Hard shoulder closed sign: what it means
This red road works sign means the hard shoulder is temporarily closed for the distance shown.
What does the hard shoulder closed sign mean?
Know your traffic signs lists it as the hard shoulder temporarily closed for the distance shown. It is the road works version of the blue no hard shoulder sign.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- A sudden change in the road level ahead.
- There are no road markings for the distance shown.
- The hard shoulder is closed for the distance shown.
Show answer
C. The hard shoulder is closed for the distance shown. It shows the hard shoulder is temporarily closed (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: signs for road works and temporary situations, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 290, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
On motorways and dual carriageways at road works.
What should you do?
If you have a problem, carry on to the end of the works if you can. Rule 290 says areas marked off by cones contain serious hazards.
What do people get wrong?
Pulling into the coned-off works area to stop.
Common questions
Where should I stop if I break down in road works?
Rule 290 says use a signed road works refuge if there is one, and be aware that coned areas contain significant hazards.
Is this the same as the blue sign?
The blue no hard shoulder sign marks a permanent stretch without one, such as under a bridge. This red one is temporary.
Compare with
No hard shoulder signThere is no hard shoulder for the distance shown.
Road works signRoad works ahead.
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 (signs for road works and temporary situations) and The Highway Code rule 290.
- Know your traffic signs: signs for road works and temporary situations, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 290, 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.