Chapter 10 of 10
The handbook ends with two illustrated appendices: every road traffic sign, grouped by family, and every road marking. This module explains how each family looks and behaves, then the lines painted across and along the road. Use the searchable Road signs library alongside it to look up any individual sign.
Chapter 10 · 9 sections
Section 1 of 9
Red triangles that tell you about a hazard in time to adjust your speed and position.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road traffic signs, p. 185
Rule
A warning sign is usually a red triangle pointing upwards, with a black symbol or words on a white background (sometimes yellow).
It is normally placed 150 to 250 metres before the hazard it warns about. In built-up areas inside city limits the distance may be shorter.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road traffic signs, p. 185
Example
A warning sign does not give an order. It tells you what to prepare for.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road traffic signs, pp. 185, 190, 191, 192
Section 2 of 9
Round signs with a red border that forbid a manoeuvre or a type of vehicle.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road traffic signs, p. 193
Rule
Prohibitive signs are round, with a red border on a white background and a black symbol. They show that certain manoeuvres or vehicle types are forbidden.
A prohibitive sign applies from the moment you pass it until you reach the next crossroads, unless local circumstances or the sign itself indicate otherwise. Failing to obey one is an offence punishable by law.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road traffic signs, p. 193
Example
These carry extra conditions in the handbook.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road traffic signs, pp. 193, 196, 197, 198
Section 3 of 9
Blue circles that tell you what you must do or where you must go.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road traffic signs, p. 199
Rule
Mandatory signs are round, with a white border on a blue background. They give a positive instruction instead of a restriction.
An instruction for one type of vehicle or manoeuvre is at the same time a ban on all other types. A mandatory direction sign means vehicles may be driven only in the direction of the arrow or arrows.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road traffic signs, p. 199
Section 4 of 9
Signs in many shapes and colours that help you find your road, services and destinations.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road traffic signs, p. 203
Note
Information signs come in a variety of shapes and colours. They help you find and follow the road you want, such as a motorway, and direct you to car parks, destinations, distances, service stations and other amenities.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road traffic signs, p. 203
Rule
Traffic on a primary road has priority: vehicles entering from a minor road must give way. The sign may be repeated on a primary road after every crossing or junction.
At the end of a motorway, get ready to meet oncoming traffic again.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road traffic signs, p. 203
Section 5 of 9
Orange signs set up for road works.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road traffic signs, p. 211
Note
Temporary signs have an orange background and are set up in conjunction with road works. They announce construction, detours, closed lanes and reduced speeds, and other designs can be made for a specific need.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road traffic signs, p. 211
Section 6 of 9
Give Way lines and Stop lines tell you where to wait.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, p. 217
Rule
A broken white line across your lane shows that traffic on the road you want to enter has priority. It marks where you should stop, if necessary, to take your final look.
You normally find one at the entrance to a roundabout: traffic inside the roundabout has priority and you must give way.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, p. 217
Rule
A single continuous line across your half of the road shows where you must stop at junctions with Stop signs or at junctions controlled by traffic lights.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, p. 217
Section 7 of 9
Centre lines, warning lines, prohibitory lines and edge lines: which you may cross and which you may not.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, pp. 218–220
Definition
The centre line is a broken line marking the middle of the road. On main roads each mark is 3 metres long with 9 metres between marks.
A warning line reverses that pattern: 9-metre marks with 3-metre gaps. It replaces centre and prohibitory lines on roads less than 7 metres wide and can warn of a prohibitory line or hazard ahead. Crossing it is prohibited unless you are certain the road is clear.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, p. 218
Rule
Crossing or straddling a prohibitory line is forbidden, even with a single wheel. Crossing or straddling a double prohibitory line is always prohibited.
Where there are two lines and the one nearest you is broken, you may cross both to overtake, as long as you can finish before a solid line begins on your side.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, pp. 218–219
Rule
The edge of the road is usually marked with a broken line, which you may cross when you temporarily need the shoulder, for example to help another vehicle overtake.
A continuous edge line is used on motorways where driving on the shoulder is unsuitable. Never straddle or cross it. Edge lines are normally white but can be yellow.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, p. 219
Note
White reflective studs are spaced in a row between lanes or along the centre of the road. Flashing amber studs warn that you are approaching a pedestrian crossing. At road works, studs may show which lanes are in operation.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, p. 220
Section 8 of 9
Markings that sort traffic into the right lane and slow it down.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, pp. 221–222
Rule
Only buses may use a bus lane during the operating times shown on the sign; outside those times all vehicles may use it. If no times are shown, it operates 24 hours a day. Do not drive or park in a bus lane while it is in operation.
Do not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line. If the line is broken, do not drive or park in it unless this is unavoidable.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, p. 221
Rule
Lane arrows are painted well before a junction so that you can get into the correct lane in good time. If prohibitory lines border the lane, you must follow the direction of the arrow. Otherwise the arrow suggests an appropriate route.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, p. 222
Note
Raised yellow lines across the carriageway make you aware of your speed after a period of faster driving. They are sometimes painted before roundabouts or speed humps, when entering a village, or before a particular hazard. Reduce your speed in good time.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, p. 222
Section 9 of 9
Yellow and orange paint: road works, kerbside restrictions and junctions that must stay clear.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, pp. 223–224
Rule
At road works, orange or yellow markings and yellow reflective studs may show the lanes in operation. Temporary road markings take precedence over ordinary road markings.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, p. 223
Rule
Parking spaces are marked with continuous or broken white lines, and all four wheels of a parked car must be inside them. Spaces for disabled persons may only be used by holders of special permits.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, p. 223
Rule
Yellow criss-cross lines mark a box junction. Their purpose is to keep the junction clear, so you must not enter the box unless your exit road is clear.
One exception: you may enter when you want to turn left and are only prevented from doing so by oncoming traffic.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, p. 224
Chapter 10 recap
: A prohibitive sign only applies at the spot where it stands.
: It applies from the moment you pass it until the next crossroads, unless local circumstances or the sign itself indicate otherwise.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road traffic signs, p. 193
: A bus lane with no times on the sign can be used when it looks empty.
: Where no times are shown, the bus lane is in operation 24 hours a day.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, p. 221
: If the light is green I can always drive into a box junction.
: You must not enter a box junction unless your exit road is clear, whatever the light shows. The only exception is waiting to turn left when oncoming traffic alone is stopping you.
Source: Handbook Appendix: Road markings, p. 224
Chapter 10 · practice
6 quick questions on this chapter, with an explanation after each answer. Or practise all 14 questions written for it.
