Warning signsUnited Kingdom
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United Kingdom
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A warning sign is a traffic sign that alerts drivers to a potential danger or change in road conditions ahead, giving them enough time to slow down and react safely. These signs warn about hazards such as sharp bends, pedestrian crossings, slippery surfaces, merging traffic, animals on the road, or upcoming intersections. Their purpose is not to forbid or command anything, but simply to prepare drivers for situations that require extra attention.
1. Stop and give way
This traffic sign means stop and give way. You must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and give way to traffic that has priority. Proceed only when it is safe.
2. Give way
This traffic sign means give way. Slow down and give way to traffic that has priority. Stop if necessary and proceed only when it is safe.
3. Warning for a roundabout
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a roundabout. A roundabout lies ahead. Reduce speed and follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local roundabout rules when approaching and entering it.
4. Priority at the junction
This traffic sign indicates that you have priority at the next intersection. A side road joins from the left, and traffic entering from that side road must give way.
5. Warning for merging traffic from the left
This traffic sign indicates a warning for merging traffic from the left. Traffic travelling in the same general direction may join your traffic stream from the left. Stay alert and adjust your speed or position when necessary to allow traffic to merge safely.
6. Priority at the junction
This traffic sign indicates that you have priority at the next intersection. A side road joins from the right, and traffic entering from that side road must give way.
7. Priority at the junction
This traffic sign indicates that you have priority at the next intersection. Side roads join from the left and right, and traffic entering from those side roads must give way.
8. Warning for a staggered junction
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a staggered junction. Side roads join the main road at different points rather than directly opposite each other. Reduce speed and watch carefully for vehicles entering, leaving or crossing the main road.
9. Warning for a staggered junction
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a staggered junction. Side roads join the main road at different points rather than directly opposite each other. Reduce speed and watch carefully for vehicles entering, leaving or crossing the main road.
10. Warning for a curve to the left
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a curve to the left. A left-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.
11. Warning for a curve to the right
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a curve to the right. A right-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.
12. Warning for a double curve, first left then right
This traffic sign indicates a warning for successive curves, with the first curve to the left. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and be prepared for further changes in direction.
13. Warning for a double curve, first right then left
This traffic sign indicates a warning for successive curves, with the first curve to the right. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and be prepared for further changes in direction.
14. Warning for a road narrowing
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing. The available width of the road or carriageway decreases ahead. Reduce speed, maintain sufficient lateral clearance and watch carefully for approaching or adjacent traffic.
15. Warning for a road narrowing on the left
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing on the left. The available road width decreases from the left side ahead. Reduce speed, follow the lane markings and maintain sufficient clearance from other traffic and the road edge.
16. Warning for a road narrowing on the right
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing on the right. The available road width decreases from the right side ahead. Reduce speed, follow the lane markings and maintain sufficient clearance from other traffic and the road edge.
17. Warning for a road with two-way traffic
This traffic sign indicates a warning for two-way traffic. Oncoming traffic will use the same road or carriageway ahead. Keep to the correct side of the road and overtake only where it is permitted and clearly safe.
18. Warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign. It's a general warning sign used when there is a hazard ahead that does not have its own dedicated warning sign. For example: road accidents, flooded roads and roads blocked by fallen trees. It usually has a supplementary sign attached that tells drivers of what hazard to expect.
19. Warning for a speed bump
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a speed bump. A raised traffic-calming feature lies ahead. Reduce speed before reaching it to maintain vehicle control and avoid damage or discomfort.
20. Warning for a bad road surface
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a bad or uneven road surface. Potholes, bumps, depressions or other surface irregularities may affect vehicle stability and braking. Reduce speed and avoid sudden manoeuvres.
21. Warning for a steep ascent
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a steep ascent. A steep uphill gradient lies ahead and may cause heavy or low-powered vehicles to lose speed. Select a suitable gear, maintain a safe following distance and be prepared for slower traffic.
22. Warning for a steep descent
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a steep descent. A steep downhill gradient lies ahead and the vehicle may gain speed quickly. Reduce speed before the descent, select a suitable gear and use engine braking where appropriate. Allow extra distance for heavy or towing vehicles.
23. Warning for a tunnel
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a tunnel. Driving conditions may change at the tunnel entrance because of reduced light, limited visibility or restricted space. Reduce speed when necessary and follow the applicable rules for vehicle lighting, stopping, overtaking and lane use.
24. Warning for a movable bridge
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a movable bridge. The bridge ahead can open, lift or move to allow water traffic to pass. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop when required by barriers, traffic lights or other signals.
25. Warning for a quayside or riverbank
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a quayside or riverbank. The road approaches or runs close to an edge beside water, where a vehicle could leave the roadway and enter the water. Reduce speed, identify the road edge carefully and take extra care in darkness or poor visibility.
26. Warning for traffic lights ahead
This traffic sign indicates a warning for traffic lights ahead. Traffic signals are located ahead and may not be visible early enough without advance warning. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop if the signal requires it.
27. Warning for falling rocks
This traffic sign indicates a warning for falling rocks. Rocks or stones may fall from nearby slopes or may already be lying on the road. Reduce speed, scan the road ahead and be prepared to avoid or stop for fallen material.
28. Warning for roadworks
This traffic sign indicates a warning for roadworks. Construction or maintenance work is taking place on or beside the road. Reduce speed where necessary and be prepared for workers, machinery, temporary traffic signals, changed lane layouts or uneven road surfaces.
29. Warning for loose chippings on the road surface
This traffic sign indicates a warning for loose chippings. Loose stones or gravel may reduce tyre grip and can be thrown up by passing vehicles. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering movements.
30. Warning for a soft verge
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a soft or unstable verge. The edge of the road may provide less grip or support than the roadway and can affect steering or vehicle stability. Avoid driving onto the verge unless necessary and reduce speed if you must use it.
31. Warning for traffic queues
This traffic sign indicates a warning for traffic queues. Slow-moving or stationary traffic may occur ahead, sometimes unexpectedly. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and be prepared to stop.
32. Warning for a slippery road surface
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a slippery road surface. The road ahead may provide reduced tyre grip because of water, ice, mud, oil or another surface condition. Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering movements.
33. Warning for snow and sleet
This traffic sign indicates a warning for snow or sleet. Snow, sleet or ice may reduce tyre grip, increase stopping distances and impair visibility. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and use any winter equipment required by the applicable rules or road conditions.
34. Warning for strong crosswinds
This traffic sign indicates a warning for strong crosswinds. Side winds may suddenly affect vehicle stability and steering. Reduce speed, keep a firm but controlled grip on the steering wheel and take extra care with high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and trailers.
35. Warning for a height restriction
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a height restriction. The available clearance ahead is limited, for example at a bridge, tunnel or other overhead structure. Drivers of tall vehicles should check their vehicle height and use another route if the vehicle cannot pass safely.
36. Warning for two roads that merge
This traffic sign indicates a warning for two roads that merge. Two traffic streams join ahead. Adjust your speed and position, maintain a safe gap and be prepared for vehicles merging into the traffic flow.
37. Warning for low-flying aircraft
This traffic sign indicates a warning for low-flying aircraft. Aircraft may pass over the road at low altitude and can create sudden noise or visual distraction. Keep your attention on the road and maintain control of the vehicle.
38. Warning for cattle on the road
This traffic sign indicates a warning for cattle. Cattle or other livestock may be crossing, walking along or standing near the road. Reduce speed, be prepared to stop and avoid sudden movements or unnecessary use of the horn that could startle the animals.
39. Warning for crossing deer
This traffic sign indicates a warning for crossing deer. Deer or other wild animals may enter the road unexpectedly, especially around dawn or dusk. Reduce speed, watch the roadside carefully and be prepared for more than one animal to cross.
40. Warning for ducks on the road
This traffic sign indicates a warning for ducks or other waterfowl. Ducks, sometimes accompanied by ducklings, may cross the road unexpectedly. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop safely if animals are on or near the roadway.
41. Warning for frogs on the road
This traffic sign indicates a warning for frogs or other amphibians. Frogs and toads may cross the road in large numbers, particularly during wet conditions or seasonal migrations. Reduce speed, watch the road surface carefully and avoid sudden manoeuvres.
42. Warning for wild horses on the road
This traffic sign indicates a warning for wild or free-roaming horses. Horses may enter or stand on the road unexpectedly. Reduce speed, be prepared to stop and avoid unnecessary use of the horn or other actions that could startle the animals.
43. Warning for sheep on the road
This traffic sign indicates a warning for sheep. Sheep may be grazing beside the road, crossing it or moving along it, sometimes in groups. Reduce speed, remain alert and be prepared to stop without startling the animals.
44. Warning for children
This traffic sign indicates a warning for children. Children may be present on or near the road and may cross unexpectedly. Reduce speed, scan both sides of the road carefully and be prepared to stop.
45. Warning for pedestrians
This traffic sign indicates a warning for pedestrians. Pedestrians may be walking near or crossing the road ahead. Reduce speed, watch carefully and be prepared to stop.
46. Warning for a pedestrian crossing
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a pedestrian crossing. A designated pedestrian crossing lies ahead. Reduce speed when necessary, watch carefully for pedestrians and be prepared to give way or stop according to the applicable local priority rules.
47. Warning for cyclists
This traffic sign indicates a warning for cyclists. Cyclists may be riding along or crossing the road ahead. Reduce speed, watch carefully for cyclists and maintain the passing distance required by the applicable local rules.
48. Warning for elderly pedestrians
This traffic sign indicates a warning for elderly pedestrians. Elderly pedestrians may be walking near or crossing the road and may require more time to cross safely. Reduce speed, watch carefully and be prepared to stop.
49. Warning for horse-drawn vehicles
This traffic sign indicates a warning for horse-drawn vehicles. Horse-drawn vehicles may be travelling along or crossing the road ahead and can move considerably more slowly than motor traffic. Reduce speed, allow plenty of space and overtake only where it is permitted and clearly safe.
50. Warning for equestrians
This traffic sign indicates a warning for equestrians. Horse riders may be on or near the road ahead. Reduce speed, allow plenty of space and avoid unnecessary use of the horn or sudden movements that could startle a horse.