Think back to your last journey and how many road signs you passed. Can you remember what each one means? If you can, you may be in the minority according to a recent Tempcover survey. As reported in both Intelligent Instructor and the DIA:
- 83% could not identify a No Vehicles sign.
- 73% could not identify a No Waiting sign.
- 63% could not identify a No Stopping sign.
This is a concern, not only for the safety of these drivers and other road users, but also for their financial situation and the number of penalties they could potentially face.
Failing to comply with mandatory road signs, traffic lights and other road markings is considered an offence with these potential penalties:
- 3 points on your licence.
- £100 fine.
The UK government’s official guide, Know Your Traffic Signs, states: ‘Traffic signs play a vital role in directing, informing and controlling road users’ behaviour in an effort to make the roads as safe as possible for everyone. This makes a knowledge of traffic signs essential. Not just for new drivers or riders needing to pass their theory test, but for all road users, including experienced professional drivers.’
This explains why it’s so important to know what each one means and abide by them. Penalties for breaking the law when it comes to following road signs include:
- A fine, potentially up to £1,000.
- Penalty points (3 points for a standard offence).
- Possibly even a driving ban.
Could you pass a road signs test?
Can you name this sign?
This one indicates No Stopping. A No Stopping sign means no stopping whatsoever, even if you just want to drop someone off.
If you end up stopping when the sign indicates otherwise, you could face a hefty penalty or put yourself (and others) in grave danger.
Can you name this sign?
This one indicates No Waiting. A No Waiting sign means you can stop temporarily, maybe to let out a passenger or unload, but you can’t linger.
If there is also a single yellow line, you can’t wait on the road during the times shown on the sign. If there are double yellow lines, it means there’s no waiting or parking at any time, unless exceptions are listed.
If you ignore a No Waiting sign, you could receive a fine and three penalty points.
Can you name this sign?
This one indicates No Vehicles (or no vehicles except pedal cycles being pushed by hand). Sometimes it can be accompanied by exceptions. Ignoring this again could see you face a fine, points on your licence and possibly even a driving ban.
What are the road signs and what do they mean?
There are a number of things to remember when thinking about the UK’s different road signs.
- Red signs are restrictive. You must take notice of them.
- Blue signs instruct or provide information.
- Green signs offer directions on primary routes.
- White signs offer directions on non-primary routes.
- Yellow signs provide information about roadworks or special events.
- Circular signs give orders.
- Triangular signs offer warnings.
- Rectangular signs provide information.
How confident are you in your knowledge of road signs?
Misinterpreting or ignoring road signs can be very dangerous so it might be time to refresh your knowledge. You can find images of all the road signs in The Highway Code’s Traffic Signs section and there are a number of apps and online quizzes you can take, too.
If you’re learning to drive (don’t forget to get extra private practice with learner driver insurance), road signs play an important part in both the theory test and practical test. Make sure you study them and learn what they mean before passing the test.
There could be a number of reasons why the driving public’s knowledge of road signs appears to be lacking, from outdated signage in certain areas to an over-reliance on technology. Some may even pass their test and think it’s done but UK road laws are always being adapted so it’s important to keep up to date with the changes to The Highway Code.
Claire Wills-Mckissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, confirms this lack of awareness could lead to fines, penalties, and hazardous situations on the road: “Many drivers struggle to recognise important road signs, which can result in fines, penalties, or even dangerous incidents. Parking or stopping in restricted areas not only disrupts traffic flow but can also pose safety risks”
It’s important to understand the different road signs and their meanings as it will help keep you safe on the road and save you paying out significant fines.
Sources
https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/legal/parking-guide-yellow-lines
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/know-your-traffic-signs/regulatory-signs
https://www.intelligentinstructor.co.uk/knowing-the-signs/
https://www.driving.org/survey-reveals-uk-drivers-worrying-lack-of-road-sign-knowledge/
