Staggered junction sign: what it means
The staggered junction sign warns of side roads ahead on both sides, a short distance apart instead of directly opposite each other. The broader line shows which road has priority.
What does the staggered junction sign mean?
Know your traffic signs lists it as a staggered junction and says the priority through the junction is shown by the broader line.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Side roads join on both sides, not opposite each other.
- A crossroads is ahead.
- A side road joins from one side ahead.
Show answer
A. Side roads join on both sides, not opposite each other. Side roads join on both sides, a short distance apart (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 146, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 167, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
On main roads in towns and in the country where two side roads join close together.
What should you do?
Slow down and watch both side roads. Vehicles may pull out from either side or cross from one side road to the other. Do not overtake. Rule 146 says to be prepared for road users emerging at junctions.
What do people get wrong?
Watching only the first side road. A driver may pull out of the second one while you are looking at the first.
Common questions
What does the thick line on the staggered junction sign mean?
The broader line shows the road with priority through the junction (Know your traffic signs).
Is a staggered junction the same as a crossroads?
No. At a crossroads the side roads are opposite each other. At a staggered junction they are a short distance apart.
Compare with
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 3 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (warning signs) and The Highway Code rules 146 and 167.
- Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 146, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 167, 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.