Uneven road sign: what it means
The uneven road sign warns that the road surface ahead is uneven. Bumps and dips can unsettle your vehicle.
What does the uneven road sign mean?
Know your traffic signs lists it as “uneven road”. The symbol shows a bumpy road surface. It is different from road humps, which are built to slow traffic down.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Road humps ahead.
- The road surface ahead is uneven.
- The road surface ahead may be slippery.
Show answer
B. The road surface ahead is uneven. It warns of an uneven road ahead (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK; The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
On older or damaged roads, often in the country.
What should you do?
Slow down and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Give cyclists and motorcyclists more room.
What do people get wrong?
Mixing it up with the road humps sign, which warns of humps built to slow traffic down.
Common questions
Is the uneven road sign the same as road humps?
No. Road humps are built on purpose to slow traffic. This sign warns of a bumpy surface.
Why give cyclists more room?
A poor surface can make a cyclist or motorcyclist wobble or swerve.
Compare with
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 (warning signs) and The Highway Code (traffic signs).
- Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code: traffic signs, 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.