Warning Signs
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Vehicles must prepare to halt at a stop line situated 100 yards from the sign.: This sign provides advance warning of a mandatory stop. Drivers should begin to decelerate and be prepared to come to a complete stop at the stop line 100 yards ahead.
Approaching drivers must be prepared to yield the right of way at a junction 50 yards ahead.: This sign warns drivers of an upcoming junction where they must give priority to traffic on the intersecting road. They should be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary to allow other vehicles to pass.
Traffic flow at the upcoming junction is regulated by traffic signals.: This is a warning sign indicating the presence of traffic lights ahead. Drivers should be prepared to stop if the light changes to amber or red.
The traffic signals ahead are operational only at specific times.: This sign informs drivers that the traffic lights ahead are not in constant use. They are likely active during periods of higher traffic volume or specific times of the day, and the junction may function differently when the signals are not operational.
A crossroads where vehicles may be approaching from all directions.: This sign indicates an upcoming intersection where roads cross. Drivers should be particularly vigilant and prepared to yield to traffic on the intersecting roads.
An upcoming T-junction where a minor road joins a major road.: This sign warns drivers of a T-junction. The orientation of the T usually indicates whether the minor road joins from the left or the right. Drivers on the minor road will typically need to give way to traffic on the major road.
A side road joining the main road ahead.: This sign indicates that a side road will merge with the main road. Drivers on the main road should be aware of potential merging traffic, and drivers on the side road should yield appropriately.
A staggered junction where intersecting roads do not directly align.: This sign indicates that you are approaching a junction where the intersecting roads are offset. You will need to negotiate each part of the junction separately and be aware of traffic flow from different directions at each point.
A point where traffic from a side road on your left will join your lane.: This sign indicates that traffic will be merging into your lane from the left. Drivers should be aware of merging vehicles and adjust their speed and position as necessary to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
Traffic merging onto the main carriageway you are currently on.: This sign warns drivers that traffic will be joining the main road they are traveling on. They should be prepared for potentially increased traffic volume and adjust their speed accordingly.
A roundabout where you will need to give way to traffic already on it.: This sign indicates that you are approaching a roundabout. Upon reaching the roundabout, you will typically need to give way to traffic already circulating from your right (in the UK).
Caution! A significant bend to the right is approaching, requiring you to reduce your speed.: This sign warns of a sharp bend in the road to the right. Drivers should slow down and be prepared to steer accordingly. The note (left if symbol reversed) indicates that the sign can also be displayed with the bend to the left.
A double bend in the road, with the first curve being to the left.: This sign warns of two consecutive bends, the first being to the left. Drivers should reduce their speed and be prepared for the changing direction of the road. The note (right if symbol reversed) indicates the sign can also show a right bend followed by a left.
A junction where the main road bends to the left.: This sign warns of a junction located on a bend in the main road. In this depiction, the main road curves to the left, and there might be a joining road. Drivers should approach with caution and be aware of potential traffic entering or exiting the main road. The note (symbols may be reversed) means the bend could also be to the right.
A junction where the main road curves to the right.: This sign indicates a junction situated on a bend where the main road curves to the right. Drivers should exercise caution and be aware of vehicles joining or leaving the main road. Again, (symbols may be reversed) indicates the bend could also be to the left.
Adverse camber (the road surface slopes away from the center of a curve, making vehicle control more challenging).: This sign is used with bend or roundabout warning signs to advise drivers to take extra care and reduce speed.
A sharp change of direction in the road to the left.: Chevron signs are used to highlight sharp bends or changes in direction. The direction the chevrons point indicates the direction of the turn. (right if chevrons reversed) means the chevrons could also point to the right.
Reduction in speed is necessary.: This is a supplementary plate used with warning signs for hazards such as sharp bends, steep hills, or other conditions where drivers need to reduce their speed immediately.
An advisory speed limit of 30 miles per hour.: This sign displays an advisory speed limit, suggesting the maximum safe speed for the prevailing conditions, such as a bend or other hazard. It is not legally enforceable like a mandatory speed limit sign (which would typically be circular).
A reduction in the width of the road.: This sign indicates that the road ahead becomes narrower. Drivers should be prepared to adjust their speed and position accordingly.
The road will narrow on the right-hand side.: This sign warns that the road ahead will become narrower on the right. Drivers should be mindful of their lateral positioning. The note left if symbols reversed indicates the sign can also show narrowing on the left.
Due to road conditions, oncoming traffic may be using the center of the road.: This sign warns drivers that they should be particularly cautious as oncoming vehicles might be traveling closer to the center of the road, potentially due to road repairs or other temporary conditions.
The road ahead is only wide enough for one lane of traffic.: This sign informs drivers that the road ahead is narrow and traffic in both directions will need to proceed in a single file.
The road ahead has a single lane for both directions of traffic.: Similar to Single file traffic, this sign indicates a narrow road where vehicles traveling in opposite directions must take turns or proceed carefully.
The end of a dual carriageway.: This sign indicates that a dual carriageway is ending and traffic will need to merge into a single carriageway.
Two-way traffic on the road ahead.: This sign indicates that the road ahead carries traffic in both directions. Drivers should be aware of oncoming vehicles.
Two-way traffic on a route crossing ahead.: This sign warns drivers that they are approaching a junction where a road with two-way traffic crosses their path. They should be prepared to encounter oncoming vehicles.
Be aware of a shallow river crossing ahead the depth may vary.: This sign warns of a ford, a shallow place where a river or stream may be crossed. The word inside the triangle can vary to Flood, Gate, Gates, or even No smoking depending on the specific hazard.
Gently apply the brakes to check their function.: This sign advises drivers to test their brakes, typically after crossing a ford where they might have gotten wet, or before descending a steep hill to ensure they are working correctly.
The road ahead has a steep descent with a 10% gradient.: This sign warns of a steep downhill slope. The percentage indicates the gradient of the descent.
The road ahead has a steep ascent with a 20% gradient.: This sign warns of a steep uphill slope. The percentage indicates the gradient of the ascent.
Engage low gear to control speed and engine braking for the next 1.5 miles downhill (when used with steep hill signs).: When used with steep hill warning signs, this plate advises drivers to use a low gear for engine braking and better control during a descent over the specified distance.
Engage low gear immediately to control speed on an imminent steep descent (when used with steep hill signs).: This plate, used with steep hill signs, indicates that drivers should engage low gear right away to manage speed on a very near or immediate steep downhill section.
Maintaining low gear is advised for the duration of the steep hill (when used with steep hill signs).: When used with steep hill signs, this plate advises drivers to remain in low gear for the entirety of the steep ascent or descent to maintain control and engine braking.
An opening or swing bridge ahead, which may cause traffic disruption.: This sign warns drivers of an upcoming bridge that can be raised or swung open, potentially halting traffic to allow the passage of boats.
A riverbank or quayside alongside the road.: This sign warns drivers that there is a riverbank or quayside adjacent to the road, indicating a potential drop into water.
A water course alongside the road, posing a risk if veering off.: This sign warns drivers of a water course located next to the road, highlighting the danger of leaving the carriageway.
Soft verges where vehicles could lose control if they leave the road.: This sign warns drivers that the edges of the road (verges) are soft and unstable, and vehicles may encounter difficulties if they stray onto them.
For the next 2 miles, the road edges are unstable and should be avoided.: This supplementary plate, used with the Soft verges warning sign, indicates the distance over which the soft verge condition exists.
A tunnel.: This sign warns drivers of an upcoming tunnel. Drivers should prepare for potential changes in light conditions, adjust their speed if necessary, and be aware of any specific regulations that might apply within the tunnel.
A hump bridge where visibility may be restricted.: This sign warns drivers of a bridge with a raised center, which may limit visibility of oncoming traffic or the road ahead.
An uneven road surface likely to cause discomfort or loss of control.: This sign indicates a section of road with bumps or irregularities that may affect vehicle stability and comfort.
A slippery road surface where loss of control is possible.: This sign warns drivers that the road ahead may be slippery due to ice, water, oil, or other substances, increasing the risk of skidding.
A risk of sudden gusts of wind from the side.: This sign alerts drivers to the possibility of strong side winds which can affect vehicle stability. Extra caution, especially for high-sided vehicles, is advised.
The distance to the hazard warned by the preceding sign.: This supplementary plate indicates that the warning sign it accompanies applies to a hazard located 400 yards ahead.
The hazard is 250 yards away on the left.: This supplementary plate indicates that the hazard warned by the preceding sign is located 250 yards ahead and to the left.
The hazard extends over a distance of 2 miles.: This supplementary plate indicates that the hazard warned by the preceding sign continues for a distance of 2 miles.
Low-flying aircraft or sudden aircraft noise.: This sign alerts drivers to the possibility of low-flying aircraft or unexpected loud noises from aircraft which may be startling.
The potential presence of gliders in the airspace.: This sign warns drivers that gliders may be operating in the vicinity, suggesting a possibility of low-flying aircraft without engine noise.
Low-flying helicopters or sudden helicopter noise.: Similar to the airplane warning, this sign alerts drivers to the possibility of low-flying helicopters or unexpected loud noises.
The risk of falling or fallen rocks on the road.: This sign warns drivers of the danger of rocks falling onto the road surface or the presence of existing rock debris.
The likelihood of traffic congestion or queues ahead.: This sign warns drivers that conditions ahead are likely to cause traffic to slow down or stop. Be prepared for reduced speeds and potential delays.
The strong possibility of traffic congestion in the near future.: This sign reinforces the triangular warning of potential traffic queues, indicating a high probability of encountering slow or stationary traffic soon.
The presence of slow-moving military vehicles on or crossing the road.: This sign warns drivers to be aware of military vehicles, which may be moving slower than regular traffic or crossing the road.