Traffic signsUnited Kingdom
Traffic rules
United Kingdom
Priority signs
Warning signs
Prohibitory signs
Mandatory signs
Information signs
Additional signsWarning signs
A warning sign is a traffic sign that alerts drivers to a potential danger or change in road conditions ahead, giving them enough time to slow down and react safely. These signs warn about hazards such as sharp bends, pedestrian crossings, slippery surfaces, merging traffic, animals on the road, or upcoming intersections. Their purpose is not to forbid or command anything, but simply to prepare drivers for situations that require extra attention.
How should I recognise hazard warnings in the United Kingdom?
Typical hazard warnings use red-bordered triangles. Read the symbol to identify the danger.
🔗 gov.uk • Department for Transport — Know Your Traffic Signs, signing system
🔗 nidirect.gov.uk • Northern Ireland Government — separate Highway Code signs and markings
How should I react to a pedestrian warning in the United Kingdom?
Reduce speed, look along both sides of the road and be ready to stop. The warning identifies a pedestrian hazard ahead; children, people with limited mobility or others may enter the road unexpectedly.
🔗 gov.uk • Department for Transport — Know Your Traffic Signs, signing system
🔗 nidirect.gov.uk • Northern Ireland Government — separate Highway Code signs and markings
Does a traffic-lights-ahead warning require an immediate stop in the United Kingdom?
No. A warning sign is not an automatic STOP instruction and does not create a new numerical speed limit. Reduce speed when necessary, look for a queue or a concealed signal, and obey the traffic lights and any separate speed or stop signs.
🔗 gov.uk • Department for Transport — Know Your Traffic Signs, signing system
🔗 nidirect.gov.uk • Northern Ireland Government — separate Highway Code signs and markings
51. Warning for tractors
This traffic sign indicates a warning for tractors or other agricultural vehicles. Slow-moving agricultural vehicles may enter, cross or travel along the road ahead. Reduce speed and overtake only where it is permitted and clearly safe.
English • GB diagram 553.1 • Agricultural vehicles. Agricultural vehicles are likely to be in the road ahead.
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.
52. Warning for trams
This traffic sign indicates a warning for trams. Tram tracks cross or run along the road ahead, and trams may enter the traffic path. Reduce speed, watch carefully for approaching trams and follow the applicable traffic signals, priority signs and local rules.
English • GB diagram 772 • Tramcars crossing. Tramcars cross the road ahead. Observe the signals, signs and markings.
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 2024-11-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Legislation.gov.uk • official published diagram 772.
53. Warning for a railway crossing without barriers
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing without barriers. It alerts drivers to an upcoming level crossing where railway tracks cross the road and no barriers or gates are present to stop traffic. Drivers should slow down and look both ways for trains.
English • GB diagram 771 • Level crossing without a gate or barrier. A railway level crossing without gates or barriers is ahead.
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 2024-11-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Legislation.gov.uk • official published diagram 771.
54. Warning for a railway crossing with barriers
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing with barriers. It alerts drivers to an upcoming level crossing with gates or barriers that close when a train approaches. Drivers should be ready to stop when the barriers are down or flashing lights activate. Never attempt to cross when gates are closing or closed.
English • GB diagram 770 • Level crossing with a gate or barrier. A railway level crossing with gates or barriers is ahead.
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 2024-11-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Legislation.gov.uk • official published diagram 770.
55. Warning for a railway crossing with one track
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing with one track. It alerts drivers to a level crossing where a single railway track crosses the road. Drivers should approach with caution and be prepared to stop, even if no barriers or warning lights are active.
English • GB diagram 774 • Level crossing without a gate or barrier. This sign marks the location of a railway or tramway level crossing without gates or barriers. It does not indicate a specific number of tracks.
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 2024-11-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Legislation.gov.uk • official published diagram 774.
