Road and traffic signs

There are three basic types of traffic sign: those that warn, those that inform and those that give orders. Generally, triangular signs warn, rectangular signs give information or directions and circular signs give orders. An exception is the eight-sided 'stop' sign.

Road signs in the shape of a circle give orders. Those with a red circle are mostly prohibitive. The ‘stop’ sign is octagonal to give it greater prominence. Signs giving orders must always be obeyed.

Signs in the shape of a circle give orders. A sign with a red circle means that you aren’t allowed to do something. Study Know Your Traffic Signs to ensure that you understand what the different traffic signs mean.

If you’re in a place where there are likely to be pedestrians (for example, outside a school, near a park, in a residential area or in a shopping area), you should be cautious and keep your speed down.

Many local authorities have taken steps to slow traffic down by creating traffic-calming measures such as road humps. They're there for a reason; slow down.

Where you see this sign, the 20 mph restriction ends and a 30 mph restriction starts. Check all around for possible hazards and only increase your speed if it’s safe to do so.

A sign will indicate which types of vehicles are prohibited from certain roads. Make sure that you know which signs apply to the vehicle you're using.

'No entry' signs are used in places such as one-way streets to prevent vehicles driving against the traffic. To ignore one would be dangerous, both for yourself and for other road users, as well as being against the law.

The 'no right turn' sign may be used to warn road users that there's a 'no entry' prohibition on a road to the right ahead.

Look for and obey traffic signs. Disobeying or not seeing a sign could be dangerous. It may also be an offence for which you could be prosecuted.

Avoid blocking tram routes. Trams are fixed on their route and can't manoeuvre around other vehicles or pedestrians. Modern trams travel quickly and are quiet, so you might not hear them approaching.

The triangular shapes above and below the dimensions indicate a height restriction that applies to the road ahead.

This sign is used to enable pedestrians to walk free from traffic. It's often found in shopping areas.

Road signs that prohibit overtaking are placed in locations where passing the vehicle in front is dangerous. If you see this sign, don't attempt to overtake. The sign is there for a reason; you must obey it.

There'll be a plate or additional sign to tell you when the restrictions apply.

Even though you've left the restricted area, make sure that you park where you won't endanger other road users or cause an obstruction.

Stopping where this clearway restriction applies is likely to cause congestion. Allow the traffic to flow by obeying the signs.

This is the sign for a clearway. Clearways are stretches of road where you aren’t allowed to stop unless it’s an emergency. Stopping where these restrictions apply may be dangerous and is likely to cause an obstruction. Restrictions might apply for several miles and this may be indicated on the sign.

If you intend to stop and rest, this sign allows you time to reduce speed and pull over safely.

In order to keep roads free from parked cars, there are some areas where you're allowed to park on the verge. Only do this where you see the sign. Parking on verges or footways anywhere else could lead to a fine.

Priority signs are normally shown where the road is narrow and there isn't enough room for two vehicles to pass. Examples are narrow bridges, roadworks and where there's a width restriction.

Make sure you know who has priority; don't force your way through. Show courtesy and consideration to other road users.