What is the difference between a one-way road and a straight-only road?
2 Answers
The differences between a one-way road and a straight-only road are as follows: 1. Driving requirements differ: A one-way road refers to a road where motor vehicles can only travel in one direction, and it may have multiple lanes. Straight-only indicates that all vehicles are only allowed to go straight. 2. The placement of signs differs: The one-way sign is typically located at the entrance of the road, referring to the entire road. The straight-only lane is indicated by ground markings, usually at the exit of the road, referring to a single lane. 3. The shape of the signs differs: The straight-only lane has a circular sign, while the one-way lane has a square sign.
As an experienced driver with over a decade behind the wheel, I can tell you that one-way streets and straight-only lanes are completely different things. A one-way street means the entire road is restricted to traffic moving in one direction only. If you drive against the flow, it's no minor matter—you could face fines or even cause collisions. On the other hand, straight-only is a specific intersection traffic sign indicating that at that particular crossroad, vehicles must proceed straight ahead without turning left or right, designed to prevent chaotic turns that cause congestion. When driving in the city, I often see beginners confusing these two concepts. One-way streets concern the overall traffic flow direction of a road—many alleys in old urban areas are one-way—while straight-only refers to a point-specific driving instruction, typically appearing before intersections. Remembering this distinction can help you drive more safely and smoothly, avoiding the frustration of receiving unexpected traffic violation notices. Additionally, if you mistakenly enter a one-way street, you risk driving against traffic, whereas violating a straight-only sign usually results in a minor fine, though both have significant safety implications.