UK road signs and their meanings.
UK road signs fall into six groups: orders (circles), warnings (triangles), information (rectangles), motorway signs, road markings and signals. The shape tells you the type and the colour tells you how strict it is. Here are 136 of them, each with what it means and a tip to remember it.
Orders
Circles tell you what you must or mustn't do. Red ring: don't. Blue disc: do.
Stop
Stop at the white line every time, even if the road is clear. Then go when it's safe.
The line is the rule: your wheels stop behind it, not over it.
Give way
Give way to traffic on the major road. You don't always have to stop, but be ready to.
Give way means let others go first, not always stop. If the road is clear, keep rolling.
No entry
No entry for vehicles. You'll often see it at the far end of a one-way street.
If you see a red disc from the front, you are going the wrong way.
No vehicles
No vehicles, except bicycles being pushed. An empty red circle means nothing may drive in.
An empty red ring is a closed road for vehicles. Find another way round.
No waiting
No waiting. Check the nearby plate or kerb markings for the times it applies.
Check the plate underneath: it gives the days and hours.
No stopping (clearway)
No stopping on the main road, not even to drop someone off.
Even a quick stop to drop someone off is not allowed.
30 mph limit
Red circles are orders. This one means 30 mph at most. Where there are street lights it's usually 30 unless a sign says otherwise.
Street lights usually mean 30, even with no sign in sight.
20 mph limit
20 mph at most. You'll see it near schools and on busy town streets.
Treat 20 zones as places where children may run out: be ready to stop.
40 mph limit
40 mph is the most you may drive here. You'll see it on busier roads on the edge of towns.
A limit is a ceiling, not a target. Slow down for bends and junctions.
50 mph limit
50 mph is the most you may drive here. Common on faster A roads and through road works.
Check your speedometer when you leave a built-up area; it's easy to creep.
60 mph limit
60 mph is the most you may drive here. It's also the usual limit for cars on single carriageways.
The limit is for ideal conditions. Rain, fog and bends mean slower.
70 mph limit
70 mph is the most you may drive. The motorway and dual carriageway limit for cars.
Check the limit on a smart motorway gantry; it can be lower.
National speed limit
White circle, black stripe: national speed limit. For a car that's 60 mph on single roads and 70 on dual carriageways and motorways.
It's not 'free' speed: 60 on single roads, 70 on dual carriageways, and always safe for the road.
Minimum speed 30 mph
Blue disc with a number: you must go at least that fast, if you can do so safely.
Rare on the road. Blue disc plus number is a minimum, red ring plus number is a maximum.
Mini roundabout
Blue circles tell you what you must do. Mini roundabout: give way to traffic from the right and go round the white dot.
The white dot is part of the roundabout: go round it, not over it, unless it's too tight.
Ahead only
Ahead only. A blue circle is an order, not a suggestion.
Blue arrow, blue order. Don't turn off here.
Turn left
Turn left. It's a blue circle, so it's an order: you must go left here.
Left only. Look out for the 'ahead or left' version too.
Turn right
You must turn right here. A blue disc is an order.
Get in the right-hand lane early; don't cut across at the last second.
Keep left
Keep left: pass the island or obstruction on its left side.
The arrow points the way round. Stay on that side of the island or bollard.
Keep right
Pass the obstruction or island on its right-hand side.
An arrow pointing down and right means: go that way round.
Pass either side
You can pass the island or obstruction on either side.
Still check for pedestrians and anyone else who thinks the other side is theirs.
Route for pedal cycles only
This route is for bikes only. Cars, vans and motorbikes keep out.
Cars keep out, even if the road looks wide enough.
Route for ridden horses
A path for horse riders only. Vehicles may not use it.
Not for cars. Stay on the road and keep clear of the path.
Route for pedestrians only
This route is for people on foot only. No vehicles, no cycles.
Never drive onto a footpath or pedestrian street, even to turn round.
No right turn
No right turn. A red circle with a red slash bans what's shown inside it.
The bar means 'no'. The arrow shows what's banned.
No left turn
You may not turn left here. The red bar crosses out what the arrow shows.
Plan another route in advance; don't jump the turn at the last second.
No U-turns
You may not make a U-turn at this junction or on this stretch.
Need to go back? Find a safe side road to turn in, never the main road.
No overtaking
You may not overtake moving motor vehicles, except two-wheeled ones such as bikes and mopeds.
Stay behind. The view may be clear but the order still stands.
No heavy goods vehicles
Lorries are banned from this road. Cars and vans can still use it.
Fine in a car, but a good reminder that the road is tight or sensitive.
No cycling
Pedal cycles are not allowed here.
The cyclist's way is probably a different path nearby.
No pedestrians
People on foot are not allowed here. It's used on roads where it's too dangerous to walk.
Some people ignore it. Slow down and expect the unexpected.
No ridden or led horses
Horses are not allowed on this road or path.
The sign is for riders, but be ready for the odd one that ignores it.
Weight limit
No vehicle heavier than the weight shown may use this road. Cars are well under.
A small car is fine. Lorries must find another route.
You have priority over oncoming traffic
In a narrow spot, your direction goes first. The big white arrow is you, the small red one is them.
Priority is not a right of way. Still be ready for a driver who ignores it.
Give way to oncoming traffic
In a narrow spot the oncoming vehicles go first. The big red arrow is them.
Stop in good time, away from the narrow bit, and let them through.
20 mph zone
A whole area is 20 mph. There's no repeater sign on each street, often speed humps instead.
In a zone the limit keeps going until you see the end sign.
Bus lane
This lane is for buses (and sometimes taxis or cycles) during the hours on the sign.
Cars out of the lane, and no stopping on it. Check the times on the plate.
Warnings
Red triangles warn of something ahead. Slow down and look.
Roundabout ahead
Red triangles warn you. Roundabout ahead: slow down, look right and pick your lane early.
Pick your lane early: look at the signs and road markings on the approach.
Children crossing
Children going to or from school. Slow down, they can step out without looking.
Slow down near schools; children can step out from between parked cars.
Traffic lights ahead
Traffic lights ahead, maybe round a bend. Be ready to stop if they change.
Ease off. The lights may be hidden round a bend.
Road works
Road works ahead. Expect a lower speed limit, narrow lanes and people working near the road.
Slow down, follow the signs and be patient: someone's working near you.
Pedestrian crossing
Pedestrian crossing ahead. If someone is waiting at a zebra crossing, be ready to stop for them.
Drive at a speed that lets you stop for someone stepping on.
Wild animals
Wild animals, often deer, may cross. Most likely at dawn and dusk.
Dawn and dusk are the risky times. Brake, don't swerve.
Level crossing, no barrier
Level crossing without a barrier or gate. Look and listen for trains.
No barrier means you decide: stop, look both ways, listen, then cross.
Cycle route ahead
Cycle route ahead. Watch for cyclists joining or crossing the road.
Give cyclists at least 1.5 m when you pass, and more at speed.
Cattle
Cattle on the road ahead. Slow down and pass farm animals slowly and quietly.
Slow right down and don't sound the horn at animals.
Two-way traffic
Two-way traffic straight ahead, often where a one-way stretch or dual carriageway ends.
Stay on your side. Don't expect the one-way habit to still apply.
Bend to the right
The road bends right ahead. The arrow shows the way it turns.
Slow down before the bend, not in it, and keep to your side.
Bend to the left
The road bends left ahead. The arrow shows the way it turns.
Brake before the bend, then speed up gently as you go through.
Double bend
Two bends in a row ahead, the first one to the left.
Pick the speed for the second bend, not the first.
Crossroads
A junction where roads cross from both sides. Priority is unclear, so be ready to give way.
Look both ways more than once, even if you have priority.
T-junction
Your road ends at a T-junction. You'll have to turn left or right.
Slow down early; the junction may be hidden in a dip.
Side road on the right
A road joins from the right ahead. Watch for vehicles pulling out.
Look for traffic joining, and be ready for it to turn into your path.
Side road on the left
A road joins from the left ahead. Watch for vehicles pulling out.
Look into the junction as you pass, not only at the road ahead.
Road narrows on both sides
The road gets narrower ahead on both sides. Be ready to slow down or give way.
Look for oncoming traffic early and don't squeeze through.
Road narrows on the right
The road narrows on the right-hand side ahead. Oncoming traffic may squeeze you.
Keep left and give oncoming traffic room.
Lanes merge ahead
Two lanes join into one ahead. Let traffic merge in turn.
Use both lanes up to the merge, then take turns: it's the 'zip' method.
Road humps
Speed humps ahead. Slow down to avoid damage and jolts.
Slow before the hump, not on it. Brake gently.
Uneven road
The road surface is bumpy or has dips ahead. Slow down.
A bad surface can pull the steering. Slow down and hold the wheel firmly.
Steep hill downwards
A steep drop ahead. Use a low gear to help the engine slow you down.
Gear down before the hill, not halfway down it.
Steep hill upwards
A steep climb ahead. Change down early so the car doesn't labour.
Slower vehicles may be crawling, so keep a gap.
Slippery road
The surface can be slippery, especially when wet, icy or muddy.
Brake early and gently; avoid sudden steering or acceleration.
Loose chippings
Loose stones on the road after resurfacing. They can fly up and chip paint and glass.
Slow down and give others room; keep your distance from the car ahead.
Level crossing with barrier
A railway crossing with a gate or barrier ahead. Be ready to stop when the lights flash.
When the lights flash and the barrier lowers, stop. Never zigzag round.
Accompanied horses or ponies
Riders may be on the road ahead, often led by someone on foot.
Slow right down, pass wide and don't rev or toot.
Elderly or disabled people
Elderly or disabled people may cross here. They may be slow.
Be ready to wait. Never hurry someone who is crossing.
Low-flying aircraft
Low aircraft or sudden noise may be ahead, often near an airfield.
The noise can startle you or animals nearby; keep both hands on the wheel.
Falling or fallen rocks
Rocks may fall onto or lie on the road ahead.
Watch for debris, especially after rain, and don't stop beneath cliffs.
Side winds
Gusts from the side are likely on this stretch, often on bridges or open ground.
Hold the wheel firmly and give cyclists and motorbikes extra space.
Risk of ice
Ice or snow is likely on this road in cold weather.
Stopping can take ten times longer on ice. Gentle everything.
Trams crossing ahead
Trams cross or share the road ahead. They can't swerve and need a long way to stop.
Don't stop on tram tracks and watch for the tram's own signals.
Quayside or river bank
The road runs along water with no barrier. You could go in if you misjudge it.
Keep well back from the edge, especially in the dark or when reversing.
Other danger
Some hazard that has no sign of its own. A plate underneath says what.
Read the plate. It tells you what the danger is.
Disabled people
People with disabilities may be crossing or on the road, for example near a care home.
Be patient. Some people take longer to cross.
Wild horses or ponies
Free-roaming horses or ponies may be on the road, as in the New Forest.
Slow down, keep calm and pass wide; don't feed or startle them.
Overhead electric cables
Cables cross the road above. Tall vehicles must take care.
Matters most for tall loads, but keep well clear of any fallen cable.
Information
Rectangles tell you where you are and where things are.
Parking
Parking place. Blue rectangles give you information.
Look for the times, charges and permits on the board nearby.
One-way traffic
One-way traffic. Everyone goes the way the arrow points.
All traffic goes the way of the arrow. Don't turn into it the wrong way.
No through road
No through road for vehicles. You'll have to turn round to get back out.
The red bar at the top is the end of the road. Don't expect to get out the other side.
Disabled parking
Parking reserved for blue badge holders.
Don't use these bays without a valid Blue Badge, even for 'just a minute'.
Hospital
There's a hospital ahead or nearby. Expect ambulances.
Let ambulances through and don't block hospital entrances.
Tourist information
A tourist information centre is nearby.
Handy for local maps and where to park.
Park and ride
A car park with a bus link into the town centre.
Cheaper and calmer than driving into a busy centre.
Pedestrian crossing ahead
A blue square with a person in a white triangle shows a crossing ahead.
Slow down and look to both sides for people walking.
Primary route direction
Green boards show primary routes. These are the main A roads between towns.
Green is for main roads, white for smaller ones, blue for motorways.
Non-primary route direction
White boards point to local places on smaller roads.
Follow the colour and the route number, not just the place name.
Tourist attraction
A brown board points to a place visitors might want, such as a castle or museum.
Brown means leisure: slow down for visitors who may not know the road.
Passing place
A wider spot on a narrow road where vehicles can pass or wait.
Pull into it if it's on your side, or wait opposite it so the other driver can pass.
Petrol station
Fuel is available ahead.
Fill up before a long drive or a lonely stretch; don't run it close.
Motorway
Blue boards and the lights above the lanes on fast roads.
Motorway starts
Motorway rules begin here: no U-turns, no reversing and no stopping except in an emergency.
Learners can only use the motorway with an approved instructor in a dual-control car.
Motorway ends
Motorway rules stop here. Check the speed limit and watch for junctions and traffic from the sides.
Take your foot off and look for the speed-limit sign. You may need to slow quickly.
Motorway junction sign
Blue boards on the motorway show destinations, route numbers and the junction number.
Read them well in advance and get in the right lane early.
Services ahead
Fuel, food and toilets are available at the next service area.
Take a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours when you're tired.
Countdown markers
Three, two, then one diagonal bar: 300, 200 and 100 yards to the exit.
Be in the left lane by the three-bar marker so you don't have to cut across.
Emergency refuge area
An emergency stopping area on a motorway with no hard shoulder. There's a phone inside.
Use it only in a real emergency, and use the phone to call the control centre.
Red X: lane closed
A red X over a lane means do not drive in it. It's a closed lane, even if it looks empty.
Leave the lane in good time and in a safe way. Ignoring the X is an offence.
Move left
A flashing amber arrow tells you to move into the lane the arrow points to.
Change lane in good time; the problem ahead may be out of sight.
Flashing amber lights
Danger ahead, such as an accident or queue. Slow down and be ready to stop.
Slow down first, ask questions later. The hazard may be just round the bend.
Variable speed limit
A limit shown on a sign above the lanes, in a red ring. When the amber lights flash, it is mandatory.
The limit on the gantry is enforced by cameras. Keep to it.
Road markings
The paint on the road. The colour and the shape of the line both matter.
Broken white centre line
Short dashes with long gaps mark the middle of the road or a lane edge. You may cross when it's safe.
Long gaps mean you may overtake if it's clear, but never cross where you can't see.
Hazard warning line
Longer dashes with short gaps warn of a hazard ahead, such as a junction or bend.
The closer the dashes, the more care you need. Don't overtake near them.
Double white lines, both solid
Don't cross or straddle the lines, except to turn into a side road or property, or to pass a stationary vehicle.
Solid beside you means no overtaking. Wait for a gap in the lines.
Double lines, broken on your side
If the broken line is nearest you, you may cross it to overtake if safe, and must be back before the solid one.
Broken on your side means 'go if clear', but always check first.
Edge of the road line
A solid white line shows the edge of the carriageway. It helps most at night and in bad weather.
On a dark bend, steer by the edge line, not by your headlights.
Stop line
A solid white line across your side of the road. At a Stop sign, you must stop behind it.
Wheels behind the line, then look. The line matters more than the sign.
Give way line
A broken line across the road, often with a triangle. Wait here for traffic on the main road.
You don't have to stop if it's clear, but be ready to.
Yellow box junction
Don't enter unless your exit is clear. The exception is turning right when only oncoming traffic stops you.
Don't start across just because the light is green; check the exit first.
Hatched markings
Diagonal stripes within solid lines are a buffer between traffic. Don't enter unless you have to.
If the outline is solid, stay out. If it's broken, enter only if it's necessary and safe.
Chevrons
V-shaped markings that separate lanes where traffic might collide, such as on a slip road.
Stay out of chevrons unless it's an emergency.
Zebra crossing stripes
White stripes across the road. Pedestrians have priority once they step on.
Slow down on the approach and stop for anyone waiting at the edge.
White zigzag lines
Zigzags at a crossing: no parking, no stopping, no overtaking the vehicle nearest the crossing.
Don't park or wait here, not even for a moment.
School keep clear
Yellow zigzags and KEEP CLEAR outside a school: no stopping at all, even to drop off or pick up.
Even with your engine on and hazards flashing, this is still a no.
Single yellow line
Waiting is limited at certain times. The nearby sign tells you the days and hours.
Check the nearby sign. No sign means the zone's rules apply.
Double yellow lines
No waiting at any time, unless a sign says otherwise.
You can stop briefly to pick up or drop off, but not to park.
Red route lines
No stopping on a red route during the hours shown. Common on busy roads in big cities.
Look for the red route sign; some bays are for loading only.
Yellow marks on the kerb
Loading restrictions. The nearby plate says the days and hours when you can't load or unload.
A kerb mark is separate from a road line; both may apply.
Parking bay
A white box marks a place to park. Check the sign for times, charges and permits.
Park inside the lines, with all your car in the bay.
Bus lane marking
BUS LANE painted on the road. Keep out during the hours on the sign.
Check the times. Cameras fine drivers, and it's easy to miss.
Cycle lane
A lane for cyclists. A solid line means don't drive or park in it; a broken line means avoid it unless necessary.
Check the line. Solid means keep out, broken means avoid.
Advanced stop line (cycle box)
A box for cyclists ahead of the stop line. At red, stop behind the first line and keep the box clear.
Cars stop at the first line. If you're already in the box when the light changes, stay put.
Lane arrow, ahead
An arrow on the road shows which way the lane goes. This one means straight on.
Read the arrows early and get in the right lane.
Lane arrow, left turn
The lane turns left. Stay in it for the turn and don't go straight on.
Don't switch lanes late. Choose before the junction.
Mini roundabout marking
A white circle in the middle and a ring around it. Give way to traffic from the right.
Go round the circle where you can. Only a long vehicle may need to drive over it.
White road studs
White studs mark the lanes or the middle of the road.
White is the lane line: red on the left, amber on the right.
Red road studs
Red studs mark the left edge of the road, between the lane and the hard shoulder.
Red is left, near the hard shoulder. Don't drive on it.
Amber road studs
Amber studs mark the right-hand edge of the carriageway, next to the central reservation.
Amber is next to the central reservation, on the right.
Green road studs
Green studs mark the edge of slip roads and lay-bys, where roads join or leave the main carriageway.
Green means a junction: be ready for vehicles joining or leaving.
Signals
Traffic lights, crossings and signals from people on the road.
Red light
Stop at the stop line. Don't go until the light is green.
Stop behind the line, not over it. Don't creep forward.
Red and amber
Red and amber together still mean stop. Wait for green.
Don't go on red and amber. It's a warning that green is coming, not a go signal.
Green light
You may go if the road is clear. Give way to pedestrians and traffic still in the junction.
Green doesn't mean go regardless: check it's clear first.
Amber light
Stop at the line unless you're so close that braking could cause an accident.
Think before you accelerate: amber is about to turn red.
Flashing red lights
At a level crossing, a train is coming. Stop and stay stopped until the lights stop flashing.
If the barrier is down or the lights flash, don't cross, even if you can see no train.
Flashing amber at a crossing
At a pelican crossing: give way to pedestrians still on the crossing, and go if it's clear.
Slow down and wait for anyone still crossing, even if the light has changed.
School crossing patrol
A patrol holding a STOP sign: stop and wait until they've moved away and lowered the sign.
Stop as soon as they step out. Don't move until the sign is lowered.
Police signal to stop
A police officer in the road may signal you to stop. You must obey.
Pull up safely and wait for their instructions.
Flashing amber beacon
A slow-moving, recovery or road works vehicle. Slow down and take extra care.
Give it room and don't overtake until you can see it's safe.
Test yourself
Try the sign quiz, then the road and traffic signs theory questions. The same signs are in the app, with the quiz and the roads they appear on.
Questions
- How many road signs do I need to know for the UK theory test?
- The theory test can ask about any sign in the Highway Code, so the safest way is to learn the shapes and colours first, then the individual signs. This page lists 136 of them in six groups.
- What do the shapes and colours of UK road signs mean?
- Circles give orders: a red ring means you must not, a blue disc means you must. Triangles warn of a hazard ahead. Rectangles give information. Blue boards are for motorways, and the paint on the road has its own meaning by colour and line shape.
- Where do these signs come from?
- The wording is our own, based on the Highway Code and the Traffic Signs Manual, both published under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Last reviewed October 2026. Always check the current Highway Code for the official wording.