Printable UK road signs chart
All 261 signs on this site with what they mean, grouped by category. Print it, or choose “Save as PDF” in the print dialog, for revision on paper.
Sign images are the Department for Transport's official artwork, Crown copyright.
Warning signs (63)
Usually a triangle with a red border
CrossroadsWarns of a crossroads ahead.
Give way aheadA give way line ahead
RoundaboutWarns of a roundabout ahead.
Side roadWarns of a side road joining your road ahead.
Staggered junctionWarns of side roads joining from the left and right, a short distance apart.
T-junctionWarns of a T-junction ahead, where your road ends at another road.
Traffic merges onto main carriagewayTraffic merges onto the main carriageway ahead
Traffic merging from leftTraffic merging from the left ahead
Traffic signals aheadTraffic lights ahead
Two-way traffic crossingTwo-way traffic on a road crossing ahead
Bend aheadWarns of a bend to the right ahead (to the left when the symbol is reversed).
Double bendWarns of a double bend ahead, first to the left.
Dual carriageway endsThe dual carriageway ends ahead
Hump bridgeA hump bridge ahead
Junction on a bendA junction on a bend ahead
Road narrowsWarns that the road narrows on both sides ahead.
Road narrows on rightThe road narrows on the right-hand side
Steep hill downwardsWarns of a steep downhill gradient ahead.
Steep hill upwardsA steep hill upwards ahead
Two-way trafficTwo-way traffic on the road ahead
FordA ford, where the road crosses water
Risk of iceRisk of ice on the road ahead
Road humpsRoad humps ahead
Slippery roadWarns that the road ahead may be slippery.
Soft vergesSoft verges at the road edge
Try your brakesTest your brakes
Uneven roadThe road surface ahead is uneven
Children going to or from schoolWarns that children may be crossing or near the road on their way to or from school.
Cycle route crossing aheadA cycle route crosses or joins the road ahead
Frail pedestriansFrail pedestrians likely to cross
Pedestrian crossingWarns of a zebra or parallel crossing ahead.
Accompanied horses or poniesHorses or ponies likely on the road
CattleCattle may be on the road ahead
Cattle gridA cattle grid ahead
Horse-drawn vehiclesHorse-drawn vehicles likely in the road
Migratory toad crossingToads may be crossing the road
SheepSheep may be on the road
Wild animalsWild animals may be crossing the road
Wild horses or poniesWild horses or ponies on the road
Agricultural vehiclesFarm vehicles may be on the road
Arch bridge: high vehicles use middleHigh vehicles use the middle of the arch
Falling or fallen rocksRisk of falling or fallen rocks ahead
Height warning bellsBells that warn vehicles too tall for overhead cables
Level crossing with barrier or gateWarns of a level crossing ahead with a gate or barrier.
Level crossing without barrier or gateWarns of a level crossing ahead with no gate or barrier.
Low-flying aircraftLow-flying aircraft or sudden aircraft noise
Low-flying helicoptersLow-flying helicopters or sudden helicopter noise
Maximum headroomThe maximum headroom under the bridge ahead
Opening or swing bridgeAn opening or swing bridge ahead
Other dangerOther danger: the plate says what
Overhanging buildingLow headroom from an overhanging building
Overhead electric cableAn electrified overhead cable ahead
Quayside or river bankRoad runs beside a quayside or river bank
Reduce speed nowSlow down now for the hazard
Risk of groundingLong low vehicles may ground at the crossing
Safe height plateThe safe height under overhead cables
Side windsStrong side winds likely
Slow-moving military vehiclesSlow-moving military vehicles ahead
Slow-moving vehiclesSlow-moving vehicles ahead
St Andrew's crossA level crossing with no gates or barriers
Traffic queues likely aheadTraffic may be queuing ahead
Trams crossing aheadTrams cross the road ahead
TunnelA tunnel ahead
Regulatory signs (72)
Usually a circle: red ring prohibits, blue circle instructs
Another train comingAnother train is coming: keep waiting
Equestrian crossing far-side signalsFar-side signals for horse riders
Equestrian crossing signalsSignals for horse riders at a crossing
Give wayYou must give way to traffic on the major road ahead.
Give way to oncoming vehiclesGive priority to vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
Give way to trains (locomotive plate)Give way to trains at an open crossing
Give way to trams (tram plate)Give way to trams
Level crossing pedestrian signalPedestrians must not cross the railway
Puffin crossing signalsPuffin crossing signals for pedestrians
StopYou must stop at the white line, then go only when it's safe.
Stop (police)Stop when shown by the police
Toucan crossing signalsSignals for pedestrians and cyclists at a toucan crossing
No entryNo entry for vehicles.
No left turnYou must not turn left
No right turnYou must not turn right at the junction ahead.
No U-turnsU-turns are not allowed where this sign applies.
One-way trafficTraffic on this road may only travel in the direction of the arrow.
Bus standA bus stand: no stopping for other vehicles at the times shown
Controlled parking zoneThe entrance to a controlled parking zone
No loading at any timeNo loading or unloading at any time
No stopping (clearway)No stopping on the main carriageway at any time, not even to pick up or set down passengers.
No stopping except busesNo stopping except local buses during the times shown
No waitingYou must not wait or park here during the times shown.
Pedestrian zone waiting restrictionThe waiting restrictions in a pedestrian zone
Red route: no stopping at any timeNo stopping at any time on a red route
Red route: no stopping at times shownNo stopping during the times shown on a red route
Urban clearwayNo stopping during the times shown, except to pick up or set down passengers.
Zone endsThe end of a controlled parking zone
20 mph zoneA 20 mph speed limit applies throughout the zone.
End of 20 mph zoneThe end of a 20 mph zone
End of minimum speedThe end of a minimum speed requirement
Maximum speed limitYou must not go faster than the number shown, in mph.
Minimum speedYou must not go slower than the speed shown, unless it's impracticable or unsafe.
National speed limitThe national speed limit applies.
Contraflow bus laneBuses use a lane against the flow of traffic
Keep leftYou must keep to the left of the sign.
Lane closed (red cross)The lane is closed
Lane open (green arrow)The lane is open
Mini-roundaboutGive way to traffic from your immediate right and go round the central markings.
Move to the next lane (white arrow)Move to the next lane on the left
Proceed in direction indicatedYou must go the way the arrow points
Route for buses, cycles and taxisA route for buses, pedal cycles and taxis only
Route for pedal cycles onlyA route for pedal cycles only
Route for trams onlyA route for trams only
Separated route for cyclists and pedestriansSeparate sides for pedal cycles and pedestrians
Shared route for cyclists and pedestriansA path shared by pedal cycles and pedestrians
Turn left aheadYou must turn left at the junction ahead.
Vehicles may pass either sideYou may pass either side
With-flow bus lane aheadA bus lane ahead for the vehicles shown
End of goods vehicles restrictionThe end of the goods vehicles restriction
Large or slow vehicles: phone to crossLarge or slow vehicles must phone for permission
Long low vehicles: phone before crossingLong low vehicles must phone before crossing
Maximum heightNo vehicles over the height shown
Maximum lengthNo vehicles longer than the length shown
Maximum widthNo vehicles wider than the width shown
No articulated vehiclesNo articulated vehicles
No busesNo buses or vehicles carrying more than 8 passengers
No cyclingNo cycling
No goods vehicles over maximum gross weightNo goods vehicles over the weight shown
No horse-drawn vehiclesNo horse-drawn vehicles
No motor vehiclesNo motor vehicles
No motor vehicles except solo motorcyclesNo motor vehicles except solo motorcycles
No overtakingYou must not overtake until a sign cancels the restriction.
No pedestriansNo pedestrians
No ridden or accompanied horsesNo ridden or accompanied horses
No solo motorcyclesNo solo motorcycles
No towed caravansNo towed caravans
No vehiclesNo vehicles may use the road, except pedal cycles being pushed by hand.
No vehicles carrying explosivesNo vehicles carrying explosives
Pedestrian zone endsThe end of a pedestrian zone
Pedestrian zone: no motor vehiclesA pedestrian zone: no motor vehicles, cycling allowed
Pedestrian zone: no vehiclesA pedestrian zone: no vehicles except as shown
Information signs (70)
Usually a rectangle
Average speed checkA length of road with average speed cameras
Bus and cycle lane: look rightPedestrians, look right for buses and cycles
Bus lane at junction aheadA bus lane on the road at the junction ahead
Cycle lane: look rightPedestrians, look right for cycles
Dual carriageway aheadA dual carriageway begins ahead
End of bus laneThe bus lane ends here
End of cycle routeThe cycle lane, track or route ends
End of lane controlThe end of lane control
End of Quiet LaneThe end of a Quiet Lane
Home ZoneThe entrance to a Home Zone
In (separate entrance)The entrance where entry and exit are separate
Lane control aheadLane control signals ahead
Low bridge aheadA height restriction ahead
No entry (separate entrance)No entering by this point
No exit (separate exit)No leaving by this point
No through roadThe road ahead has no through route for vehicles.
One way (pedestrian advice)Traffic is one-way in the direction shown
Out (separate exit)The exit where entry and exit are separate
Passing placeA place to pull in on a narrow road
Priority over oncoming vehiclesYou have priority over oncoming vehicles through the narrow section ahead.
Quiet LaneThe start of a Quiet Lane
Recommended route for cyclesA route recommended for cycles on the road
Road closed to through trafficA road physically closed to through traffic
Single track road with passing placesNarrow road ahead with passing places
Speed camera nearby (30 mph)A speed camera nearby on a 30 mph road
Speed camera reminderA reminder that cameras are in use
Speed camerasAn area where speed cameras are in use
Traffic-calmed areaThe entrance to a traffic-calmed area
Tramway: look both waysPedestrians, look both ways for trams
Unsuitable for heavy goods vehiclesThe route is unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles
Unsuitable for motor vehiclesA route unsuitable for motor vehicles
Car ferryThe direction to a car ferry
DiversionFollow the diversion in the direction shown
Emergency diversion routeFollow this symbol on an emergency diversion route
Emergency vehicles routeRoute for emergency vehicles only
Goods vehicle testing stationA testing station for goods vehicles
Lorry routeRecommended route for lorries
Non-primary route directionDirections on a non-primary or local route
Primary route directionDirections on a primary route (main A road)
Public telephoneThe direction to a public telephone
Public toilets with disabled accessPublic toilets with disabled facilities
ShopmobilityA Shopmobility service for disabled people
Vehicle ferryThe direction to a vehicle ferry
Camping and caravan siteA licensed camping and caravan site
Parking with tourist facilitiesA parking place with visitor facilities ahead
Picnic areaA picnic area ahead
Tourist bus photo stopA photo stop for tourist buses
Tourist destinationDirections to a tourist attraction
Tourist informationTourist information point or centre
Youth hostelA youth hostel
Cycle parkingA parking place for pedal cycles
Disc zoneDisplay a parking disc showing your arrival time
Loading onlyA bay for loading and unloading only
Park and RideDirection to a Park and Ride car park
Park here and use phonePark here while you phone the signal operator
Parking for buses onlyA parking place for buses only
Parking partly on verge or footwayParking partly on the verge or footway
Parking placeParking place
Parking wholly on verge or footwayParking wholly on the verge or footway
Parking with time limitParking limited to the time shown
Pay and display parkingPay at the machine and display a ticket
Permit holders only parkingParking for permit holders only
Bus stopA bus stop
Direction to level crossing phoneThe direction to the level crossing phone
Emergency exitAn emergency exit from a road tunnel
Hospital (no A&E)Hospital without A&E
Hospital with A&EHospital with A&E
Level crossing phoneThe location of the level crossing phone
ServicesThe entrance to roadside services
Stepped entrance to a subwayA stepped entrance to a pedestrian subway
Motorway signs (16)
Blue direction signs and overhead signals
End of motorwayMotorway regulations end here.
End of motorway in 1 mileThe motorway ends in 1 mile
End of motorway regulationsMotorway regulations end here
Start of motorwayMotorway regulations apply from this point.
Countdown markersDistance to the next exit: about 100 yards a bar
Distance to next servicesThe distance to the next motorway services
Motorway directionDirections to or along a motorway
Motorway services entranceThe entrance to a motorway service area
Advised speed (motorway signal)Maximum speed advised for the conditions
End of restrictions (motorway signal)End of temporary restrictions
Fog warning (motorway signal)Risk of fog ahead
Ice signalRisk of ice ahead on the motorway
Move to adjacent lane (motorway signal)Move to the lane the arrow shows
Red X: lane closedLane closed: do not drive in it
Check your distanceCheck your gap to the vehicle in front
Keep apart 2 chevronsKeep at least two chevrons from the vehicle in front
Temporary signs (40)
Often on a yellow background at road works
3-way signal controlTemporary signals control the junction
Animal disease infected areaAn area infected by animal disease
Census pointA traffic survey census point
Crossing not in useThe crossing is temporarily out of use
Cyclists dismount (road works)Cyclists dismount and use the footway
Free recovery: await rescueAwait the free recovery service after a breakdown
Highway maintenanceA highway maintenance vehicle
Joining traffic not signal controlledJoining traffic is not signal controlled
Loose chippingsWarns of loose chippings on the road ahead.
New level crossing control aheadA new way of controlling traffic at the crossing ahead
New road layout aheadThe road layout ahead has recently changed
No road markingsNo road markings for the distance shown
Pedestrians look leftPedestrians look left for traffic
Road worksWarns of road works or an obstruction in the road ahead.
Sign not in useThe variable message sign is not in use
Slow census pointSlow down for a census point ahead
Stop at census pointStop at the census point
STOP WORKSStop: works on or near the road
Temporary pedestrian routeA temporary route for pedestrians
Traffic signals not in useThe traffic signals are not in use
Traffic under signal controlMain road traffic is under signal control
Wide loads: follow diversionWide loads must follow the diversion
Wide loads: phone hereThe phone point for drivers of wide loads
Workforce in roadPeople working in the road: go slowly
Works accessA temporary access to a works site
Works exitWorks vehicles may leave the site here
Works traffic onlyA route for works traffic only
Maximum speed advised at road worksShows the maximum speed advised, in mph, through road works.
New 30 mph speed limit in forceA new 30 mph limit is in force
Enter check point if directedEnter the check point if directed
Hard shoulder closedThe hard shoulder is closed for the distance shown
Keep to left lane (goods vehicles)Goods vehicles keep to the left lane for a check
Leave motorway if directedLeave the motorway if directed, for a vehicle check
Police accidentThe police warn of an accident ahead
Police slowThe police warn you to slow down
Police: use hard shoulderPolice: use the hard shoulder
Sharp bends on temporary roadSharp bends ahead on a temporary road
Stop/Go boardManual STOP/GO control at road works
Temporary lane closureA lane is closed ahead at road works
When red light shows wait hereStop here when the temporary lights are red