CurveUnited Kingdom

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United Kingdom. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

United Kingdom

30. Curve

A curve is a section of road that changes direction to the left or right. A sharp, unexpected or poorly visible curve can reduce a driver’s view of approaching traffic, stopped vehicles, pedestrians and other hazards.

Drivers should reduce speed before entering the curve, remain within their lane and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Warning signs may indicate the direction of the first curve or a series of successive curves.

Warning for a curve to the right. Reduce speed now. (Scotland, United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • Mary and Angus Hogg • CC BY-SA

What makes a bend dangerous in the United Kingdom?

Curves shorten your view of the road ahead and can reduce the margin for correcting a mistake. Drivers may encounter narrow country-road bends with hedges, limited sightlines and sometimes livestock; the safe speed can be well below the posted maximum. The Highway Code specifically advises reducing speed before country-road bends and remaining able to stop within the visible clear distance.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 125–126,154; overtaking Rule 166

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: warning signs (Great Britain)

How should you approach a sharp curve in the United Kingdom?

Slow down before the bend, select the correct lane position, look through the curve and steer smoothly. Keep enough grip and visible stopping distance for the road and weather conditions.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 125–126,154; overtaking Rule 166

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: warning signs (Great Britain)

Is overtaking safe on a blind bend in the United Kingdom?

No. Do not start overtaking where your view of oncoming traffic is obstructed or where signs or road markings prohibit it. Wait until there is a lawful, clear and sufficiently long view ahead.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 125–126,154; overtaking Rule 166

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: warning signs (Great Britain)

Warning for a curve to the left.

English • GB diagram 512 • Bend ahead. A bend to the left is ahead. Adjust your speed to the bend and visibility.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs

SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2013-12-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Warning for a curve to the right.

English • GB diagram 512 • Bend ahead. A bend to the right is ahead. Adjust your speed to the bend and visibility.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs

SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2013-12-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

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