Temporary sign
Sign not in use sign
What does the Sign not in use sign mean?
Shown on a variable message sign that is out of use or being tested. Ignore any message it shows.
Also known as: Variable message sign not in use
What it means
The variable message sign ahead is not in use or is being tested.
The sign is shown over a variable message sign that is not working properly or is being tested.
Do not act on any message that appears.
Where you'll see it
On or beside variable message signs.
Rules to know
The sign indicates that a variable message sign ahead is not in use or is being tested.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 161
Common mistakes
Mistake: Following a message on a sign that is out of use.
Instead: Ignore messages on a sign marked not in use.
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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.
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- Know Your Traffic Signs (Department for Transport, Sixth edition, 2023), Road works and temporary signs, p. 161
Sign image: Department for Transport, Traffic sign images (diagram 7020). © 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