Prohibitory 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

Prohibitory signs

A prohibitory sign is a traffic sign that tells drivers what is not allowed on that specific road or in that situation. These signs impose restrictions such as no entry, no overtaking, no parking, speed limits, or bans on certain types of vehicles. Their purpose is to clearly indicate actions that are forbidden to ensure safety, maintain traffic flow, and protect vulnerable road users.

Vehicles carrying dangerous goods prohibited.

Flammable or explosive goods prohibited.

Vehicles wider than indicated prohibited.

Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited.

Vehicles longer than indicated prohibited.

Vehicles heavier than indicated prohibited.

Trucks heavier than indicated prohibited.

Road narrowing, give way to oncoming drivers.

How are prohibitory signs classified in the United Kingdom?

Red circles or rings generally indicate prohibitions, including speed and vehicle restrictions.

🔗 gov.uk • Department for Transport — regulatory signs, STOP/GIVE WAY and vehicle/turn restrictions

🔗 nidirect.gov.uk • Northern Ireland Government — separate Highway Code signs and markings

How do you recognise a prohibited turn in the United Kingdom?

A regulatory No left turn, No right turn or No U-turn sign prohibits the movement shown. A route-direction arrow without a prohibition symbol is not always the same kind of sign.

🔗 gov.uk • Department for Transport — regulatory signs, STOP/GIVE WAY and vehicle/turn restrictions

🔗 nidirect.gov.uk • Northern Ireland Government — separate Highway Code signs and markings

Can a no-turn restriction apply only to certain vehicles or hours in the United Kingdom?

Yes, where the local sign system provides a supplementary condition or exemption, such as a vehicle class, time or authorised access. Without a valid exception, comply with the prohibited movement shown.

🔗 gov.uk • Department for Transport — regulatory signs, STOP/GIVE WAY and vehicle/turn restrictions

🔗 nidirect.gov.uk • Northern Ireland Government — separate Highway Code signs and markings

1. No entry

This traffic sign means no entry. Drivers may not enter from the direction in which the sign is placed.

English • GB diagram 616 • No entry. Vehicular traffic must not enter from this direction. Read any permitted exception plate.

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 2024-11-14. 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 616.

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

2. Access prohibited in both directions

This traffic sign indicates that drivers may not enter the road from either direction.

English • GB diagram 617 • All vehicles prohibited. All vehicles are prohibited, apart from non-mechanically propelled vehicles pushed by pedestrians. Any signed exemptions also apply.

Sources

SVG source: Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • OGL v1.0 • Original revision 2022-01-19. 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 617.

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

3. Pedestrians prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that pedestrians are prohibited. Pedestrians may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • GB diagram 625.1 • No pedestrians. Pedestrians must not use the route indicated by this sign.

Sources

SVG source: Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • OGL v1.0 • Original revision 2021-11-26. 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 625.1.

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

4. Cyclists prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that cyclists are prohibited. Cyclists may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • GB diagram 951 • No cycling. Riding pedal cycles is prohibited. In Great Britain, the current rule also covers electric scooters used in authorised trials where applicable.

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 2014-09-26. 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 951.

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

5. Motorcycles prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that motorcycles are prohibited. Motorcyclists may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • GB diagram 619.2 • No solo motorcycles. Solo motorcycles are prohibited. In Great Britain, electric scooters used in authorised trials are excepted where applicable; read any other signed exemptions.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs

SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2011-01-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

6. Cars prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that cars are prohibited. Cars may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • GB diagram 619.1 • No motor vehicles except solo motorcycles. Motor vehicles are prohibited except solo motorcycles. This car symbol represents a wider restriction than passenger cars alone.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs

SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2011-01-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

7. Caravans prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that caravans are prohibited. Vehicles towing a caravan may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • GB diagram 622.7 • No towed caravans. Towed caravans are prohibited; this symbol does not prohibit every vehicle with a trailer.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs

SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2011-11-12. Wikimedia original unmodified.

8. Buses prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that buses are prohibited. Buses covered by the sign may not enter or continue beyond it. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • GB diagram 952 • No buses. Buses with more than eight passenger seats are prohibited, subject to any signed exemption.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs

SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2011-11-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

9. Equestrians prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that equestrians are prohibited. Equestrians may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • GB diagram 622.6 • No ridden or accompanied horses. Ridden or accompanied horses are prohibited.

Sources

SVG source: Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • OGL v1.0 • Original revision 2021-07-14. 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 622.6.

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

10. Horsecarts prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that horsecarts are prohibited. Horse-drawn vehicles may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • GB diagram 622.5 • No horse-drawn vehicles. Horse-drawn vehicles are prohibited.

Sources

SVG source: Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • OGL v1.0 • Original revision 2021-07-15. 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 622.5.

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

11. Motorcycles and cars prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that motorcycles and cars are prohibited. Motorcycles and cars may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • GB diagram 619 • No motor vehicles. Motor vehicles are prohibited. In Great Britain, electric scooters used in authorised trials are excepted where applicable; any signed exemptions must also be observed.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs

SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2014-09-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Legislation.gov.uk • official published diagram 619.

12. Vehicles carrying dangerous goods prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles carrying dangerous goods are prohibited. Vehicles carrying the dangerous goods covered by the sign may not enter or continue beyond it.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org

SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2023-10-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

13. Flammable or explosive goods prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles carrying flammable or explosive substances are prohibited. Vehicles carrying the substances covered by the sign may not enter or continue beyond it.

English • GB diagram 622.8 • No vehicles carrying explosives. Vehicles carrying explosives must not proceed. A supplementary plate may specify explosives or inflammables and explosives.

Sources

SVG source: Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • OGL v1.0 • Original revision 2021-08-01. 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 622.8.

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

14. Vehicles wider than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles wider than indicated are prohibited. A vehicle or vehicle combination whose overall width, including its load, exceeds the displayed limit may not continue beyond the sign.

English • GB diagram 629A • Maximum width. Vehicles wider than the stated 2.0 m / 6 ft 6 in must not proceed. Include the load when checking width.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs

SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2011-12-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

15. Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles higher than indicated are prohibited. A vehicle or vehicle combination whose overall height, including its load, exceeds the displayed limit may not continue beyond the sign.

English • GB diagram 629.2A • Maximum height. Vehicles higher than the stated 4.4 m / 14 ft 6 in must not proceed. Include the load when checking height.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs

SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2011-10-29. Wikimedia original unmodified.

16. Vehicles longer than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles longer than indicated are prohibited. A vehicle or vehicle combination whose overall length, including its load, exceeds the displayed limit may not continue beyond the sign.

English • GB diagram 629.1 • Maximum length. Vehicles or combinations longer than 32 ft 6 in must not proceed. This imperial-only artwork is an older sign type; current new signs display both metric and imperial dimensions.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Retention of existing signs • regulation 14
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Earlier prescribed signs • TSRGD 2002

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
UK Government • Public domain • Source revision 2014-09-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.

17. Vehicles heavier than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles heavier than indicated are prohibited. Vehicles or vehicle combinations exceeding the displayed mass limit may not continue beyond the sign. The legally relevant mass is determined by the applicable local rules.

English • GB diagram 626.2A • Weak bridge — maximum gross weight. Vehicles with a maximum gross weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes must not cross the bridge. The limit refers to maximum gross weight, not merely the load currently carried. This artwork does not show an exemption for empty vehicles.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Martinvl • 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: Martinvl • OGL v1.0 • Original revision 2015-01-05. 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 626.2A.

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

18. Trucks heavier than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that trucks heavier than indicated are prohibited. Trucks covered by the sign may not continue if they exceed the displayed mass limit. The legally relevant mass is determined by the applicable local rules.

English • GB diagram 622.1A • Goods vehicle weight restriction. Goods vehicles with a maximum gross weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes are prohibited. Read any accompanying exemption, such as access or loading.

Sources

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 622.1A.

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

19. Road narrowing, give way to oncoming drivers

This traffic sign indicates a road narrowing where you must give way to oncoming traffic. Allow approaching traffic to pass before entering or continuing through the narrow section when required.

English • GB diagram 615 • Give way to oncoming vehicles. You must give priority to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction at the narrow section.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs

SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2011-01-20. Wikimedia original unmodified.

20. Turning left prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that turning left is prohibited. A left turn may not be made where the sign applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • GB diagram 613 • No left turn. Vehicular traffic must not turn left at the junction, subject to any signed exemption.

Sources

SVG source: Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • OGL v1.0 • Original revision 2021-07-06. 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 613.

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

21. Turning right prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that turning right is prohibited. A right turn may not be made where the sign applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • GB diagram 612 • No right turn. Vehicular traffic must not turn right at the junction, subject to any signed exemption.

Sources

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 612.

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

22. Turning around prohibited (U-turn)

This traffic sign indicates that turning around (making a U-turn) is prohibited. A U-turn may not be made where the prohibition applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • GB diagram 614 • No U-turns. Vehicular traffic must not make a U-turn, subject to any signed exemption.

Sources

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 614.

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

23. Overtaking prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that overtaking is prohibited. The vehicles covered by the prohibition and any categories that may still be overtaken depend on the applicable local rules.

English • GB diagram 632 • No overtaking. Overtaking is prohibited. The depicted cars represent the prohibition rather than limiting it to passenger cars.

Sources

SVG source: Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • OGL v1.0 • Original revision 2021-07-17. 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 632.

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

24. Start of a speed limit

This traffic sign indicates the start of a speed limit. The displayed value is the maximum permitted speed from this point. The limit remains in force until it ends or is replaced according to the applicable traffic signs and local rules.

English • GB diagram 670 • Maximum speed limit. The maximum permitted speed is 50 mph. UK speed limit numbers are in miles per hour.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs

SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2011-11-12. Wikimedia original unmodified.

25. Start of a zone with speed limit

This traffic sign indicates the start of a zone with a speed limit. The displayed speed limit applies throughout the zone according to the applicable zonal rules, until the zone is ended or another rule replaces it.

English • GB diagram 674 • 20 mph zone. You are entering a 20 mph zone. The limit continues throughout the zone until its end is signed.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs

SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2011-11-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Legislation.gov.uk • official published diagram 674.

26. End of the zone with speed limit

This traffic sign indicates the end of the zone with a speed limit. The zonal speed limit ends at this point. Follow any newly posted limit or the applicable default speed rules.

English • GB diagram 675 + 670 • End of 20 mph zone. The 20 mph zone ends here. The upper sign establishes a maximum speed of 30 mph beyond the zone.

Sources

SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2011-11-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

27. Entry prohibited (checkpoint)

This traffic sign indicates a checkpoint with restricted entry. Road users may not proceed beyond the checkpoint unless they are authorised or permitted to continue according to the applicable rules and instructions.

English • GB diagram 633 • Stop — police. You must not proceed beyond this sign when it is displayed by a police officer in uniform or an authorised traffic warden.

Sources

SVG source: Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • OGL v1.0 • Original revision 2026-07-29. 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 633.

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

28. Parking prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that parking is prohibited. Vehicles may not be parked in the area covered by the sign unless an exception applies. Brief stopping to pick up or drop off passengers or to load or unload goods may still be permitted where local rules allow it.

English • TSRGD S4 • No waiting symbol. Waiting is prohibited during the indicated times. Read the accompanying time plate, zone signs and road markings to determine its extent; any loading restriction is separate.

Sources

SVG source: Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • OGL v1.0 • Original revision 2022-01-23. 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 Legislation.gov.uk • official published diagram 636.

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

29. Parking and stopping prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that parking and stopping are prohibited. Vehicles may not stop or park voluntarily where the restriction applies, except where an applicable rule provides an exemption or stopping is required by traffic conditions.

English • GB diagram 642 • No stopping on the main carriageway. This is a clearway restriction: stopping on the main carriageway is prohibited. Observe its signed extent and any statutory exceptions.

Sources

Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 642.

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