Traffic queues likely ahead sign

What it means

There may be slow or stationary traffic on the road ahead, possibly out of sight.

The line of cars shows a queue of traffic.

Check your mirrors, ease off and leave a bigger gap to the vehicle in front, so you can stop in good time if you come round a bend to stopped traffic.

Where you'll see it

On the approach to junctions, road works or busy stretches where traffic often backs up.

Rules to know

• The sign warns that traffic queues are likely ahead.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 13

• Leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops.

  The Highway Code, Rule 126

• On a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway, you may briefly use hazard warning lights to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead.

  The Highway Code, Rule 116

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Keeping up your speed because the road looks clear.

  Instead: The queue may be hidden beyond a bend or the brow of a hill. Slow down early and be ready to stop.

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?

• AThe road narrows on the right-hand side
• BWarns of a steep downhill gradient ahead.
• CWarns that children may be crossing or near the road on their way to or from school.
• DTraffic may be queuing ahead

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