Red cross lane control signal: meaning and rules

What does the red cross lane control signal mean?

Know your traffic signs says a red cross means that the lane is closed to traffic facing the signal. On these roads, the lane may be in use by traffic coming the other way.

Quick quiz

What does the sign at the top of this page mean?

This lane is open to you.
The lane closes ahead: move to the next lane.
This lane is closed to you.

Show answer

C. This lane is closed to you. A red cross means the lane is closed to traffic facing the signal (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: tidal flow lane control signs and signals, GOV.UK; The Highway Code: light signals controlling traffic, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK

Where will you see it?

Above lanes on roads with lane control or tidal flow.

What should you do?

Stay out of the lane. Move to a lane with a green arrow.

What do people get wrong?

Using the lane because it looks empty. Oncoming traffic may be given that lane.

Common questions

Is it the same as the motorway red X?

Both mean the lane is closed to you. On a motorway, rule 258 says you must not drive in a lane under a red X.

Why is it closed?

Lane control signals vary the lanes to give priority to the main traffic flow.

Compare with

Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.

Sources

Checked on 4 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (tidal flow lane control signs and signals) and The Highway Code (light signals).

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.