Rotation arrow
An arrow, often with the word ROTATION, shows which way a directional tire is designed to turn when the vehicle moves forward.
Easily confused with
How to read it
A directional tread is designed to roll forward in one direction only. Continental describes lateral grooves that meet in the middle of the tread in an arrowhead shape, and says the arrow on the sidewall points the same way as the pattern, in the required direction of travel. MOTOR magazine notes there is no industry-standard symbol: makers use an arrow, or the word rotation or drive with an arrow. USTMA’s guide says directional tires can’t be rotated in every standard pattern; MOTOR says one can be moved front to rear on the same side of the vehicle without being remounted on the wheel.
Also searched as: directional tire, rotation direction.
What each marking means under the standard that defines it. This page describes markings; it doesn’t advise on choosing, fitting, inflating or replacing tires.
An arrow on its own
The MOT inspection manual for Great Britain says direction of rotation may be shown by an arrow and/or words, but that an arrow by itself should not be taken to indicate direction of rotation. The manual lists a tyre not fitted in compliance with the manufacturer’s sidewall instructions as a defect. The AA says a directional tyre fitted the wrong way round isn’t dangerous, but doesn’t give the benefits of its design.
Arrow or OUTSIDE?
An asymmetric tire is marked OUTSIDE rather than with an arrow. The AA notes that some tyres are both directional and asymmetric.
More tire sidewall markings
Browse symbols drawn with arrows, curves and waves or letters and numbers.
Sources
- Tire tread, Continental Tires, Directional tread pattern
- Keep ’Em Rollin’ in the Right Direction, MOTOR magazine (Hearst), Rolling rotation
- MOT inspection manual: cars and passenger vehicles, 5. Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension, MOT inspection manual, section 5.2, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, GOV.UK, 5.2.3 Tyres
- Tire Care and Safety Guide, U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), p. 16, Rotation Patterns
- Car Tyre Load and Speed Markings, TyreSafe, Direction of Rotation
- The difference between asymmetric tyres and directional tyres, The AA, Directional tyres
Last reviewed September 29, 2026 by Rory Hansen. How we research