Leave motorway at next exit signal: what it means
This motorway signal with a bent arrow pointing left means leave the motorway at the next exit.
What does the leave motorway at next exit signal mean?
Know your traffic signs lists this signal as “leave motorway at next exit”. It is used when the road ahead is closed or blocked.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Lane closed: do not drive in it.
- Leave the motorway at the next exit.
- The motorway ends in 1 mile.
Show answer
B. Leave the motorway at the next exit. The signal tells you to leave the motorway at the next exit (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: motorway signs, signals and road markings, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 263, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 257, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
On motorway signals before a closure, often with amber lamps flashing.
What should you do?
Move to the left lane in good time and take the next exit.
What do people get wrong?
Carrying on to see what happens. The road ahead may be closed.
Common questions
What if I miss the exit?
Rule 263 says you must not reverse on a motorway. Follow the signs and any directions from the police or traffic officers.
What do the amber lamps mean?
They flash to warn of a hazard ahead (rule 257).
Compare with
Red X signalLane closed: do not drive in it.
End of motorway in 1 mile signThe motorway ends in 1 mile.
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 (motorway signs, signals and road markings) and The Highway Code rules 263 and 257.
- Know your traffic signs: motorway signs, signals and road markings, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 263, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 257, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, 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.