Road and Traffic Signs: Read the Road Like a Pro

Road signs give you advance notice of hazards, priorities, and legal requirements. Recognising them instantly leaves more time to plan a safe response.

• Circular signs give orders: blue circles are positive instructions, red circles are prohibitions.
• Triangles warn of hazards—think ‘A’ for warning.
• Rectangles provide information; on motorways they are blue, on primary routes green, and on tourist routes brown.

• Give way and stop signs: stop is the only octagonal sign—obey even if the road looks clear.
• Priority over oncoming vehicles vs. give priority: note the arrow colours to know who must wait.
• Warning signs for bends, junctions, or steep hills tell you to adjust speed and gear early.

Matrix signs on smart motorways and major A roads can display temporary limits, lane closures, or hazard warnings. Treat them as legally enforceable and adjust immediately.

• Double white lines: do not cross or straddle unless it’s safe and legal (e.g., to pass a stationary vehicle).
• Yellow box junctions: keep clear unless your exit road is clear.
• Cycle lanes and bus lanes: check operation times and solid vs. broken lines before entering.