Regulatory sign
Lane closed (red cross) sign
What does the Lane closed (red cross) sign mean?
An overhead lane control signal: a red cross means the lane is closed to traffic facing it. Do not use it.
Also known as: Lane control red cross
What it means
This lane is closed to you.
A red cross above a lane means it is closed to traffic facing the signal. On tidal flow roads, it may be open to traffic in the other direction.
Do not drive in a lane under a red cross.
Where you'll see it
Above the lanes on roads with tidal flow lane control.
Rules to know
A red cross means that the lane is closed to traffic facing the signal.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 142
Common mistakes
Mistake: Using the lane because it looks empty.
Instead: It may be open to traffic coming towards you.
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© Crown copyright. Free to reuse under the Open Government Licence v3.0, as long as the sign is reproduced accurately and not in a misleading context.
Related signs
Opposite
Lane open (green arrow)
Regulatory sign
The lane is open.
Similar
Red X: lane closed
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The motorway red X signal.
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- Know Your Traffic Signs (Department for Transport, Sixth edition, 2023), Tidal flow lane control signs and signals, p. 142
Sign image: Department for Transport, Traffic sign images (diagram 5003). © Crown copyright, reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Last reviewed 11 October 2026. This page explains the sign in our own words; for the full rules, see The Highway Code. How we source and check content