Warning sign
Quayside or river bank sign
What does the Quayside or river bank sign mean?
Warns that the road runs along an unprotected quayside or river bank, with a drop into water. Take great care.
What it means
The road ahead runs beside open water with nothing to stop a vehicle going over the edge.
The symbol shows a car going over an edge into water.
Keep your speed down, especially in the dark or in poor weather, and take care when turning or reversing near the edge.
Where you'll see it
At harbours, slipways and roads that run along the edge of rivers or canals.
Rules to know
The sign warns of a quayside or river bank.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 12
Common mistakes
Mistake: Reversing or turning close to the edge without checking.
Instead: There may be no barrier. Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the edge.
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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
Opening or swing bridge
Warning sign
Another warning near water.
More warning signs
All warning signs
Sources
- Know Your Traffic Signs (Department for Transport, Sixth edition, 2023), Warning signs, p. 12
Sign image: Department for Transport, Traffic sign images (diagram 555). © Crown copyright, reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Last reviewed 6 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