Non-primary route direction sign

What it means

The sign gives directions on a non-primary route. White backgrounds with black lettering and route numbers mark these roads.

All roads that are not motorways or primary routes are non-primary routes, including local roads with A numbers.

A coloured panel on a white sign points to a different kind of route: green for a primary route and blue for a motorway.

Where you'll see it

At junctions on B roads, minor A roads and local roads, pointing to towns, villages and local places such as stations.

Rules to know

• Direction signs on non-primary routes have white backgrounds, with black route numbers and lettering.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 111

• All roads other than motorways and primary routes, including local roads with A numbers, are called non-primary routes.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 111

• On signs on non-primary routes, green panels show that a primary route starts at the junction ahead, and blue route numbers show the direction to a motorway.

  The Highway Code, Traffic signs

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Assuming a white sign means a minor road.

  Instead: Some non-primary roads are busy A roads. The colour shows the route’s status in the network, not how busy it is.

Test yourself

Recalling the answer helps it stick. Pick an answer to see how you did.

Question 1 of 2

What does this sign mean?

• AThe entrance to roadside services
• BDirections on a primary route (main A road)
• CDirections on a non-primary or local route
• DDirections to a tourist attraction

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