Red X signal: what it means

What does the red X signal mean?

Know your traffic signs says red lights flashing from side to side in pairs, together with a red cross, mean do not proceed in the traffic lane directly below. Rule 258 says you must follow the signs to move safely to an open lane and must not drive in a closed lane.

The lane is closed because people, stopped vehicles or other hazards may be in it.

Quick quiz

Motorways

Question 1 of 1

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

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Where will you see it?

On gantries above motorway lanes and on signs at the side of the road.

What should you do?

Move safely to an open lane in good time. Stay out of the closed lane until a sign shows a speed limit or END.

What do people get wrong?

Staying in the closed lane because the hazard is not in sight yet. Emergency services may be using the lane to reach an incident.

Common questions

When can I use the lane again?

When a sign shows a speed limit or the word END for that lane (rule 258).

What if all lanes show red lights?

The road is closed. You must not go beyond the sign in any lane or use the hard shoulder to get past (rule 258).

Compare with

• Red cross lane control signalThis lane is closed to you.
• Lane closed ahead signalA lane is closed ahead: move over in time.

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Sources

Checked on 4 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (motorway signs, signals and road markings) and The Highway Code (rule 258; light signals).

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