When red light shows wait here sign

What it means

This is the point beyond which you must not go when the temporary traffic lights show red.

Temporary traffic lights at road works usually have no stop line painted on the road. This sign does that job.

Stop level with the sign when the light is red. Waiting further forward can block the lane for traffic coming the other way through the works.

Where you'll see it

Next to temporary traffic lights at road works, especially where traffic takes turns through a single lane.

Rules to know

• The sign shows the point beyond which vehicles should not proceed when temporary traffic signals show a red light.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 156

• Portable traffic signals operate in the same way as permanent ones. Normally a stop line is not marked on the road; a sign is used instead to show where you must stop when the red signal shows.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 158

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

  The Highway Code, Rule 109

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Creeping past the sign to get a better view.

  Instead: The sign marks where to wait. Beyond it, you may block traffic coming through the works from the other direction.

Test yourself

Recalling the answer helps it stick. Pick an answer to see how you did.

Question 1 of 1

What does this sign mean?

• AStop here when the temporary lights are red
• BPeople working in the road: go slowly
• CShows the maximum speed advised, in mph, through road works.
• DThe hard shoulder is closed for the distance shown

Ready for more? Take the Temporary Signs Quiz