UK information signs and their meanings
Information signs are rectangular. They tell you about the road ahead, such as where a motorway starts or that a road is a dead end.
The Highway Code says information signs are all rectangular. Colour helps too: on direction signs, blue backgrounds are for motorways, green for primary routes and white for local routes, and brown panels show the way to tourist attractions.
Information signs do not give orders, but they often warn you about a rule that is about to apply, such as motorway regulations.
UK information signs
Start of motorway signMotorway rules apply from here.
End of motorway signMotorway rules end here.
Countdown markersBars that count down to a motorway exit.
Priority over oncoming vehicles signYou go first through the narrow part, with care.
No through road signA dead end for vehicles.
Hospital signRed for A and E, blue for no A and E.
Test yourself
What colour are direction signs on UK motorways?
- Green
- Blue
- Brown
Show answer
B. Blue. The Highway Code: signs on motorways have blue backgrounds. Source: Know your traffic signs: information signs, GOV.UK; Know your traffic signs: motorway signs, signals and road markings, GOV.UK; The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK
Every sign page has its own quick question. For more practice, try the Highway Code quizzes.
More signs and markings
Sources
- Know your traffic signs: information signs, GOV.UK
- Know your traffic signs: motorway signs, signals and road markings, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code: traffic signs, 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.