UK motorway signs and signals

Motorway direction signs have a blue background with white words. Signals on gantries or at the side of the road warn of incidents, fog and lane closures that you may not see yet (rule 255).

A red X with red lights flashing means the lane below is closed: you must not drive in it (rule 258). A speed in a red ring is a limit you must obey; a speed without a red ring is advice (Know your traffic signs). Lane control signals on other busy roads use a green arrow, a red cross and a white diagonal arrow (Know your traffic signs).

UK motorway signs and signals

• Red X signalLane closed: do not drive in it.
• Lane closed ahead signalA lane is closed ahead: move over in time.
• Temporary maximum speed advised signalAn advised speed for the conditions, not a limit.
• Leave motorway at next exit signalLeave the motorway at the next exit.
• Fog warning signalRisk of fog ahead.
• End of temporary restrictions signalThe temporary restrictions end here.
• No hard shoulder signThere is no hard shoulder for the distance shown.
• Keep apart 2 chevrons signKeep at least two chevrons from the vehicle in front.
• End of motorway in 1 mile signThe motorway ends in 1 mile.
• Green arrow lane control signalThis lane is open to you.
• Red cross lane control signalThis lane is closed to you.
• White arrow lane control signalThe lane closes ahead: move to the next lane.
• Start of motorway signMotorway rules apply from here.
• End of motorway signMotorway rules end here.
• Countdown markersBars that count down to a motorway exit.
• Emergency telephone signAn emergency telephone is ahead.

Test yourself

Motorway signals

Question 1 of 3

1. A red X lights up above your lane. What must you do?

   • A Drive on if the lane looks clear
   • B Move safely into an open lane Right
   • C Stop under the sign
   • D Move onto the hard shoulder

   The right answer is B: Move safely into an open lane

   WhyA red X identifies a closed lane. You must follow the signs to move safely to an open lane, and you must not drive in a closed lane.

   Source: The Highway Code, rule 258

   Report this question

2. You see a motorway overhead signal showing 60 inside a red circle. What does this mean?

   • A 60 mph is advised but not compulsory
   • B The limit applies only to goods vehicles
   • C You must not exceed 60 mph Right
   • D You must drive at least 60 mph

   The right answer is C: You must not exceed 60 mph

   WhyA speed limit shown inside a red circle is mandatory, so you must not exceed it.

   Source: The Highway Code, rule 261, Know Your Traffic Signs: Motorway signals and variable signs

   Report this question

3. A sign on a motorway shows red flashing lights and the closure of all lanes. What must you do?

   • A Drive past slowly in the left-hand lane
   • B Stop and not go beyond the sign in any lane Right
   • C Use the hard shoulder to get past the closure
   • D Turn around and drive back along the motorway

   The right answer is B: Stop and not go beyond the sign in any lane

   WhyDo not pass an all-lanes closure sign or use the hard shoulder unless a police or traffic officer directs you.

   Source: The Highway Code, rule 258

   Report this question

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• Road and traffic signsKnow it
• Motorway rulesOn the way
• Vulnerable road usersStamped

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More signs and markings

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

Sources

Checked on 4 November 2026 against the GOV.UK pages below.

1. Know your traffic signs: motorway signs, signals and road markings, GOV.UK
2. Know your traffic signs: tidal flow lane control signs and signals, GOV.UK
3. The Highway Code, rule 255, GOV.UK
4. The Highway Code, rule 258, GOV.UK
5. The Highway Code: light signals controlling traffic, 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.