Distance to next services sign

What it means

The next motorway service area is the distance shown.

After each junction, a sign may show the distance to the next motorway service area.

On most motorways, service areas are provided at intervals of not more than 30 miles.

Where you'll see it

On the motorway after a junction.

Rules to know

• After each junction, a sign may show the distance to the next motorway service area.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 99

• On most motorways, service areas are provided at intervals of not more than 30 miles. They are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and provide fuel, free parking (up to 2 hours), refreshments, toilets and disabled access.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 99

Read more

• Smart motorway signs: red X, speed limits and emergency areasWhat smart motorway signs mean: a red X closes a lane, a limit in a red circle is mandatory, and when you may use the hard shoulder or an emergency area.

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Leaving a break until tiredness sets in.

  Instead: Plan a stop in good time. Tiredness is dangerous.

Test yourself

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

Question 1 of 1

What does this sign mean?

• AThe distance to the next motorway services
• BDirections to or along a motorway
• CMotorway regulations end here
• DDistance to the next exit: about 100 yards a bar

Ready for more? Take the Motorway Signs Quiz