Warning sign
Side road sign
What does the Side road sign mean?
Warns of a side road joining your road ahead. Watch for vehicles pulling out of it or slowing down to turn in.
Also known as: Side road ahead sign
What it means
A side road joins your road ahead, on the side shown by the symbol. Vehicles may come out of it or slow down to turn into it.
The broader line shows that the road you're on has priority, but drivers emerging from the side road may not see you or may misjudge your speed.
Other versions of the sign show the side road on the left.
Rules to know
The priority through the junction is indicated by the broader line.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 10
Where there are junctions, be prepared for road users emerging.
The Highway Code, Rule 146
Common mistakes
Mistake: Assuming a driver waiting at the side road has seen you.
Instead: Be ready to slow down or stop in case they pull out.
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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
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T-junction
Warning sign
Your road ends at another road.
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Crossroads
Warning sign
Roads cross ahead.
More warning signs
All warning signsSources
- Know Your Traffic Signs (Department for Transport, Sixth edition, 2023), Warning signs, p. 10
- The Highway Code, Rule 146
Sign image: Department for Transport, Traffic sign images (diagram 506.1). © Crown copyright, reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Checked against these sources and reviewed by Bikash Thapa, full UK driving licence holder. Last reviewed 4 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