Traffic signsUnited Kingdom

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Traffic signs

A traffic sign is a standardised visual symbol placed along roads to guide, warn, or regulate drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These signs provide essential information about road conditions, rules, directions, and potential hazards, helping to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. They come in various shapes and colours—such as triangular warning signs, circular prohibitory or mandatory signs, and rectangular information signs—each designed for quick recognition and clear understanding.

101. End of the minimum speed

This traffic sign indicates the end of the minimum speed. The previously indicated minimum speed no longer applies beyond this point. Continue to follow any other posted speed requirements and the applicable traffic rules.

102. Start of a residential area

This traffic sign indicates the start of a residential area. Special traffic rules apply within the area according to the applicable signs and local regulations. These rules may affect speed, parking and how different road users use the road.

103. End of the residential area

This traffic sign indicates the end of the residential area. The special traffic rules associated with the residential area end at this point. Follow the traffic signs and rules that apply beyond the area.

104. Start of a zone for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the start of a pedestrian zone. Pedestrians are the principal road users within the zone, while access by vehicles and other road users is subject to the applicable traffic signs and local rules.

105. End of the zone for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the end of the pedestrian zone. The special traffic rules associated with the pedestrian zone end at this point. Follow the traffic signs and rules that apply beyond the zone.

106. National speed limits

This traffic sign indicates the national speed limits. The applicable default maximum speeds depend on the road type, vehicle category and local traffic rules when no different speed limit is indicated.

107. Crossing for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a crossing for cyclists. It marks a designated place where cyclists cross the road. Priority depends on the applicable traffic signs, signals and local rules.

108. Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way

This traffic sign indicates a road narrowing where oncoming drivers have to give way.

109. Dead end street

This traffic sign indicates a dead end street. The road has no through route for vehicles, although access to properties or other destinations along the road may still be possible.

110. Road with one-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a road with one-way traffic. Vehicular traffic may travel only in the permitted direction, subject to any exceptions indicated by traffic signs or local rules.

111. Parking allowed

This traffic sign indicates that parking is allowed. Vehicles may be parked in the area covered by the sign subject to any indicated conditions, restrictions or local parking rules.

112. Parking partly on the roadway and verge

This traffic sign indicates parking partly on the roadway and adjoining verge or pavement. Vehicles must park in the position shown by the sign, with part of the vehicle on the roadway and part on the adjoining verge or pavement.

113. Parking only allowed on the verge or pavement

This traffic sign indicates that parking is only allowed on the verge or pavement. Vehicles must park in the position shown by the sign rather than on the roadway.

114. Section control

This traffic sign indicates section control, also called average-speed enforcement. A vehicle’s average speed is measured over a defined section of road and compared with the applicable speed limit.

115. End of the section control

This traffic sign indicates the end of the section control. The section over which average speed is measured ends at this point.

116. For people with disabilities

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to people with disabilities. Any permit or eligibility requirements depend on the applicable sign and local rules.

117. For blind people

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign specifically concerns blind or visually impaired people.

118. For children with disabilities

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign specifically concerns children with disabilities.

119. For deaf people

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign specifically concerns deaf or hearing-impaired people.

120. For tractors

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to tractors.

121. Buses allowed

This supplementary sign indicates that buses are allowed where the main traffic sign would otherwise restrict their access or use. The bus categories covered depend on the applicable local definitions.

122. Buses and cyclists allowed

This supplementary sign indicates that buses and cyclists are allowed where the main traffic sign would otherwise restrict their access or use.

123. Local buses allowed

This supplementary sign indicates that local buses are allowed where the main traffic sign would otherwise restrict their access or use. The buses qualifying as local services depend on the applicable local rules.

124. Delivery vehicles allowed

This supplementary sign indicates that delivery vehicles are allowed where the main traffic sign would otherwise restrict their access, use or parking. The vehicles and activities covered depend on the applicable local rules.

125. Local traffic allowed

This supplementary sign indicates that local traffic is allowed where the main traffic sign would otherwise restrict access. Which journeys or road users qualify as local traffic depends on the applicable local rules.

126. Motor vehicles prohibited

This supplementary sign indicates that the prohibition shown by the main traffic sign applies to motor vehicles. The vehicle categories covered depend on the applicable local definitions.

127. Explosive materials prohibited

This supplementary sign indicates that vehicles carrying explosive materials are prohibited where the main traffic sign applies.

128. Flammable or explosive goods prohibited

This supplementary sign indicates that vehicles carrying flammable or explosive goods are prohibited where the main traffic sign applies.

129. No loading

This supplementary sign indicates that loading or unloading goods is prohibited where the main traffic sign applies.

130. yards to the left

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign refers to a location the indicated distance in yards to the left.

131. yards ahead

This supplementary sign indicates the distance from the main traffic sign to the point where the indicated danger, regulation or information begins. The distance is shown in yards.

132. miles ahead

This supplementary sign indicates the distance from the main traffic sign to the point where the indicated danger, regulation or information begins. The distance is shown in miles.

133. Stop yards ahead

This supplementary sign announces a STOP sign at the indicated distance ahead. The displayed value shows the distance in yards to the upcoming STOP sign.

134. Give way ahead

This supplementary sign announces a Give Way sign ahead. Where a distance is shown, it indicates the distance to the upcoming Give Way sign.

135. For miles

This supplementary sign indicates the length of the section to which the main traffic sign applies. The length is shown in miles.

136. Indicated height

This supplementary sign shows an indicated vehicle height. Read it together with the main traffic sign to determine how the height value affects the applicable rule or restriction.

137. No loading during the days and times shown

This supplementary sign indicates that loading and unloading are prohibited during the days and times shown.

138. Vehicle access prohibited during the time shown

This supplementary sign indicates that vehicle access is prohibited during the time shown.

139. Play street during time shown

This supplementary sign indicates that the play-street designation applies during the times shown.

140. Speed limit

This supplementary sign indicates that the displayed speed is a maximum speed limit.

141. Reduce speed now

This supplementary sign instructs or advises drivers to reduce speed immediately in connection with the situation indicated by the main traffic sign.

142. Slow trucks for miles

This supplementary sign warns that slow-moving trucks may be encountered over the indicated distance. The distance is shown in miles.

143. Low gear now

This supplementary sign instructs drivers to select a low gear from this point.

144. Keep in low gear

This supplementary sign instructs drivers to remain in a low gear over the section concerned.

145. Low gear for miles

This supplementary sign instructs drivers to remain in a low gear for the indicated distance. The distance is shown in miles.

146. Hidden dip

This supplementary sign warns of a dip in the road that may not be visible in advance.

147. Hump in yards

This supplementary sign indicates the distance to a speed hump ahead. The distance is shown in yards.

148. Humps for yards

This supplementary sign indicates that a series of speed humps extends over the distance shown. The distance is shown in yards.

149. Humped crossing

This supplementary sign indicates that the pedestrian crossing shown by the main traffic sign is raised.

150. Children crossing

This supplementary sign warns that children may cross the road.

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