Countdown markers: what they mean
Countdown markers show how far it is to the start of the exit lane. Each bar is about 100 yards: three bars about 300 yards, two about 200 and one about 100.
What it means
Know your traffic signs: countdown markers indicate the distance to the start of the deceleration lane, and each bar represents about 100 yards. Use them to move into the left-hand lane and signal in good time (rule 273).
Blue markers are used on motorways. The Highway Code adds that green-backed markers may be used on primary routes and white-backed markers with black bars on other routes.
Quick quiz
About how far is it to the start of the exit lane at the marker with two bars?
- About 200 yards
- About 2 miles
- About 20 yards
Show answer
A. About 200 yards. Each bar represents about 100 yards. Source: The Highway Code, rule 273, GOV.UK; Know your traffic signs: motorway signs, signals and road markings, GOV.UK; The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where you see it
Before motorway exits that have a deceleration lane. Know your traffic signs notes that lane-drop junctions do not use them, because there is no deceleration lane to move into.
A common mistake
Leaving it until the one-bar marker to move left. Rule 273 says to move into the left-hand lane well before reaching your exit.
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Sources
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.