Ever wonder what road signs mean in the UK? We’ll give you some tricks and let you work out what a road sign means by its shape or colour. It’s essential to know your road signs if you want to pass your theory test, so let’s get started!
We’re talking about the UK’s Highway Code that applies to England, Scotland and Wales.
So what do road signs mean in the UK?
In the UK there are 3 different types of road signs:
- Triangle, used for warnings
- Circle, used for orders or instruction
- Rectangle, used for information and directions
There are also 6 different colours of road signs. For example, a blue circle is used to give instructions while a Red circle is used for prohibitions.
What are the colours of road signs?
The 6 colours used for road signs are:
- Red, used for warning or prohibitions
- Blue, for instructions information and direction signs
- Green, is used for Directions (mainly on primary roads)
- White, for information and local directions
- Brown, indicates tourist directions, services and facilities
- Yellow, used for diversions and road works
Are road signs universal?
When going abroad road signs may be completely different, however all road signs are universal in the UK following a set of standard shapes and colours.
Now let’s recap
What road signs give orders?
Circle road signs are used for orders and instruction. Red circle sings give warning or prohibitions, e.g. a speed limit sign. Blue circle signs give instructions and information.
What road signs give instructions?
Circle road signs are used for orders or instructions. Specifically, Blue circles give instructions while Red circles depict prohibitions such as spread limits.
What are the road signs that give information or directions?
Rectangles, that are Yellow, Green, White, and Brown give information. Yellow rectangles usually show diversion or road work information. Green rectangle signs show directions, particularly on main roads, while white rectangles show local directions. Brown signs give tourist information.
What road signs are Red?
There are two types of Red road signs:
- Warning road signs that let you know about upcoming hazards, e.g. narrow road signs.
- Prohibition road signs that tell you something you must not do, e.g. speed limit signs.
Red warning road signs are normally triangles, red prohibition signs are normally circles.
What road signs are Blue
Blue signs give you instructions you must do as well as information and directions (on motorways).
Blue circle signs give you instructions, while blue rectangles give you information and directions.
What road signs are Green
Green road sings are used to show directions. They are mainly shown on primary routes.
