Crossroads sign: what it means

Crossroads warning sign: a white triangle with a red border and a black cross
Image: Crown copyright, OGL

The crossroads sign warns that a crossroads is ahead. The broader line on the sign shows which road has priority through the junction.

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What it means

Triangles are warning signs: they tell you about a hazard ahead rather than giving an order. Slow down and get ready to give way or stop as the junction requires.

On junction warning signs, the priority route through the junction is shown by the broader line (Know your traffic signs).

Where you see it

On the approach to a crossroads. A plate underneath may show the distance to it.

A common mistake

Assuming you have priority because your road looks bigger. Check the sign's broader line and any give way or stop markings, and watch for traffic turning across you (rule 170).

Quick quiz

What does the broader line on a junction warning sign show?

  1. The road with priority
  2. A one-way road
  3. A dual carriageway
Show answer

A. The road with priority. On junction warning signs, the priority route is shown by the broader line. Source: The Highway Code, rule 170, GOV.UK; Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK; The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK

Compare with

Next in warning signs: T-junction sign. See all warning signs or the full road signs list.

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Sources

  1. The Highway Code, rule 170, GOV.UK
  2. Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK
  3. The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK
  4. 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.