--- title: "UK warning signs and their meanings | The License Desk" url: https://www.thelicensedesk.com/road-signs/warning-signs/ updated: 2026-09-26 --- > Source: https://www.thelicensedesk.com/road-signs/warning-signs/ — last reviewed 2026-09-26. Markdown version generated at build time from the same content the page serves. 115 official signs · Department for Transport artwork # UK warning signs and their meanings A few warning signs are rectangular, such as chevrons on sharp bends and signs for adverse camber. Signs for low bridges show the headroom available; the height is also often shown in metres. Quick answer Warning signs tell you about a hazard ahead so you can slow down and prepare. Most are triangles with a red border and a black symbol on white. A plate underneath may give the distance to the hazard or how far it continues. Treat every warning sign as a cue to check your speed and position. ## What does each warning sign mean? Each sign is shown with its official meaning from the Department for Transport. Tap through to the quiz when you’re ready to test yourself. - ![Accompanied horses or ponies likely to be in or crossing road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/550-1-accompanied-horses-or-ponies-likely-to-be-in-or-crossing-roa.webp) Accompanied horses or ponies likely to be in or crossing road ahead - ![Bend ahead to the left — UK road sign](/signs/uk/512l-bend-ahead-to-the-left.webp) Bend ahead to the left - ![Bend ahead to the right — UK road sign](/signs/uk/512-bend-ahead-to-the-right.webp) Bend ahead to the right - ![Cattle grid ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/552-cattle-grid-ahead.webp) Cattle grid ahead - ![Cattle likely to be in road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/548-cattle-likely-to-be-in-road-ahead.webp) Cattle likely to be in road ahead - ![Children going to or from school or playground ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/545-children-going-to-or-from-school-or-playground-ahead.webp) Children going to or from school or playground ahead - ![Crossroads ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/504-1-crossroads-ahead.webp) Crossroads ahead - ![Double bend or series of bends ahead, first to the left — UK road sign](/signs/uk/513-double-bend-or-series-of-bends-ahead-first-to-the-left.webp) Double bend or series of bends ahead, first to the left - ![Double bend or series of bends ahead, first to the right — UK road sign](/signs/uk/513r-double-bend-or-series-of-bends-ahead-first-to-the-right.webp) Double bend or series of bends ahead, first to the right - ![Dual carriageway ends ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/520-dual-carriageway-ends-ahead.webp) Dual carriageway ends ahead - ![Flood warning sign — UK road sign](/signs/uk/554f-flood-warning-sign.webp) Flood warning sign - ![Ford warning sign — UK road sign](/signs/uk/554-ford-warning-sign.webp) Ford warning sign - ![Frail or disabled pedestrians likely to cross road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/544-2-frail-or-disabled-pedestrians-likely-to-cross-road-ahead.webp) Frail or disabled pedestrians likely to cross road ahead - ![Gate warning sign — UK road sign](/signs/uk/554g-gate-warning-sign.webp) Gate warning sign - ![Horse drawn vehicles likely to be in road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/550-2-horse-drawn-vehicles-likely-to-be-in-road-ahead.webp) Horse drawn vehicles likely to be in road ahead - ![Hump bridge ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/528-hump-bridge-ahead.webp) Hump bridge ahead - ![Junction ahead controlled by a STOP or GIVE WAY sign — UK road sign](/signs/uk/501-junction-ahead-controlled-by-a-stop-or-give-way-sign.webp) Junction ahead controlled by a STOP or GIVE WAY sign - ![Junction on left bend ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/512-2l-junction-on-left-bend-ahead.webp) Junction on left bend ahead - ![Junction on right bend ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/512-1-junction-on-right-bend-ahead.webp) Junction on right bend ahead - ![Low flying aircraft or sudden aircraft noise likely ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/558-low-flying-aircraft-or-sudden-aircraft-noise-likely-ahead.webp) Low flying aircraft or sudden aircraft noise likely ahead - ![Low flying helicopters or sudden helicopter noise likely ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/558-1-low-flying-helicopters-or-sudden-helicopter-noise-likely-ahe.webp) Low flying helicopters or sudden helicopter noise likely ahead - ![Maximum headroom of 12'-6'' at arch bridge ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/531-1-maximum-headroom-of-12-6-at-arch-bridge-ahead.webp) Maximum headroom of 12'-6'' at arch bridge ahead - ![Maximum headroom of 3.8m at arch bridge ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/531-1m-maximum-headroom-of-3-8m-at-arch-bridge-ahead.webp) Maximum headroom of 3.8m at arch bridge ahead - ![Migratory toad crossing ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/551-1-migratory-toad-crossing-ahead.webp) Migratory toad crossing ahead - ![No smoking warning — UK road sign](/signs/uk/554n-no-smoking-warning.webp) No smoking warning - ![Opening or swing bridge ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/529-opening-or-swing-bridge-ahead.webp) Opening or swing bridge ahead - ![Other danger ahead. Plate beneath indicates the nature of the hazard — UK road sign](/signs/uk/562-other-danger-ahead-plate-beneath-indicates-the-nature-of-the.webp) Other danger ahead. Plate beneath indicates the nature of the hazard - ![Pedestrians in road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/544-1-pedestrians-in-road-ahead.webp) Pedestrians in road ahead - ![Quayside or river bank ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/555-quayside-or-river-bank-ahead.webp) Quayside or river bank ahead - ![Risk of brake failure after crossing a ford or before descending a steep gradient — UK road sign](/signs/uk/554-1-risk-of-brake-failure-after-crossing-a-ford-or-before-descen.webp) Risk of brake failure after crossing a ford or before descending a steep gradient - ![Risk of falling or fallen rocks ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/559-risk-of-falling-or-fallen-rocks-ahead.webp) Risk of falling or fallen rocks ahead - ![Risk of ice or packed snow ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/554-2-risk-of-ice-or-packed-snow-ahead.webp) Risk of ice or packed snow ahead - ![Road narrows on both sides ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/516-road-narrows-on-both-sides-ahead.webp) Road narrows on both sides ahead - ![Road narrows on left ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/517l-road-narrows-on-left-ahead.webp) Road narrows on left ahead - ![Road narrows on right ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/517-road-narrows-on-right-ahead.webp) Road narrows on right ahead - ![Roundabout — UK road sign](/signs/uk/510-roundabout.webp) Roundabout - ![Sheep likely to be in road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/549-sheep-likely-to-be-in-road-ahead.webp) Sheep likely to be in road ahead - ![Side road ahead (left) — UK road sign](/signs/uk/506-1l-side-road-ahead-left.webp) Side road ahead (left) - ![Side road ahead (right) — UK road sign](/signs/uk/506-1-side-road-ahead-right.webp) Side road ahead (right) - ![Side winds likely ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/581-side-winds-likely-ahead.webp) Side winds likely ahead - ![Slippery road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/557-slippery-road-ahead.webp) Slippery road ahead - ![Slow moving military vehicles likely to be crossing or in the road — UK road sign](/signs/uk/582-slow-moving-military-vehicles-likely-to-be-crossing-or-in-th.webp) Slow moving military vehicles likely to be crossing or in the road - ![Slow moving vehicles likely on incline ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/583-slow-moving-vehicles-likely-on-incline-ahead.webp) Slow moving vehicles likely on incline ahead - ![Soft verges ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/556-1-soft-verges-ahead.webp) Soft verges ahead - ![Staggered junction ahead (left/right) — UK road sign](/signs/uk/507-1-staggered-junction-ahead-left-right.webp) Staggered junction ahead (left/right) - ![Steep hill downwards ahead (10%) — UK road sign](/signs/uk/523-1-steep-hill-downwards-ahead-10.webp) Steep hill downwards ahead (10%) - ![Steep hill upwards ahead (20%) — UK road sign](/signs/uk/524-1-steep-hill-upwards-ahead-20.webp) Steep hill upwards ahead (20%) - ![T-junction ahead (left) — UK road sign](/signs/uk/505-1-t-junction-ahead-left.webp) T-junction ahead (left) - ![T-junction ahead (right) — UK road sign](/signs/uk/505-1r-t-junction-ahead-right.webp) T-junction ahead (right) - ![Traffic merges ahead from the left — UK road sign](/signs/uk/508-1-traffic-merges-ahead-from-the-left.webp) Traffic merges ahead from the left - ![Traffic merges ahead onto main carriageway from the left — UK road sign](/signs/uk/509-1-traffic-merges-ahead-onto-main-carriageway-from-the-left.webp) Traffic merges ahead onto main carriageway from the left - ![Traffic signals ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/543-traffic-signals-ahead.webp) Traffic signals ahead - ![Tunnel ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/529-1-tunnel-ahead.webp) Tunnel ahead - ![Two-way traffic — UK road sign](/signs/uk/521-two-way-traffic.webp) Two-way traffic - ![Two-way traffic on route crossing ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/522-two-way-traffic-on-route-crossing-ahead.webp) Two-way traffic on route crossing ahead - ![Uneven road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/556-uneven-road-ahead.webp) Uneven road ahead - ![Vehicles exceeding height indicated are prohibited. Height is displayed in both metric and imperial units — UK road sign](/signs/uk/629-2a-vehicles-exceeding-height-indicated-are-prohibited-height-is.webp) Vehicles exceeding height indicated are prohibited. Height is displayed in both metric and imperial units - ![Water course alongside road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/555-1-water-course-alongside-road-ahead.webp) Water course alongside road ahead - ![Wild animals likely to be in road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/551-wild-animals-likely-to-be-in-road-ahead.webp) Wild animals likely to be in road ahead - ![Wild fowl likely to be in road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/551-2-wild-fowl-likely-to-be-in-road-ahead.webp) Wild fowl likely to be in road ahead - ![Wild horses or ponies likely to be in road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/550-wild-horses-or-ponies-likely-to-be-in-road-ahead.webp) Wild horses or ponies likely to be in road ahead - ![Zebra crossing ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/544-zebra-crossing-ahead.webp) Zebra crossing ahead - ![100 yards to a junction ahead controlled by a STOP sign — UK road sign](/signs/uk/502-100-yards-to-a-junction-ahead-controlled-by-a-stop-sign.webp) 100 yards to a junction ahead controlled by a STOP sign - ![200 yards to escape lane ahead for vehicles unable to stop on a steep hill — UK road sign](/signs/uk/817-2yd200-200-yards-to-escape-lane-ahead-for-vehicles-unable-to-stop-o.webp) 200 yards to escape lane ahead for vehicles unable to stop on a steep hill - ![200 yards to escape lane to the left for vehicles unable to stop on a steep hill — UK road sign](/signs/uk/817-2lyd200-200-yards-to-escape-lane-to-the-left-for-vehicles-unable-to.webp) 200 yards to escape lane to the left for vehicles unable to stop on a steep hill - ![400 yards ahead to hazard — UK road sign](/signs/uk/572-400-yards-ahead-to-hazard.webp) 400 yards ahead to hazard - ![50 yards to junction ahead controlled by a GIVE WAY sign — UK road sign](/signs/uk/503-50-yards-to-junction-ahead-controlled-by-a-give-way-sign.webp) 50 yards to junction ahead controlled by a GIVE WAY sign - ![Accident ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/563-accident-ahead.webp) Accident ahead - ![Advance warning of a mandatory height restriction ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/818-3-advance-warning-of-a-mandatory-height-restriction-ahead.webp) Advance warning of a mandatory height restriction ahead - ![Adverse camber on a bend or roundabout — UK road sign](/signs/uk/513-1-adverse-camber-on-a-bend-or-roundabout.webp) Adverse camber on a bend or roundabout - ![Agricultural vehicles likely to be in road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/553-2-agricultural-vehicles-likely-to-be-in-road-ahead.webp) Agricultural vehicles likely to be in road ahead - ![Area infected by animal disease ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/574-area-infected-by-animal-disease-ahead.webp) Area infected by animal disease ahead - ![Blasting danger ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/563v2-blasting-danger-ahead.webp) Blasting danger ahead - ![Blind children likely to cross road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/547-7vb-blind-children-likely-to-cross-road-ahead.webp) Blind children likely to cross road ahead - ![Blind pedestrians likely to cross road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/547-4b-blind-pedestrians-likely-to-cross-road-ahead.webp) Blind pedestrians likely to cross road ahead - ![Blind summit ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/563v3-blind-summit-ahead.webp) Blind summit ahead - ![By-pass of cattle grid for horse drawn vehicles — UK road sign](/signs/uk/553-by-pass-of-cattle-grid-for-horse-drawn-vehicles.webp) By-pass of cattle grid for horse drawn vehicles - ![Children's playground ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/547-2-children-s-playground-ahead.webp) Children's playground ahead - ![Convergence of traffic to a single file in each direction — UK road sign](/signs/uk/518-convergence-of-traffic-to-a-single-file-in-each-direction.webp) Convergence of traffic to a single file in each direction - ![Deaf children likely to cross road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/547-7vd-deaf-children-likely-to-cross-road-ahead.webp) Deaf children likely to cross road ahead - ![Direction to escape lane ahead for vehicles unable to stop on a steep hill — UK road sign](/signs/uk/817-2la-direction-to-escape-lane-ahead-for-vehicles-unable-to-stop-o.webp) Direction to escape lane ahead for vehicles unable to stop on a steep hill - ![Direction to escape lane to the left for vehicles unable to stop on a steep hill — UK road sign](/signs/uk/817-2ll-direction-to-escape-lane-to-the-left-for-vehicles-unable-to.webp) Direction to escape lane to the left for vehicles unable to stop on a steep hill - ![Disabled children likely to cross road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/547-7-disabled-children-likely-to-cross-road-ahead.webp) Disabled children likely to cross road ahead - ![Disabled pedestrians likely to cross road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/547-4-disabled-pedestrians-likely-to-cross-road-ahead.webp) Disabled pedestrians likely to cross road ahead - ![Distance and direction to hazard — UK road sign](/signs/uk/573-distance-and-direction-to-hazard.webp) Distance and direction to hazard - ![Distance over which slow moving vehicles likely to be encountered ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/583-1-distance-over-which-slow-moving-vehicles-likely-to-be-encoun.webp) Distance over which slow moving vehicles likely to be encountered ahead - ![Drivers should engage low gear for steep hill — UK road sign](/signs/uk/525-drivers-should-engage-low-gear-for-steep-hill.webp) Drivers should engage low gear for steep hill - ![Drivers should keep in low gear for 1.5 miles — UK road sign](/signs/uk/527-drivers-should-keep-in-low-gear-for-1-5-miles.webp) Drivers should keep in low gear for 1.5 miles - ![Drivers should keep in low gear for steep hill or tight bend — UK road sign](/signs/uk/526-drivers-should-keep-in-low-gear-for-steep-hill-or-tight-bend.webp) Drivers should keep in low gear for steep hill or tight bend - ![Dust cloud danger ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/563v5-dust-cloud-danger-ahead.webp) Dust cloud danger ahead - ![Escape lane ahead for vehicles unable to stop on a steep hill — UK road sign](/signs/uk/817-2-escape-lane-ahead-for-vehicles-unable-to-stop-on-a-steep-hil.webp) Escape lane ahead for vehicles unable to stop on a steep hill - ![Escape lane to left for vehicles unable to stop on a steep hill — UK road sign](/signs/uk/817-2l-escape-lane-to-left-for-vehicles-unable-to-stop-on-a-steep-h.webp) Escape lane to left for vehicles unable to stop on a steep hill - ![Fallen tree ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/563v6-fallen-tree-ahead.webp) Fallen tree ahead - ![Frost damage ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/563v8-frost-damage-ahead.webp) Frost damage ahead - ![Gliders likely ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/558-2-gliders-likely-ahead.webp) Gliders likely ahead - ![Hazard or prohibition extends for 2 miles — UK road sign](/signs/uk/570-hazard-or-prohibition-extends-for-2-miles.webp) Hazard or prohibition extends for 2 miles - ![Hidden dip ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/563v9-hidden-dip-ahead.webp) Hidden dip ahead - ![High vehicles to use middle of road at arch bridge ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/531-2-high-vehicles-to-use-middle-of-road-at-arch-bridge-ahead.webp) High vehicles to use middle of road at arch bridge ahead - ![Ice ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/554-3-ice-ahead.webp) Ice ahead - ![Large vehicles likely to be in middle of road because of narrowness of carriageway — UK road sign](/signs/uk/575-large-vehicles-likely-to-be-in-middle-of-road-because-of-nar.webp) Large vehicles likely to be in middle of road because of narrowness of carriageway - ![No footway for 400 yards — UK road sign](/signs/uk/547-3-no-footway-for-400-yards.webp) No footway for 400 yards - ![Overhead cable repairs ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/563v10-overhead-cable-repairs-ahead.webp) Overhead cable repairs ahead - ![Reduced headroom over part of road due to overhanging building ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/530-1-reduced-headroom-over-part-of-road-due-to-overhanging-buildi.webp) Reduced headroom over part of road due to overhanging building ahead - ![Reduction in speed necessary for a change in road layout ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/511-reduction-in-speed-necessary-for-a-change-in-road-layout-ahe.webp) Reduction in speed necessary for a change in road layout ahead - ![Road liable to flooding ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/563v12-road-liable-to-flooding-ahead.webp) Road liable to flooding ahead - ![Road only wide enough for one line of vehicles — UK road sign](/signs/uk/519-road-only-wide-enough-for-one-line-of-vehicles.webp) Road only wide enough for one line of vehicles - ![School ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/546-school-ahead.webp) School ahead - ![School crossing patrol ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/547-1-school-crossing-patrol-ahead.webp) School crossing patrol ahead - ![Smoke danger ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/563v14-smoke-danger-ahead.webp) Smoke danger ahead - ![Snowdrifts ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/554-3a-snowdrifts-ahead.webp) Snowdrifts ahead - ![Soft verges for 2 miles — UK road sign](/signs/uk/556-2-soft-verges-for-2-miles.webp) Soft verges for 2 miles - ![Supervised cattle crossing 200 yards ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/548-1-supervised-cattle-crossing-200-yards-ahead.webp) Supervised cattle crossing 200 yards ahead - ![Traffic queues likely on road ahead — UK road sign](/signs/uk/584-1-traffic-queues-likely-on-road-ahead.webp) Traffic queues likely on road ahead - ![Traffic signals ahead that only operate at certain times — UK road sign](/signs/uk/543-1-traffic-signals-ahead-that-only-operate-at-certain-times.webp) Traffic signals ahead that only operate at certain times - ![Warning of light signals in the vicinity of a fire station — UK road sign](/signs/uk/563-1-warning-of-light-signals-in-the-vicinity-of-a-fire-station.webp) Warning of light signals in the vicinity of a fire station ## Ready to test yourself on road signs? The free [road signs quiz](/theory-test/road-and-traffic-signs/practice-test/) uses the same official artwork, with an explanation for every answer. Revise the rules behind them in our [Road & Traffic Signs guide](/theory-test/road-and-traffic-signs/). [Start the road signs quiz](/theory-test/road-and-traffic-signs/practice-test/) ## Frequently asked questions **### How do you recognise warning signs?** Warning signs tell you about a hazard ahead so you can slow down and prepare. Most are triangles with a red border and a black symbol on white. A plate underneath may give the distance to the hazard or how far it continues. Treat every warning sign as a cue to check your speed and position. **### Do warning signs come up in the theory test?** Yes. Signs appear throughout the theory test, mainly in the Road & Traffic Signs topic and also in topics such as Road & Traffic Signs. Practise with our free questions until you can read each sign from its shape and colour. ## Which other road sign categories should you learn? - [Regulatory signs](/road-signs/regulatory-signs/) - [Speed limit signs](/road-signs/speed-limit-signs/) - [Motorway signs](/road-signs/motorway-signs/) - [Parking signs](/road-signs/parking-signs/) - [Level crossing signs](/road-signs/level-crossing-signs/) - [Pedestrian and cycle signs](/road-signs/pedestrian-and-cycle-signs/) - [Bus and tram signs](/road-signs/bus-and-tram-signs/) - [Road works signs](/road-signs/road-works-signs/) - [Traffic calming signs](/road-signs/traffic-calming-signs/) - [Information signs](/road-signs/information-signs/) - [Direction signs](/road-signs/direction-signs/) Traffic sign images: Crown copyright, Department for Transport. Reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0. [Licence](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) · [Source](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/traffic-sign-images).