Stop/Go board sign

What it means

STOP means stop and wait. The other side of the board, a green GO, means you may go on with care.

Where road works leave only one lane open, traffic has to take turns. A worker at each end holds a board and turns it between STOP and GO.

When it shows STOP, wait at the board. When it shows GO, drive on carefully: there may be workers and machinery close to the lane.

Where you'll see it

At each end of short road works on a single carriageway road, where only one lane is open.

Rules to know

• The Highway Code lists manually operated temporary STOP and GO signs among the signs giving orders.

  The Highway Code, Traffic signs

• You must obey traffic signs giving orders, including temporary signals and signs.

  The Highway Code, Rule 109

• At road works where two-way traffic is not possible, the direction of flow may be alternated by manually operated 'STOP/GO' boards at each end.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 158

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Following the car in front through when the board has turned to STOP.

  Instead: The board controls each vehicle. When it shows STOP, you must stop, even if the car ahead got through.

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?

• AManual STOP/GO control at road works
• BYou must stop at the white line, then go only when it's safe.
• CStop: works on or near the road
• DThe hard shoulder is closed for the distance shown

Ready for more? Take the Temporary Signs Quiz