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Wrong-way drivingUnited 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
United Kingdom

32. Wrong-way driving

Wrong-way driving occurs when a driver travels against the legally permitted direction of traffic. It may happen on a one-way road, divided road, motorway entrance or exit, or another road section reserved for traffic travelling in one direction.

Wrong-way driving creates an extreme risk of a head-on collision. Drivers must follow direction signs, no-entry signs, lane arrows and road markings. Anyone who accidentally enters a road in the wrong direction should slow down, warn other traffic, stop in the safest available place and contact the emergency services.

Wrong-way driving
No-entry sign on Chalk Lane. (United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • Hugh Craddock • CC BY-SA
How can you avoid driving the wrong way in the United Kingdom?

Traffic normally keeps left here. Keep to the correct side of the road and use no-entry and one-way signs to identify prohibited approaches; do not enter an exit ramp against its permitted direction.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rule 263; Rules 160,143 and no-entry signs

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: regulatory signs (Great Britain)

What signs can prevent wrong-way driving in the United Kingdom?

The no-entry sign is a red disc with a horizontal white bar; check one-way indicators as well. Before entering a motorway, expressway, one-way street or slip road, check the permitted direction rather than relying only on a navigation app.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rule 263; Rules 160,143 and no-entry signs

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: regulatory signs (Great Britain)

What should you do if you enter a road against traffic in the United Kingdom?

Do not continue along the wrong-way lane or try to reverse or make a U-turn across a high-speed road. Reduce speed, warn other traffic if safe, get to a protected stopping place away from moving traffic when possible and contact the police or road operator for assistance.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rule 263; Rules 160,143 and no-entry signs

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: regulatory signs (Great Britain)

1 United Kingdom 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Bike path 5 Pedestrian warning 6 Bridge 7 Speed bump 8 Toll road 9 One-way traffic 10 Quay 11 Slope 12 Bus lane 13 Bus stop 14 Dead end 15 Stop sign 16 Give way 17 Roundabout 18 Road narrowing 19 Priority over oncoming traffic 20 Give way to oncoming traffic 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Crossing animals 27 Slippery road 28 Rockfall 29 Aircraft 30 Curve 31 Chevron 32 Wrong-way driving 33 Roadworks 34 Height limit 35 Radar speed sign 36 Selective barriers 37 Low-emission zone 38 Priority at the next junction 39 Traffic lights 40 Traffic lights warning 41 Road markings 42 Climbing lane 43 Bike box 44 Left-hand traffic 45 Speed feedback 46 Driving licence 47 Cycling route 48 Parking 49 No parking 50 Park and ride 51 Disabled parking 52 Reversing 53 Detour 54 Road surface 55 Verge 56 Traffic calming 57 Horse riding 58 Emergency exit 59 City limit 60 Tourist attraction 61 Licence plate 62 Charging station 63 Dangers 64 Dip 65 Tram lane 66 Cyclist 67 Bus 68 Police 69 Ambulance 70 Roadway 71 Street 72 Pothole 73 Private road 74 Path 75 Particulates 76 Air pollution 77 Rush hour 78 Road code 79 Two-way traffic 80 Tram stop 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 Passenger 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Public transport 98 Caravan 99 Trailer 100 Tow hitch ...