1; RGC Annex I, sign S-22 (RD 465/2025).