Regulatory sign
Move to the next lane (white arrow) sign
What does the Move to the next lane (white arrow) sign mean?
An overhead lane control signal: a white diagonal arrow means the lane closes ahead. Move to the next lane on the left.
Also known as: Lane control diagonal arrow
What it means
This lane closes ahead. Move to the lane on the left.
A white diagonal arrow means the lane is closed ahead and traffic should move to the next lane on the left.
Move over in good time and merge safely.
Where you'll see it
Above the lanes on roads with tidal flow lane control.
Rules to know
A white diagonal arrow means that the lane is closed ahead and traffic should move to the next lane on the left.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 142
Common mistakes
Mistake: Waiting until the last moment to move over.
Instead: Move left as soon as it is safe.
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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
See also
Lane closed (red cross)
Regulatory sign
The closed lane ahead.
Similar
Move to adjacent lane (motorway signal)
Motorway sign
The motorway version.
More regulatory signs
All regulatory signs
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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 5005). © 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