A white sign with black border: find out what it means in our road sign guide.
A white sign with black border: find out what it means in our road sign guide.
Road signs are different styles and shapes, and knowing what each type of road sign is trying to tell you is the first step in understanding them.
Red circular – these tell you about something you must not do, such as exceed a certain speed, overtake or turn left.
Blue circular – tells you something you should do; for example, turn right ahead, keep left.
Red triangular – give you a warning about a hazard ahead like a sharp bend, slippery road or steep hill.
Blue signs
Motorway signs or signs approaching motorways are on blue backgrounds. These make you aware of:
Green signs
These are found on primary routes and have different coloured sections that provide you with information. For example:
Symbols may also form part of these signs to let you know about any hazards ahead.
White signs with black borders
These are typically found on non-primary and local routes. They implement different coloured sections and symbols to tie in with the primary and motorway routes. They may also include more precise, local information such as how far away in yards a tourist site is, where you can find toilets and what parking restrictions are in place. They will also let you know about any emergency diversions – these are usually on yellow backgrounds with black writing.
Information signs are generally rectangular or square. They let you know about:
Lights are also used in the UK to get messages across to drivers. You might find flashing red lights at lifting bridges, airfields and fire stations.
Lights forming symbols are also used as temporary motorway signals. A red cross would let you know not to proceed further in a particular lane and a white arrow might be asking you to change lane or leave at the next exit.
They may also let you know about adverse conditions such as fog or temporary maximum speeds. In this case, the lights would spell out the word or the number.
