No motor vehicles sign

What it means

No motor vehicles may use the road beyond the sign. Plates underneath may give exceptions, such as access.

The car and motorcycle stand for all motor vehicles. The red ring makes it a ban.

Bicycles and horses are not motor vehicles, so they may still use the road unless other signs say otherwise. Check for a plate underneath: some roads allow access or have the ban only at certain times.

Where you'll see it

At the entrance to roads, tracks and lanes that are closed to motor traffic, such as quiet lanes and some town centre streets.

Rules to know

• The sign means no motor vehicles.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 17

• Plates under prohibition signs can show exemptions, such as except for access to premises or land next to the road where there is no other route.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 18

• You must obey traffic signs giving orders.

  The Highway Code, Rule 109

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Confusing it with the plain red ring.

  Instead: An empty red ring bans all vehicles, except bicycles being pushed. This sign bans motor vehicles only.

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?

• ANo vehicles may use the road, except pedal cycles being pushed by hand.
• BNo vehicles longer than the length shown
• CNo towed caravans
• DNo motor vehicles

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