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.

151. Cyclists crossing

This supplementary sign warns that cyclists may cross the road.

152. No footway for yards

This supplementary sign warns that no footway is available over the indicated distance. The distance is shown in yards.

153. High vehicles use the middle of an arch bridge

This supplementary sign warns that an arch bridge has reduced clearance near its sides. High vehicles must use the middle of the road.

154. Give way to oncoming vehicles

This supplementary sign indicates that drivers must give way to oncoming traffic where the main traffic sign applies.

155. Priority over oncoming vehicles

This supplementary sign indicates that drivers have priority over oncoming traffic where the main traffic sign applies.

156. Oncoming vehicles in the middle of the road

This supplementary sign warns that oncoming vehicles may use the middle of the road.

157. Single-file traffic

This supplementary sign indicates that vehicles must proceed in a single line.

158. Single-track road

This supplementary sign warns that the road ahead is a single-track road shared by traffic in both directions.

159. One-way traffic

This supplementary sign indicates that the road concerned carries traffic in one direction only.

160. Dual carriageway

This supplementary sign indicates a road with separate carriageways for opposing directions of traffic, divided by a central reservation or other separation.

161. Part-time signals

This supplementary sign indicates that the traffic signals operate only at certain times.

162. When lights show ahead

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign ahead applies only when the lights are illuminated.

163. When lights show

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies only when the lights are illuminated.

164. Queues

This supplementary sign warns that queues or slow-moving traffic may be encountered ahead.

165. Accident

This supplementary sign warns of an accident or accident scene ahead.

166. Soft verge

This supplementary sign warns that the verge beside the roadway is soft or unstable.

167. Adverse camber

This supplementary sign warns of adverse camber, where the road slopes in a direction that may reduce vehicle stability.

168. Line painting

This supplementary sign warns that road markings are being painted or renewed ahead.

169. End

This supplementary sign indicates the end of the section to which the main traffic sign applies.

170. Frost damage

This supplementary sign warns of road-surface damage caused by freezing and thawing.

171. Ice

This supplementary sign warns that the road surface may be icy.

172. Smoke

This supplementary sign warns that smoke may reduce visibility on the road ahead.

173. Snowdrifts

This supplementary sign warns of snowdrifts on or beside the roadway.

174. High tide or flooding

This supplementary sign warns that the road may be flooded or submerged during high tide or high water.

175. Blind summit

This supplementary sign warns of a summit that obstructs the view of the road ahead.

176. Kindergarten

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign relates to a nearby kindergarten or preschool.

177. School

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign relates to a nearby school.

178. Fallen tree

This supplementary sign warns of a fallen tree or large branch on or near the roadway.

179. Overhanging building

This supplementary sign warns of an overhanging building or structure that reduces vertical clearance.

180. Blasting work

This supplementary sign warns that blasting operations are taking place nearby.