UK Road Signs and Their Meanings | A Complete Guide

The DVSA has deployed a well-defined set of traffic signs that help drivers safely drive on the roads and reach their destination. These signs come in different shapes and colours; each indicates a different message. They may be difficult to memorise, but if you study their pattern and categories, you can easily navigate through these signs.

If you are preparing for your theory or driving test or merely want to refresh your memory, our blog post is for you. Let’s break down these signs into different categories to help you understand them.

Categories of Traffic Signs Based on Their Purpose

Order Giving Signs

Also known as regulatory signs, they convey regulations, rules and instructions that must be followed by the drivers. These are generally round signs with a red circle around their border and a symbol or instruction in the middle. The text or symbol may be in black colour with a white background or in white colour with a black background. The examples include:

• Maximum speed limit

• Give way

• No motor vehicles

• Positive Instruction Signs

Warning Signs

Warning signs are used to alert drivers of any dangerous conditions that may result in a traffic hazard. These signs generally come in a triangular shape, with a red border and a symbol, text, or pictogram in the middle. They have a white background with black-coloured symbols or text. Examples of these signs include the following:

• Road narrows

• Crossroads

• Steep hill

Information Signs

Information signs are designed to provide non-essential positive information along the route. These signs mostly feature a blue background and white text, sign or pictogram. They come in both round and rectangular shapes. They include information about hospitals, parking areas, rest areas, and other amenities on the route. The examples include:

• Congestion zone

• Parking

• End of motorway

Direction signs

Directions signs are used to guide the driver and provide useful information about the destination, routes and specific locations. These signs help them plot a route and navigate to their destination. These signs are generally divided into three categories, i.e.:

Motorway Signs: These signs feature a blue square or rectangle with white symbols and text.

Primary Roads: These are green rectangles or squares with white or black text and symbols.

Non-Primary Roads: these signs are designed as white rectangles and squares with black borders, texts and symbols.

Categories of Traffic Signs Based on Their Colour

Red Signs

Generally seen as a red border on triangular or circular signs, they warn the drivers of any hazard ahead or indicate a restriction or prohibition. For example, circular signs with red borders indicate what you must not do, and triangular signs warn drivers of potential dangers ahead.

Blue Signs

Blue signs are mostly for instructions and guidance. They will keep the driver informed of the route. They can be seen in two shapes, i.e.:

Circular: Blue circular signs with white text are used to provide positive instructions.

Rectangular: Blue rectangular signs with white text are used to instruct drivers on motorways.

Green Signs

Green signs are used to provide directions and instructions on primary roads. Light or bright green also indicates quiet lanes and directions to emergency services.

Yellow Signs

Yellow signs generally indicate temporary traffic conditions, such as closed roads, diversions, etc. However, regulatory signs with a yellow background indicate restrictions and prohibitions.

Brown Signs

Brown signs are generally used to highlight tourist attractions and other landmarks along the route. They are generally rectangular, with an arrowhead on one side that points to the direction of the place.

Black Signs

Signs with black backgrounds are used as instructions and restrictions for heavy goods vehicles. They usually have an image of a lorry in them.

Categories of Traffic Signs Based on Their Shape

Circular Road Signs

Circular signs generally provide orders or instructions to drivers. For example, circular signs with white backgrounds and red borders indicate something that you must not do. However, circular signs with blue backgrounds and white text and symbols are used to provide positive instructions to the drivers, such as turns, roundabouts, etc.

Triangular Road Signs

Triangular road signs are basically warning signs that are used to alert drivers of any upcoming situation that may lead to hazards. This includes sharp bends, slippery roads, bridges, speed bumps and more. These road signs always come with a red border.

Rectangular Road Signs

Rectangular road signs are mostly information and directions that help the driver to navigate on the way and reach their destination. These signs are seen in three different colours. Blue rectangular signs are used on motorways, green rectangular signs are used on primary roads and white signs are used on non-primary roads.

Special Traffic Signs in the UK

Lane Control Sign: This motorway sign is used to inform the drivers on which lanes are closed or open.

The National Speed Limit Sign: This is a special white circular sign with a black diagonal sign that indicates that the National Speed Limit is applicable here.

No Stopping Sign: This circular sign with a blue background, red border and a red diagonal cross indicates that you cannot stop your vehicle here.

No Waiting Sign: This is a circular sign with a blue background, a red border and a red diagonal line that prohibits the drivers from stopping for a longer period.

The Give Way Sign: This is an inverted triangle with red borders and black text that instructs the driver to give way on the major road to the traffic.

The Stop Sign: The stop sign is a red octagonal sign with white text that orders the driver to stop their vehicle at a designated point.

Pedestrian Zone Signs: These signs inform the drivers of the areas where pedestrians have priority over vehicles.

Bus Lane Sign: This blue rectangular sign with white text indicates that the lane is designated for buses and cycles only.

Wrapping Up!

It is important to remember that these traffic signs are designed for the safety and guidance of the drivers. It is imperative to obey them at all times. If you are learning these signs to prepare for the theory test, Pimlico Driving School has a carefully curated system of mock tests and driving courses that can help you in your quest.