Traffic signsUnited Kingdom

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United Kingdom. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

An additional sign is a traffic sign placed directly below another sign to provide extra information or clarify how the main sign should be understood. It can specify conditions such as distance, time periods, road users affected, directions, or special circumstances. Additional signs do not create new rules by themselves but modify, limit, or explain the meaning of the sign above them so drivers can apply the rule correctly in that specific situation.

Flammable or explosive goods prohibited.

Vehicle access prohibited during the time shown.

High vehicles use the middle of an arch bridge.

Oncoming vehicles in the middle of the road.

Why must I read a supplementary plate?

It can qualify the main sign by identifying an exception, a time period or the distance to a restriction. Read the complete assembly rather than applying only the main symbol.

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, Regulatory signs

51. Soft verge

This supplementary sign warns that the verge beside the roadway is soft or unstable.

English • TSRGD S2 P2 item 42 • Soft verges. The verges may be too soft to support a vehicle safely over the next 2 miles. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (UK Government • Crown copyright • OGL v1.0)
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs

SVG source: UK Government • OGL v1.0 • Original revision 2012-06-25. Wikimedia original unmodified. © Crown copyright. Traffic signs are Crown copyright. You may reproduce traffic signs free of charge and without having to seek permission, but you must reproduce them accurately and not in a misleading context (e.g. not on roadside billboards where they could mislead drivers). (ref [1])

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 556.2.

Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.

52. Adverse camber

This supplementary sign warns of adverse camber, where the road slopes in a direction that may reduce vehicle stability.

English • TSRGD S2 P2 • Adverse camber. The road slopes unfavourably on the indicated bend or roundabout, increasing the risk of loss of control or overturning. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • Crown copyright • OGL v1.0)
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs

SVG source: Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • OGL v1.0 • Original revision 2026-05-15. Wikimedia original unmodified. © Crown copyright. Traffic signs are Crown copyright. You may reproduce traffic signs free of charge and without having to seek permission, but you must reproduce them accurately and not in a misleading context (e.g. not on roadside billboards where they could mislead drivers). (ref [1])

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 513.1.

Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.

53. Line painting

This supplementary sign warns that road markings are being painted or renewed ahead.

English • TSRGD S13 P2 item 9 • Line painting. Road-marking work is taking place ahead. Watch for workers, equipment and temporary traffic controls. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Department for Transport • Crown copyright • OGL v1.0)
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs

SVG source: Department for Transport • OGL v1.0 • Original revision 2020-04-10. Wikimedia original unmodified. © Crown copyright. Traffic signs are Crown copyright. You may reproduce traffic signs free of charge and without having to seek permission, but you must reproduce them accurately and not in a misleading context (e.g. not on roadside billboards where they could mislead drivers). (ref [1])

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 7001.1.

Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.

54. End

This supplementary sign indicates the end of the section to which the main traffic sign applies.

English • TSRGD S13 P2 item 9 • End. With the road-works sign, this plate marks the end of the restrictions or prohibitions associated with those works. It does not end unrelated permanent restrictions. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.

Sources

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 645.

Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.

55. Frost damage

This supplementary sign warns of road-surface damage caused by freezing and thawing.

English • TSRGD S13 P2 item 7 • Frost damage. Frost has damaged the road surface ahead. Reduce speed for uneven or broken surfacing. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.

Sources

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 563V8.

Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.

56. Ice

This supplementary sign warns that the road surface may be icy.

English • TSRGD S13 P2 item 4 • Ice. There is a risk of ice or packed snow at the location indicated by the warning sign. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.

Sources

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 554.3.

Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.

57. Smoke

This supplementary sign warns that smoke may reduce visibility on the road ahead.

English • TSRGD S13 P2 item 7 • Smoke. Smoke may reduce visibility ahead. Slow down and be prepared to stop safely. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.

Sources

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 563V14.

Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.

58. Snowdrifts

This supplementary sign warns of snowdrifts on or beside the roadway.

English • TSRGD S13 P2 item 4 • Snowdrifts. Snowdrifts may obstruct or narrow the road ahead. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.

Sources

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 554.3A.

Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.

59. High tide or flooding

This supplementary sign warns that the road may be flooded or submerged during high tide or high water.

English • TSRGD S2 P2 item 56 • Road liable to flooding. The road may flood. Assess the conditions and do not enter water unless it is safe to do so. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.

Sources

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 563V12.

Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.

60. Blind summit

This supplementary sign warns of a summit that obstructs the view of the road ahead.

English • TSRGD S2 P2 item 56 • Blind summit. A summit ahead restricts your view of approaching vehicles or hazards beyond it. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.

Sources

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 563V3.

Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.

61. Kindergarten

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign relates to a nearby kindergarten or preschool.

English • TSRGD S2 P2 item 25 • Playground. Children may be going to or from a playground ahead. The plate accompanies the children warning sign. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.

Sources

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 547.2.

Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.

62. School

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign relates to a nearby school.

English • TSRGD S2 P2 item 25 • School. Children may be going to or from a school ahead. The plate accompanies the children warning sign. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.

Sources

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 546.

Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.

63. Fallen tree

This supplementary sign warns of a fallen tree or large branch on or near the roadway.

English • TSRGD S13 P2 item 7 • Fallen tree. A fallen tree is creating a temporary hazard ahead. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.

Sources

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 563V6.

Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.

64. Overhanging building

This supplementary sign warns of an overhanging building or structure that reduces vertical clearance.

English • GB diagram 530.1 • Overhanging building. A building or structure reduces headroom over part of the road. High vehicles must check the available clearance and the indicated safe path. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.

Sources

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 530.1.

Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.

65. Blasting work

This supplementary sign warns that blasting operations are taking place nearby.

English • TSRGD S2 P2 item 56 • Blasting. Blasting operations may create a hazard ahead. Observe any signals, closures or instructions from the site. Read this supplementary plate together with the sign it qualifies.

Sources

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 563V2.

Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.