Primary route direction sign: what it means
This green sign gives directions on a primary route. The white panel shows a non-primary route.
What does the primary route direction sign mean?
The green background identifies a primary route. Know your traffic signs says these routes have A numbers, with yellow route numbers and white lettering on their signs. The white panel identifies a non-primary route at the junction ahead.
This example shows a route through a town or village that the main road bypasses. Use the destinations and route numbers to plan your journey.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Brown signs show the way to tourist attractions.
- Motorway rules apply from here.
- Green signs show primary routes.
Show answer
C. Green signs show primary routes. The green background identifies a primary route, while the white panel shows a non-primary route (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: direction signs on all-purpose roads, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images: image details (spreadsheet), Department for Transport, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
On a primary route approaching a junction with a non-primary route through a town or village that has been bypassed.
What should you do?
Use the destinations, route numbers and panel colours to plan which route to follow.
What do people get wrong?
Do not assume every route shown is a primary route. The white panel identifies a non-primary route.
Common questions
Are all A roads primary routes?
No. Know your traffic signs says non-primary routes can also have A numbers.
What does a white panel on a green road sign mean?
It identifies a non-primary route at the junction ahead, according to Know your traffic signs.
Compare with
Brown tourist signBrown signs show the way to tourist attractions.
Diversion signA temporary diversion route starts here.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 5 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (direction signs on all-purpose roads) and the Department for Transport’s image details list.
- Know your traffic signs: direction signs on all-purpose roads, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images: image details (spreadsheet), Department for Transport, 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.