Bend ahead sign: what it means

Bend to the right warning sign: a white triangle with a red border and a black line bending to the right
Image: Crown copyright, OGL

The bend sign warns of a bend in the direction shown, here to the right. Slow down before it so you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

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What it means

With the symbol reversed it warns of a bend to the left. The double bend sign shows the direction of the first bend (Know your traffic signs).

Rule 125 says to reduce speed where the road layout presents hazards, such as bends. Rule 166 says not to overtake when approaching a corner or bend, and rule 160 says to keep well to the left on right-hand bends, to see further and to keep away from oncoming traffic.

Where you see it

Before bends where you need to slow down. A plate may advise a maximum speed for the bend.

A common mistake

Braking hard in the bend instead of before it. Slow down on the straight, then steer smoothly round.

Quick quiz

Where should you position your car on a right-hand bend?

  1. Well to the left
  2. In the middle of the road
  3. Close to the centre line
Show answer

A. Well to the left. Rule 160: keep well to the left on right-hand bends, to improve your view and avoid oncoming traffic. Source: The Highway Code, rule 125, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 160, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 166, GOV.UK; Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK; Know your traffic signs: speed limit signs, GOV.UK; The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK

Compare with

Next in warning signs: Two-way traffic sign. See all warning signs or the full road signs list.

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Sources

  1. The Highway Code, rule 125, GOV.UK
  2. The Highway Code, rule 160, GOV.UK
  3. The Highway Code, rule 166, GOV.UK
  4. Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK
  5. Know your traffic signs: speed limit signs, GOV.UK
  6. The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK
  7. Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.