UK information signs and their meanings

The Highway Code says information signs are all rectangular. Colour helps too: on direction signs, blue backgrounds are for motorways, green for primary routes and white for local routes, and brown panels show the way to tourist attractions.

Information signs do not give orders, but they often warn you about a rule that is about to apply, such as motorway regulations.

UK information signs

• Start of motorway signMotorway rules apply from here.
• End of motorway signMotorway rules end here.
• Countdown markersBars that count down to a motorway exit.
• Priority over oncoming vehicles signYou go first through the narrow part, with care.
• No through road signA dead end for vehicles.
• Hospital signRed for A and E, blue for no A and E.
• Parking signA parking place.
• Home Zone signA street shared by people and traffic.
• Controlled parking zone signWaiting limits apply in the whole zone.
• Red route clearway signNo stopping at all on a red route.
• Passing place signPull in here to let others pass.
• Single track road signA narrow road with passing places ahead.
• Unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles signThe road is not suitable for lorries.
• Dual carriageway ahead signA dual carriageway starts ahead.
• Lane ends ahead signOne lane ends ahead; the lanes reduce.
• Traffic calmed area signAn area with humps or narrowings to slow you.
• Pedestrian zone signNo vehicles in the zone, except those shown.
• Disabled badge holders only signParking only for disabled badge holders.
• Permit holders only signParking only for permit holders.
• No loading at any time signNo loading or unloading at any time.
• Primary route direction signGreen signs show primary routes.
• Brown tourist signBrown signs show the way to tourist attractions.
• Diversion signA temporary diversion route starts here.
• Emergency diversion route symbolThe symbol marks an emergency diversion route.
• Congestion charge zone signA road charging zone applies here.
• Loading bay signThis bay is for loading and unloading only.

Test yourself

Every sign page has its own quick question. For more practice, try the Highway Code quizzes.

More signs and markings

• Regulatory signs
• Speed limit signs
• Warning signs
• Level crossing signs
• Bus, cycle and tram signs
• Motorway signs and signals
• Road works signs
• Traffic lights and signals
• Road markings
• All road signs

Sources

(3)

1. Know your traffic signs: information signs, GOV.UK
2. Know your traffic signs: motorway signs, signals and road markings, GOV.UK
3. The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK

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.