Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Crossroads ahead
A junction where roads cross is coming up.
Do: Slow down and look for traffic joining from either side.
Red-bordered triangle in Vienna countries; yellow diamond in the US.
Road signs and their meanings
162 signs from Europe (Vienna Convention, including the UK) and the USA (MUTCD), each with what it means and what to do. Most countries follow the 1968 Vienna Convention, which sorts signs into families by shape and colour. The US and some other countries use the MUTCD system instead. Learn the families and you can read most signs before you can read the words.
Quick answer:Road signs are grouped by shape and colour. Red-bordered triangles (yellow diamonds in the US) warn, red circles prohibit, blue circles give orders, rectangles inform, the octagon means stop, and the inverted triangle means give way.
The shape and colour code
Triangle, red border
Warning: hazard ahead. Slow down and take care.
Circle, red border
Prohibition: you must NOT do what’s shown.
Circle, blue
Mandatory: you MUST do what’s shown.
Rectangle, blue
Information or special rules, such as parking or motorways.
Octagon
Stop. Only ever used for this one sign.
Inverted triangle
Give way / yield. Also unique.
Yellow diamond
Warning in the US, Canada and Australia.
Green (or blue) panel
Directions. Brown means tourist destinations.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Bend to the right
The road curves to the right ahead.
Do: Reduce speed before the bend, not in it.
Double bends and left bends use the same style.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Pedestrians ahead
People may be crossing the road, often at a crossing with no lights.
Do: Slow down and be ready to stop.
In the UK this triangle warns of a pedestrian crossing.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Children
A school, playground or play area is nearby.
Do: Slow down and expect children to step out.
Often paired with flashing amber lights at school times.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Slippery road
The surface may be slippery, especially when wet or icy.
Do: Slow down; brake and steer gently.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Traffic signals ahead
Traffic lights ahead that you may not see in time.
Do: Be ready to stop.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Roundabout ahead
A roundabout is coming up.
Do: Slow down, choose your lane early, and give way as signed.
Direction of travel round it depends on which side the country drives on.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Two-way traffic
A one-way road or dual carriageway ends and traffic now comes towards you.
Do: Keep to your side of the road.
Drawn in the UK layout (driving on the left).
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Level crossing with barrier
A railway crossing with gates or barriers is ahead.
Do: Slow down and obey the lights and barriers. Never stop on the tracks.
A crossing without a barrier shows a steam train instead.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Road narrows on both sides
The carriageway gets narrower ahead.
Do: Slow down and let oncoming traffic through if needed.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Other danger
A hazard with no sign of its own. A plate underneath usually says what it is.
Do: Slow down and read the plate.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Bend to the left
The road curves to the left ahead.
Do: Slow down before the bend.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Double bend
Two bends in opposite directions; the first bend is in the direction shown.
Do: Slow down and stay in your lane through both bends.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Steep hill downwards
A steep descent; the percentage shows the gradient.
Do: Use a lower gear and avoid riding the brakes.
Some countries show the gradient as a ratio (1:10) instead.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Steep hill upwards
A steep climb ahead.
Do: Change to a lower gear in good time; leave space for slow vehicles.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Road narrows on the right
The carriageway gets narrower on the right-hand side.
Do: Slow down and merge or give way as needed.
The mirror image means it narrows on the left.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Uneven road / bump
A bumpy or uneven surface ahead.
Do: Slow down to keep control.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Loose chippings
Loose stones on the road can be thrown up by tyres.
Do: Slow down and keep your distance.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Falling rocks
Rocks may fall or have fallen onto the road.
Do: Drive carefully and watch for debris.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Cyclists
Cyclists are likely to be on or crossing the road.
Do: Give cyclists plenty of room when passing.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Cattle or farm animals
Farm animals may be on the road.
Do: Slow down and be ready to stop.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Wild animals
Deer or other wild animals may cross, especially at dawn and dusk.
Do: Slow down. If an animal appears, brake firmly in a straight line rather than swerving.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Roadworks
Road works ahead; workers and machinery may be present.
Do: Slow down, obey temporary signs and speed limits.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Crosswind
Strong side winds, often on bridges or open roads.
Do: Hold the steering firmly; take care when passing high-sided vehicles.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Risk of ice or snow
The road may be icy or snowy.
Do: Drive slowly; brake and steer very gently.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Queues likely
Traffic is likely to be queuing ahead.
Do: Slow down and be ready to stop.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Tram crossing
Trams cross or run along the road ahead.
Do: Look both ways; trams cannot steer around you.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Level crossing without barrier
A railway crossing with no gates or barriers.
Do: Look and listen both ways; obey any lights.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Low-flying aircraft
Aircraft fly low near an airfield; sudden noise.
Do: Don’t be startled; keep control.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Side road junction
A side road joins from the side shown.
Do: Watch for vehicles pulling out.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Quayside or river bank
The road leads to a quay or river bank with water at the end.
Do: Slow down, especially at night or in fog.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
T-junction
The road ahead ends at a T-junction; you must turn left or right.
Do: Slow down and get ready to stop or give way.
The thicker bar shows the road with priority.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Hump bridge
A humpback bridge ahead; the road rises steeply and your view over it is limited.
Do: Slow down; low vehicles may ground.
UK warning sign.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Ford
Water flows across the road ahead.
Do: Check the depth gauge, drive slowly in first gear, then test your brakes.
Usually paired with a FORD plate and a depth gauge.
Europe: Warning (Vienna A)
Dual carriageway ends
The dual carriageway ends and traffic in both directions shares one road.
Do: Stop overtaking and keep to your side.
Europe: Priority (Vienna B)
Stop
A junction where you must stop.
Do: Stop completely at the line, give way, and go only when it’s safe.
Red octagon almost everywhere; Japan uses a red inverted triangle.
Europe: Priority (Vienna B)
Give way / Yield
Traffic on the road you’re joining has priority.
Do: Slow down, and stop only if you need to.
The UK version says GIVE WAY and the US version says YIELD. Many countries leave it blank.
Europe: Priority (Vienna B)
Priority road
You’re on a priority road: traffic at the junctions ahead must give way to you.
Do: Carry on, but stay alert.
Common in continental Europe; not used in the UK or US.
Europe: Priority (Vienna B)
End of priority road
Your priority ends here and normal junction rules apply again.
Do: Check which side has priority at each junction.
Continental Europe.
Europe: Priority (Vienna B)
Give way to oncoming traffic
A narrow section: oncoming vehicles go first.
Do: Wait for oncoming traffic to clear before entering.
The red arrow shows your direction, which does not have priority.
Europe: Priority (Vienna B)
Priority over oncoming traffic
A narrow section where you go first.
Do: Proceed with care; oncoming drivers should wait.
Blue rectangle with a white arrow (yours) and a red arrow (theirs).
Europe: Priority (Vienna B)
Priority at the next junction
At the next junction only, you have priority over side roads.
Do: Proceed with care; normal rules apply after it.
Common in Germany, Austria and Scandinavia.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
No entry
Vehicles may not enter, usually because it’s the exit of a one-way street.
Do: Don’t drive in. Find another route.
The US version adds the words DO NOT ENTER.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
Maximum speed limit
You must not go faster than the number shown.
Do: Keep to it. It’s a limit, not a target.
In mph in the UK and US, km/h almost everywhere else.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
No overtaking
Overtaking motor vehicles is not allowed.
Do: Stay behind the vehicle in front until the restriction ends.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
No U-turns
You may not turn round to go back the way you came.
Do: Continue and find a legal place to turn.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
No right turn
Turning right is prohibited at this junction.
Do: Go straight on or left, and find another route.
"No left turn" is the mirror image.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
No vehicles
No vehicles are allowed beyond this point.
Do: Don’t enter. In the UK, you may push a bicycle through.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
No stopping (clearway)
You must not stop on the carriageway, not even to pick someone up.
Do: Keep moving.
Vienna countries; the UK uses it for clearways.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
No waiting / No parking
You must not park or wait here. Plates may give times.
Do: Find permitted parking.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
End of all restrictions
Previous restrictions end. In the UK, this is the national speed limit sign.
Do: Apply the default limit for the road and vehicle type.
UK: 60 mph on single carriageways and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways, for cars.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
No left turn
Turning left is prohibited at this junction.
Do: Go straight on or right, and find another route.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
No motor vehicles
Cars and other motor vehicles are not allowed.
Do: Find another route.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
No motorcycles
Motorcycles are not allowed.
Do: Riders must use another route.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
No cycling
Bicycles are not allowed.
Do: Dismount and push, or use another route.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
No lorries / goods vehicles
Goods vehicles over the weight shown on a plate may not enter.
Do: Lorry drivers must find another route.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
No pedestrians
Pedestrians may not walk here.
Do: Use the footpath or crossing provided.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
Weight limit
Vehicles heavier than the weight shown may not pass.
Do: Check your vehicle’s gross weight.
Common on old bridges.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
Height limit
Vehicles taller than the height shown cannot pass, often a bridge or tunnel.
Do: Know your vehicle height, including roof loads.
The UK often shows feet and inches as well as metres.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
Width limit
Vehicles wider than the width shown may not pass.
Do: Check your vehicle width, including mirrors.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
No overtaking by lorries
Goods vehicles must not overtake other vehicles.
Do: Lorry drivers stay in lane until the restriction ends.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
No sounding of horns
Using your horn is not allowed, except in an emergency.
Do: Don’t use the horn.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
End of speed limit
The speed limit shown no longer applies; the general limit for the road takes over.
Do: Apply the national or default limit.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
End of no overtaking
Overtaking is allowed again when safe.
Do: Overtake only where safe and legal.
Europe: Prohibition (Vienna C)
No dangerous goods
Vehicles carrying dangerous goods (marked with orange plates) are not allowed.
Do: Hazardous-goods drivers must use another route.
Often placed before tunnels.
Europe: Mandatory (Vienna D)
Ahead only
You must go straight on.
Do: Don’t turn at this junction.
Blue circles give orders: you must do what they show.
Europe: Mandatory (Vienna D)
Turn left
You must turn left.
Do: Get into the left lane early and signal.
"Turn right" is the mirror image.
Europe: Mandatory (Vienna D)
Keep left
Pass on the left side of the obstruction or island.
Do: Stay to the left of the bollard or island.
Europe: Mandatory (Vienna D)
Minimum speed
You must not drive slower than the speed shown (unless it’s unsafe).
Do: Keep up to at least this speed.
Europe: Mandatory (Vienna D)
Cycles only
This route is for pedal cycles only.
Do: Cars must not enter.
Paired with a pedestrian symbol for shared paths.
Europe: Mandatory (Vienna D)
Pedestrians only
A route for people on foot.
Do: Don’t drive or ride on it.
Europe: Mandatory (Vienna D)
Turn right
You must turn right.
Do: Get into the right lane early and signal.
Europe: Mandatory (Vienna D)
Ahead or right only
You may go straight on or turn right, but not left.
Do: Choose one of the directions shown.
Other versions show ahead or left.
Europe: Mandatory (Vienna D)
Keep right
Pass to the right of the island or obstruction.
Do: Stay to the right of the bollard or island.
Standard in right-driving countries.
Europe: Mandatory (Vienna D)
Pass either side
You may pass the obstruction on either side.
Do: Choose the side that is clear and safe.
Europe: Mandatory (Vienna D)
Roundabout (mandatory)
You must go round in the direction of the arrows.
Do: Give way as signed and follow the direction of circulation.
Arrows run anticlockwise in right-driving countries and clockwise in the UK and Ireland.
Europe: Mandatory (Vienna D)
Snow chains required
Snow chains must be fitted to at least two drive wheels.
Do: Fit chains before continuing.
Common in Alpine countries in winter.
Europe: Mandatory (Vienna D)
Shared path: cycles and pedestrians
A path shared by cyclists and pedestrians.
Do: Cyclists give way to pedestrians and ride slowly.
A vertical line between the symbols means separate lanes.
Europe: Mandatory (Vienna D)
End of minimum speed
The minimum speed requirement ends.
Do: Drive at a speed that suits the conditions.
Europe: Mandatory (Vienna D)
Mini-roundabout (UK)
A mini-roundabout: give way to traffic from your right and go round clockwise.
Do: Go round the painted circle; large vehicles may drive over it.
UK and Ireland arrows run clockwise.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
Parking
A place where parking is allowed. A plate may show times or charges.
Do: Park within the bays and follow any time limits.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
One-way street
Traffic may only travel in the direction of the arrow.
Do: Don’t drive against the arrow.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
No through road
The road is a dead end.
Do: Expect to turn round at the end.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
Motorway
Motorway rules start here.
Do: No learners (except in the UK with an approved instructor), pedestrians, cyclists or slow vehicles. Faster speeds and lane discipline apply.
Blue in the UK and most of Europe; green in some countries, such as Switzerland and Italy.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
Pedestrian crossing
A marked crossing point is here.
Do: Give way to anyone on the crossing.
Common in Europe; UK zebra crossings use flashing amber beacons instead.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
Hospital
A hospital is ahead.
Do: Drive quietly and watch for ambulances.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
End of motorway
Motorway rules end here.
Do: Expect lower limits, junctions and slower road users.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
Expressway / motor road
A road reserved for motor vehicles; walking, cycling and slow vehicles are banned.
Do: Expect fast traffic, and don’t stop or reverse.
Germany: Kraftfahrstraße. France: route pour automobiles.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
Tunnel
A tunnel begins here, with its own rules.
Do: Switch on dipped headlights, keep your distance and don’t overtake unless allowed.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
Residential zone / home zone
Pedestrians and children may use the whole street.
Do: Drive at walking pace and give way to pedestrians. Park only in marked spaces.
Germany: verkehrsberuhigter Bereich. Netherlands: woonerf.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
End of residential zone
The home zone ends and normal traffic rules apply.
Do: Resume normal driving with care.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
Pedestrian zone
An area for pedestrians only, except for vehicles shown on a plate.
Do: Don’t drive in unless a plate allows you to, for example for deliveries at set times.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
Town or village entry (built-up area)
You are entering a built-up area, where the urban speed limit applies.
Do: Slow to the urban limit (often 50 km/h in Europe).
In France the sign itself sets the 50 km/h limit.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
End of built-up area
You are leaving the built-up area.
Do: The general limit for the road type applies again.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
Recommended speed
An advisory (not compulsory) maximum speed.
Do: Use it as guidance, especially on bends and junctions.
Germany's Autobahn shows 130 km/h as the recommended speed.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
30 km/h zone
A zone where the 30 km/h limit applies on every street until you see the end sign.
Do: Keep to 30 in the whole zone.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
Low emission zone (Germany)
Only vehicles meeting the emission rules (with the right sticker) may enter.
Do: Check the rules and buy a sticker before you drive in.
Germany: Umweltzone. France uses Crit’Air stickers; many cities have similar zones.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
Limited traffic zone (Italy)
ZTL: only authorised vehicles may enter during the times shown. Cameras enforce it.
Do: Don’t drive in unless your hotel or permit allows it; fines arrive by post.
Italy: Zona a Traffico Limitato.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
Speed camera
Speed cameras or average-speed checks are used on this road.
Do: Check your speed now and keep to the limit.
Designs vary; the UK uses a camera symbol on a white sign.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
Bus lane
A lane reserved for buses (and sometimes taxis and cycles).
Do: Don’t drive in it during the times shown.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
Fuel station
Fuel is available ahead.
Do: Plan your stop.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
First aid
A first-aid post is available.
Do: Use it in an emergency.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
Park and ride
Parking with a public transport connection into town.
Do: Park here and take the bus or train.
Europe: Information (Vienna E–G)
Toll road
A toll must be paid on this road or at the barrier ahead.
Do: Have a card ready or check the electronic toll rules.
France: péage. Italy: pedaggio. Some countries use a vignette instead.
USA: Regulatory (MUTCD)
Speed limit
The maximum legal speed in mph.
Do: Keep at or below it.
The US uses white rectangles for regulatory signs instead of red circles.
USA: Regulatory (MUTCD)
Do not enter
No entry for traffic in your direction.
Do: Don’t enter. You’re probably facing the wrong way on a one-way road.
USA: Regulatory (MUTCD)
One way
Traffic flows only in the arrow direction.
Do: Turn only in the direction shown.
USA: Regulatory (MUTCD)
Stop (all-way)
A stop sign with an ALL WAY plate: every approach must stop.
Do: Stop, then take turns in arrival order.
USA: Regulatory (MUTCD)
Yield (USA)
Give way to traffic and pedestrians.
Do: Slow down, and stop if needed.
USA: Regulatory (MUTCD)
No right turn (USA)
Right turns are prohibited.
Do: Continue straight or turn left where allowed.
US prohibition signs use a red circle and slash on a white square.
USA: Regulatory (MUTCD)
No left turn (USA)
Left turns are prohibited.
Do: Find another route.
USA: Regulatory (MUTCD)
No U-turn (USA)
U-turns are prohibited.
Do: Continue to a place where turning is allowed.
USA: Regulatory (MUTCD)
No turn on red
You may not turn on a red light at this intersection.
Do: Wait for the green.
Right on red is otherwise allowed after a full stop in most states.
USA: Regulatory (MUTCD)
Do not pass
Passing (overtaking) is not allowed.
Do: Stay in your lane.
USA: Regulatory (MUTCD)
Keep right
Keep to the right of the island or obstruction.
Do: Pass on the right.
USA: Regulatory (MUTCD)
Wrong way
You are going against traffic, usually on an exit ramp.
Do: Stop and turn round safely straight away.
USA: Regulatory (MUTCD)
Left turn only
Traffic in this lane must turn left.
Do: Change lanes early if you aren’t turning.
USA: Regulatory (MUTCD)
No parking
Parking is prohibited; a plate may give times.
Do: Find legal parking.
USA: Regulatory (MUTCD)
Railroad crossbuck
Marks a railroad crossing: treat it like a yield sign.
Do: Slow down, look and listen; stop if a train is coming.
USA: Regulatory (MUTCD)
HOV lane
A lane for high-occupancy vehicles (for example two or more people).
Do: Use it only if you meet the occupancy rule shown.
USA: Regulatory (MUTCD)
Stop for pedestrians in crosswalk
State law: stop (or yield) for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Do: Stop and let them cross.
Wording varies by state.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Curve warning
A curve ahead (yellow diamonds are US warning signs).
Do: Slow down before the curve.
The US equivalent of the Vienna red triangle.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
School zone
A school zone or crossing.
Do: Slow down, often to a reduced limit at school times.
Fluorescent yellow-green pentagon.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Railroad crossing ahead
Railway tracks cross the road ahead.
Do: Slow down, look and listen. Some vehicles must stop at every crossing.
Round yellow sign, unique to rail crossings.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Stop ahead
A stop sign is ahead that may be hard to see.
Do: Slow down and prepare to stop.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Yield ahead
A yield sign is ahead.
Do: Slow down and get ready to give way.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Signal ahead
Traffic lights are ahead.
Do: Be ready to stop.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Merge
Traffic from another lane will merge.
Do: Adjust speed and leave a gap; merging drivers yield.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Lane ends
The right lane ends ahead.
Do: Merge left when safe.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Added lane
A joining road gets its own new lane.
Do: No need to merge, but watch for vehicles changing lanes.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Divided highway begins
A median will separate the two directions of traffic.
Do: Keep to the right of the median.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Divided highway ends
The median ends and traffic is two-way ahead.
Do: Keep right and expect oncoming traffic.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Two-way traffic
The road ahead carries traffic in both directions.
Do: Keep right.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Crossroad
An intersection is ahead.
Do: Watch for cross traffic.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Side road
A side road joins from the side shown.
Do: Watch for vehicles entering.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
T intersection
The road ends at a T; you must turn left or right.
Do: Slow down and prepare to turn.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Roundabout ahead
A roundabout (circular intersection) is ahead.
Do: Slow down, yield to traffic already circulating, and go counterclockwise.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Sharp turn
A sharp turn (about 90°) to the right.
Do: Slow down considerably.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Winding road
A series of three or more curves.
Do: Slow down and stay in your lane.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Chevron
Marks the outside of a sharp curve.
Do: Follow the curve in the direction of the chevrons.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Bump
A sharp rise in the road surface.
Do: Slow down.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Dip
A sudden drop in the road surface.
Do: Slow down; your view ahead may be limited.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Deer crossing
Deer often cross here.
Do: Slow down, especially at dawn and dusk, and use high beams when no one is coming.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Bicycle crossing
Cyclists may be on or crossing the road.
Do: Give at least 3 feet when passing (the law in many states).
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Pedestrian crossing
A crosswalk is ahead.
Do: Yield to pedestrians.
Fluorescent yellow-green is used for pedestrian, bicycle and school signs.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Hill / steep grade
A steep downgrade ahead.
Do: Trucks and heavy vehicles should use a lower gear.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Low clearance
A bridge or structure with limited height clearance.
Do: Check your vehicle height.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Narrow bridge
The bridge is narrower than the road.
Do: Slow down and watch for oncoming vehicles.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
No passing zone (pennant)
Marks the start of a no-passing zone on two-lane roads.
Do: Don’t pass.
Placed on the left side of the road.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Dead end / No outlet
There is no through route ahead.
Do: Be ready to turn round.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Advisory speed plate
The recommended safe speed for the curve or hazard above it.
Do: Slow to this speed through the hazard.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Road work ahead
Work zone ahead. Orange means temporary traffic control.
Do: Slow down; fines are often higher in work zones.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Flagger ahead
A worker with a flag or STOP/SLOW paddle is directing traffic.
Do: Slow down and follow the flagger.
USA: Warning (MUTCD)
Detour
The route is diverted around a closure.
Do: Follow the detour arrows.
USA: Guide and services (MUTCD)
Guide / exit sign
Directions to places, routes or exits.
Do: Read them early and change lanes in good time.
Green for directions; brown for tourist sites; blue for services.
USA: Guide and services (MUTCD)
Interstate route shield
Marks an Interstate highway; odd numbers run north–south and even numbers east–west.
Do: Use the number to follow your route.
USA: Guide and services (MUTCD)
US route shield
Marks a US numbered highway.
Do: Follow the number to stay on your route.
USA: Guide and services (MUTCD)
Services: gas, food, lodging
Driver services are available at the next exit.
Do: Plan your stop.
Blue signs show motorist services.
USA: Guide and services (MUTCD)
Rest area
A rest area with parking and restrooms.
Do: Take a break, which is recommended every two hours.
USA: Guide and services (MUTCD)
Hospital (USA)
A hospital with emergency services is nearby.
Do: Follow the signs in an emergency.
USA: Guide and services (MUTCD)
Mile marker
Shows the distance along the highway, useful for locating yourself or reporting an emergency.
Do: Note the number if you need help.
USA: Guide and services (MUTCD)
Recreation (brown)
Recreational or cultural sites, such as parks and campgrounds.
Do: Follow it to the attraction.
Traffic light sequences
| Signal | UK and much of Europe | USA / Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Stop behind the line | Stop. A right turn on red is often allowed after a full stop, unless a sign prohibits it |
| Red + amber | Stop, get ready to go | Not used |
| Green | Go if the way is clear | Go if the way is clear |
| Amber / yellow | Stop, unless unsafe to | Red is coming. Stop if you safely can |
| Flashing amber | Give way to pedestrians (pelican crossings) | Proceed with caution |
| Flashing red | Stop (level crossings, fire stations) | Treat like a stop sign |
Driving abroad?The shapes and colours carry over, but details don't: speed units (mph or km/h), which side of the road you drive on, right-turn-on-red and priority-to-the-right rules all vary. Always check the official highway code for the country you're driving in.
Contact us
Found a mistake, want a sign added, or have a question about road rules in your country? Send an email and we'll reply as soon as we can.
We can't give legal advice about a specific ticket. For that, contact a solicitor or traffic attorney.