Search Legislation

The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016

 Help about what version

What Version

  • Latest available (Revised)
  • Original (As made)

Status:

This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format.

  1. Introductory Text

  2. PART 1 THE TRAFFIC SIGNS REGULATIONS 2016

    1. 1.Citation, commencement and extent

    2. 2.Interpretation

    3. 3.Prescription of signs

    4. 4.Authorisations

    5. 5.Letters, numerals and other characters

    6. 6.Expressions of time and distance and for parking restrictions

    7. 7.Dimensions and design of signs

    8. 8.Illumination of upright signs and associated plates

    9. 9.Illumination – road markings

    10. 10.Height of road markings and size of studs fitted with reflectors, retroreflecting material or a light source

    11. 11.Diagram Colours

    12. 12.Mutual recognition of standards

    13. 13.Revocations

    14. 14.Transitional and savings provisions

    15. 15.Provision for review of these Regulations

  3. PART 2 THE TRAFFIC SIGNS GENERAL DIRECTIONS 2016

    1. 1.Citation, commencement and extent

    2. 2.Interpretation

    3. 3.Application of general directions

    4. 4.General provision about upright signs and associated plates and structure warning markings

    5. 5.General provision about placing of signs on vehicles

    6. 6.General provision about the removal of temporary signs

    7. 7.Studs that provide illumination

    8. 8.Mounting of upright signs

    9. 9.The backs of, and backing boards for, upright signs

    10. 10.Mutual recognition of standards

    11. 11.Special directions

    12. 12.Revocations

    13. 13.Saving

    14. 14.Provision for review of these General Directions

  4. Signature

    1. SCHEDULE 1

      Definitions

    2. SCHEDULE 2

      Signs that warn of hazards and signs for bridges and other structures

      1. PART 1 Provisions applying to signs and plates in Parts 2 and 3

        1. 1.A warning of a description in column 2 of an...

        2. 2.A warning or information in column 4 of an item...

        3. 3.Where a number is mentioned in column 5 of the...

        4. 4.A provision of Part 7 mentioned (by reference to paragraph...

        5. 5.A Schedule 2 General Direction mentioned (by reference to paragraph...

      2. PART 2 Warning signs and associated plates

      3. PART 3 Supplementary associated plates for placing in combination with signs in Part 2

        1. 1.A warning, information or restriction of a description specified in...

      4. PART 4 Traffic signs for bridges and other structures

        1. 1.A warning, information or prohibition of a description in column...

        2. 2.In the case of the description at item 3, the...

        3. 3.A number in column 4 of the sign table in...

        4. 4.A provision of Part 7 mentioned (by reference to paragraph...

        5. 5.A Schedule 2 General Direction mentioned (by reference to paragraph...

      5. PART 5 Associated plates and structure warning markings for signs in Part 4

        1. 1.(1) A warning or information of a description specified in...

        2. 2.A provision of Part 7 mentioned (by reference to paragraph...

      6. PART 6 Other warning signs

        1. 1.A warning of a description in column 2 of the...

        2. 2.In the case of the description at item 1, the...

        3. 3.A provision of Part 7 mentioned (by reference to paragraph...

        4. 4.A Schedule 2 General Direction mentioned (by reference to paragraph...

      7. PART 7 Provisions applicable to signs

        1. 1.Section 36 of the 1988 Act applies to the sign....

        2. 2.The sign is specified for the purposes of column 5...

        3. 3.If the sign is displayed on a variable message sign...

        4. 4.The sign must be illuminated by means of retroreflecting material....

        5. 5.The safe height shown on the first associated plate must...

        6. 6.(1) Subject to sub paragraph (2), where the sign is...

        7. 7.The structure warning marking may be left unlit, or be...

        8. 8.Paragraph 6 applies to that part of the sign, if...

        9. 9.Where those parts of the sign coloured yellow, if any,...

        10. 10.The sign must not be illuminated.

        11. 11.The road marking must be reflectorised.

        12. 12.The sign may have different numerals to those shown in...

        13. 13.The arrow in the road marking may indicate a path...

      8. PART 8 The Schedule 2 General Directions

        1. 1.The triangular sign must not be placed unless placed with...

        2. 2.The sign may be fitted to the rear of a...

        3. 3.The two triangular signs must be placed together (with or...

        4. 4.The triangular sign must be placed with its upper associated...

        5. 5.(1) The sign (“an edge of carriageway sign”) must be...

    3. SCHEDULE 3

      Upright signs that indicate regulatory requirements for moving traffic

      1. PART 1 Provisions applicable to Parts 2, 3 and 4

        1. 1.The requirement, restriction or prohibition of a description in column...

        2. 2.In the case of the description at item 25, the...

        3. 3.A warning, information, requirement, restriction or prohibition of a description...

        4. 4.A Part 3 plate containing a legend referred to in...

        5. 5.A provision of Part 4 mentioned (by reference to paragraph...

        6. 6.A Schedule 3 General Direction mentioned (by reference to paragraph...

      2. PART 2 Circular signs and supplementary plates including regulatory requirements

      3. PART 3 Legends for plates associated with circular signs

        1. 1.“One way”.

        2. 2.“Dual carriageway”.

        3. 3.(1) Subject to sub‑paragraphs (2), (3) and (4), “Except” and...

        4. 4.“For” and a distance.

        5. 5.“End”.

        6. 6.“Ice” or “Snowdrifts”.

        7. 7.“Ice for” or “Snowdrifts for”, and a distance.

        8. 8.A time period.

        9. 9.“Give way to oncoming vehicles”.

        10. 10.“Give way to oncoming vehicles for” and a distance.

        11. 11.“Except” and “trams”, “buses”, “local buses”, “cycles”, “buses and cycles”...

        12. 12.“Play Street except for access”.

        13. 13.“Play Street” and a time period and “except for access”....

        14. 14.“No vehicles”.

        15. 15.(1) Subject to sub‑paragraphs (2) and (3), “Except” and any...

        16. 16.“No explosives” or “No inflammables or explosives”.

        17. 17.“and authorised vehicles”.

      4. PART 4 Provisions applicable to signs in Part 2

        1. 1.Section 36 of the 1988 Act applies to the circular...

        2. 2.Where the sign is placed temporarily on a road by...

        3. 3.(1) Except as provided in sub-paragraphs (2) to (5), the...

        4. 4.(1) Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) to (5), where the sign...

        5. 5.The sign need not be illuminated.

        6. 6.The sign may have different numerals to those shown in...

        7. 7.The word “taxi” may be omitted.

        8. 8.The cycle symbol may be omitted.

      5. PART 5 The Schedule 3 General Directions

        1. 1.(1) The sign must only be placed to indicate the...

        2. 2.Where the sign is mounted on a bollard—

        3. 3.The sign must not be placed unless accompanied by its...

        4. 4.The two signs provided for must be placed together.

    4. SCHEDULE 4

      Upright signs that control waiting, loading and parking along a road

      1. PART 1 Blank panel diagram

      2. PART 2 On-street parking control signs

        1. 1.Yellow panel signs

        2. 2.The sign must have a yellow background and black border...

        3. 3.(1) The sign must include a symbol of the size,...

        4. 4.A sign provided for in the Part 3 sign table...

        5. 5.A legend may be varied in accordance with an entry...

        6. 6.The legend must be of a height provided for in...

        7. 7.A sign must include an arrow pointing to the left...

        8. 8.White panel signs

        9. 9.The sign must have a white background and black border...

        10. 10.(1) The sign must have a symbol of the size,...

        11. 11.A sign provided for at item 1, 5, 6, 7,...

        12. 12.A legend provided for at item 5, 6 or 7...

        13. 13.A sign provided for at item 2, 3 or 4...

        14. 14.A legend provided for in the Part 4 sign table...

        15. 15.Where an item in the Part 4 sign table (“the...

        16. 16.(1) A symbol included in accordance with paragraph 15 must...

        17. 17.A sign must include an arrow pointing to the left...

        18. 18.(1) A sign may convey any two of the descriptions...

        19. 19.Signs consisting of multiple panels

        20. 20.(1) This paragraph applies in relation to a sign provided...

        21. 21.(1) This paragraph applies to a sign which includes the...

        22. 22.Provisions applying where the sign is made up of more than one panel

        23. 23.(1) Panels included in a sign may be placed in...

        24. 24.Height of legends to be proportionate

        25. 25.Illumination

      3. PART 3 Symbols and legends used in combination with a yellow panel

      4. PART 4 Symbols and legends used in combination with a white panel

      5. PART 5 Symbols to be used with Part 4 symbols on a white panel

      6. PART 6 The Schedule 4 General Direction

        1. 1.(1) The signs provided for in this Schedule must only...

    5. SCHEDULE 5

      Signs to indicate parking places and areas subject to parking controls

      1. PART 1 Parking place signs and plates

        1. 1.A sign for indicating a parking place (a “parking place...

        2. 2.A restriction of a description in column 2 of items...

      2. PART 2 Entrance to a zone or area (other than a pedestrian, or a pedestrian and cycle, zone) where parking controls apply

        1. 3.The provisions as to size, colour and type in this...

        2. 4.The sign must be of the shape shown in the...

        3. 5.The upper panel must contain— (a) the symbol or symbols...

        4. 6.The upper panel may be varied in accordance with column...

        5. 7.Where provided for in column 7 of the item, a...

        6. 8.A legend or symbol included in the lower panel must...

      3. PART 3 The upper panel and provision on inclusion of the lower panel

      4. PART 4 Legends and symbols in the lower panel

      5. PART 5 The Schedule 5 General Direction

        1. 1.(1) The signs provided for in this Schedule must only...

    6. SCHEDULE 6

      Upright signs for red routes

      1. PART 1 Provisions applying to Part 2

        1. 1.An upright sign for conveying a restriction or prohibition applicable...

        2. 2.The sign must consist of the top and middle panels...

        3. 3.The top panel may be varied so “RED ROUTE” appears...

        4. 4.The middle panel may be varied to include—

        5. 5.If “except buses”, “except local buses”, “except in signed bays”...

        6. 6.Unless paragraph 5 applies, the sign may include a bottom...

        7. 7.A symbol provided for at item 4,5, 6, 8, 9,...

        8. 8.The size of the symbol must comply with the requirements...

        9. 9.The bottom panel may also include a legend, to accompany...

        10. 10.The bottom panel may be varied in accordance with column...

      2. PART 2 Symbols and legends used on a bottom panel

      3. PART 3 The Schedule 6 General Direction

        1. 1.The signs provided for in this Schedule must only be...

    7. SCHEDULE 7

      Road markings and miscellaneous upright signs that indicate stopping, waiting, loading and parking controls

      1. PART 1 Provisions applying to Part 2

        1. 1.The information, requirement, restriction or prohibition of a description in...

        2. 2.The signs provided for at items 5, 12, 13, 14,...

      2. PART 2 Regulatory signs for stopping, waiting, loading and parking controls

      3. PART 3 Provisions applying to road markings in Part 4

        1. 1.A restriction or prohibition of a description in column 2...

        2. 2.(1) Where the road marking at item 9 is placed...

        3. 3.Section 36 of the 1988 Act applies to the markings...

      4. PART 4 Road markings for stopping, waiting, loading and parking controls

      5. PART 5 Required or permitted variants

        1. 1.(1) ”DOCTOR” may be omitted. (2) “DOCTOR” may be varied...

        2. 2.(1) When reserved for disabled badge holders at certain times...

        3. 3.The transverse mark at the end of the line may...

        4. 4.The marking may be continued down the vertical face of...

        5. 5.The marks forming the boundary of the bay and any...

        6. 6.”TAXIS” may be varied to “AMBULANCES” or “POLICE”.

        7. 7.The transverse line may be omitted— (a) from that part...

        8. 8.Where the marking is placed on a red route, the...

        9. 9.”STOP” may be varied to “STAND”.

        10. 10.The legend may be repeated along the length of the...

        11. 11.Where the marking is placed in part of a lay‑by,...

        12. 12.The continuous line must be varied to red where placed...

        13. 13.The continuous line must be replaced by the marking provided...

        14. 14.”SCHOOL” may be varied to “CHILDREN” with the maximum length...

        15. 15.”SCHOOL” and the line between “SCHOOL” and “KEEP” may be...

        16. 16.The overall length of the marking may be varied within...

      6. PART 6 The significance of particular road markings

        1. 1.Clearways (diagram 1025.1)

        2. 2.School etc entrances (diagram 1027.1)

        3. 3.Subject to paragraph 4, the road marking at item 10,...

        4. 4.Exceptions applicable to paragraphs 1 and 3

      7. PART 7 The Schedule 7 General Directions

        1. 1.(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the signs provided for in...

        2. 2.When a sign provided for in the sign table in...

        3. 3.The road marking provided for at item 9 of the...

    8. SCHEDULE 8

      Signs indicating the entrance to and the end of a pedestrian, or pedestrian and cycle, zone, and signs for charging schemes

      1. PART 1 Provisions applying to signs in Part 2

        1. 1.The information, requirement, restriction or prohibition of a description in...

        2. 2.Where a sign provided for in the Part 2 sign...

      2. PART 2 Signs indicating pedestrian and pedestrian and cycle zones

      3. PART 3 Provisions applying to signs in Part 4

        1. 1.The information of a description in column 2 of an...

      4. PART 4 Signs and markings indicating a congestion charging zone

      5. PART 5 The Schedule 8 General Directions

        1. 1.The signs provided for— (a) in the sign table in...

        2. 2.An upright sign mentioned in paragraph 1 must be placed...

    9. SCHEDULE 9

      Regulatory signs at junctions and miscellaneous regulatory signs

      1. PART 1 Provisions applicable to signs in Part 2

        1. 1.The information or requirement of a description in column 2...

        2. 2.A provision of Part 8 applies to a sign provided...

        3. 3.A Schedule 9 General Direction applies to a sign provided...

      2. PART 2 Signs at junctions

      3. PART 3 Provisions applicable to signs in Part 4

        1. 1.The information or requirement of a description in column 2...

        2. 2.A provision of Part 8 applies to a sign provided...

        3. 3.A Schedule 9 General Direction applies to a sign provided...

      4. PART 4 Other regulatory signs

      5. PART 5 Provisions applicable to road markings in Part 6

        1. 1.The information, requirement, restriction or prohibition of a description in...

        2. 2.A provision of Part 8 applies to a sign provided...

        3. 3.A Schedule 9 General Direction applies to a sign provided...

        4. 4.Where “longitudinal marking” is mentioned in respect of an item...

      6. PART 6 Regulatory road markings

      7. PART 7 The significance of particular signs in Schedule 9

        1. 1.Stop sign

        2. 2.The requirements conveyed to vehicular traffic on roads by a...

        3. 3.Give way sign

        4. 4.The requirements conveyed to vehicular traffic on roads by a...

        5. 5.Priority to right sign

        6. 6.Permission to cross sign

        7. 7.Give way marking

        8. 8.Cyclists to give way

        9. 9.No stopping or crossing white line marking

        10. 10.The warning conveyed to vehicular traffic on roads by the...

        11. 11.Box junctions

        12. 12.Mandatory with flow cycle lanes

      8. PART 8 Provisions applicable to signs in Parts 2, 4 and 6

        1. 1.(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), section 36 of the 1988...

        2. 2.The sign is specified for the purposes of column 5...

        3. 3.Where the sign is placed temporarily on a road by...

        4. 4.The central part of the road marking must not project...

        5. 5.(1) The overall shape and size of the road marking,...

        6. 6.The height of the marking above the surface of the...

        7. 7.(1) Subject to sub paragraph (2), where the sign is...

        8. 8.The sign need not be illuminated.

        9. 9.The road marking must be reflectorised where indicating the boundary...

        10. 10.(1) When the road marking is used, studs must also...

        11. 11.(1) When the marking is used, studs must also be...

        12. 12.(1) When the marking is used, studs may also be...

        13. 13.The road marking must be reflectorised.

        14. 14.The road marking may, except at a roundabout, be varied...

        15. 15.The road marking may be varied as follows—

        16. 16.The road marking may be varied as follows—

      9. PART 9 The Schedule 9 General Directions

        1. 1.(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the sign must only be...

        2. 2.The sign must only be placed to indicate the effect...

        3. 3.The sign may only be placed at a junction with...

        4. 4.(1) The stop sign must only be placed in conjunction...

        5. 5.The sign provided for at item 2 of the sign...

        6. 6.(1) The sign provided for at item 6 in the...

        7. 7.The sign must only be placed in conjunction with a...

        8. 8.(1) The requirement in paragraph 4, 5 or 6 to...

        9. 9.The road marking must not be placed on an area...

        10. 10.The sign must only be placed in combination with the...

        11. 11.The sign must only be placed in combination with the...

        12. 12.The road marking must only be placed in conjunction with...

        13. 13.The back of the sign may be of any colour....

        14. 14.The road marking may only be placed in conjunction with...

    10. SCHEDULE 10

      Signs for speed limits

      1. PART 1 Provisions applying to signs in Part 2

        1. 1.Information or a restriction of a description in column 2...

        2. 2.A provision of Part 3 applies to a sign provided...

        3. 3.A Schedule 10 General Direction applies to a sign where...

      2. PART 2 Signs and road markings indicating speed limits

      3. PART 3 Provisions applying to signs in Part 2

        1. 1.Where the sign is a variable message sign which displays...

        2. 2.Where the sign is a terminal sign and is erected...

        3. 3.Two or more signs placed at, or near, the same...

        4. 4.The road marking must be reflectorised.

      4. PART 4 The Schedule 10 General Directions

        1. 1.(1) The sign provided for at item 5 of the...

        2. 2.The sign must not be placed as a repeater sign...

        3. 3.The sign must not be placed as a repeater sign—...

        4. 4.The sign— (a) must only be placed to indicate the...

        5. 5.If the road marking is placed to indicate where a...

        6. 6.(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where the backing board for the...

    11. SCHEDULE 11

      Signs that give information, are advisory or guide traffic

      1. PART 1 Provisions applying to signs in Part 2

        1. 1.Except for item 75, a warning or information of a...

        2. 2.In respect of item 75 (traffic mirror), the mirror must...

        3. 3.A paragraph of Part 6, specified by reference to a...

        4. 4.A number in column 6 of an item in the...

      2. PART 2 Advisory signs

      3. PART 3 Provisions applicable to markings in Part 4

        1. 1.The warning or information of a description in column 2...

        2. 2.A provision of Part 6 mentioned (by reference to paragraph...

        3. 3.A reference to a “longitudinal marking” is to a marking...

      4. PART 4 Advisory road markings

      5. PART 5 Permitted variants of the signs in Parts 2 and 4

        1. 1.A distance may be added or varied, but, in relation...

        2. 2.The distance may be omitted and, if shown in a...

        3. 3.The distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally...

        4. 4.The symbol, or all symbols together, may be reversed in...

        5. 5.(1) An arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to...

        6. 6.Symbols and arrows indicating the road layout may be varied....

        7. 7.The blue panel need not extend to the edge of...

        8. 8.The name of the tunnel and the indication of the...

        9. 9.The legend “Except buses” may be omitted or varied to...

        10. 10.The time period may be varied in accordance with Part...

        11. 11.The local bus symbol may be varied to the bus...

        12. 12.The permitted variants are— (a) the arrow and cycle symbol...

        13. 13.“Authorised vehicles” and symbols, other than the bus symbol, may...

        14. 14.The continuous line and the broken line may be varied...

        15. 15.The words “LANE” and “LANES” may be varied to “TRACK”....

        16. 16.The number of taxis may be varied as appropriate and...

        17. 17.The time period may be omitted or varied in accordance...

        18. 18.(1) The white area is to be filled with maps...

        19. 19.The logo of a local tourist organisation may be added...

        20. 20.The legend “No.1” may be varied to another number, a...

        21. 21.(1) The legend may be omitted or varied to “Speed...

        22. 22.“not 24 hrs” may be omitted.

        23. 23.The name or location of the crossing in the top...

        24. 24.Place names, street names or the name of a geographical...

        25. 25.(1) Identification numbers of routes— (a) may be varied and...

        26. 26.When placed on a primary route the sign must be...

        27. 27.When placed on a non-primary route the sign must be...

        28. 28.When placed on a motorway the sign must be varied...

        29. 29.The reference or identification number and any route number may...

        30. 30.Letters, numerals and other characters incorporated into the sign need...

        31. 31.(1) The bus symbol may be omitted.

        32. 32.”BUS STOP” may be varied to “BUS STAND” and the...

        33. 33.”Tram” may be varied to “Request” and the face of...

        34. 34.Supplementary plates may be added to the sign to give...

        35. 35.(1) The place name may be varied.

        36. 36.(1) The place name may be varied.

        37. 37.(1) The place name may be varied.

        38. 38.(1) The place name may be varied as appropriate.

        39. 39.(1) The place name may be varied as appropriate.

        40. 40.(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) the numeral “30” may be...

        41. 41.(1) An audible or tactile warning in the form of...

        42. 42.The notch may be omitted from the raised rib and...

        43. 43.The notch may be omitted from the raised rib and...

        44. 44.When used in circumstances other than shown in the diagram...

        45. 45.Route numbers and place names may be varied as appropriate...

        46. 46.The curvature of the arrow may be varied.

        47. 47.One of the boundary lines must be omitted when—

        48. 48.The width of the longitudinal line may be varied to...

        49. 49.(1) The marking may be used on the off side...

        50. 50.The boundary line and edge of carriageway line may be...

        51. 51.(1) The direction of the chevrons must be reversed when...

        52. 52.The distance between each end of each bar to the...

        53. 53.The colour of the telephone symbol and arrow must be...

        54. 54.The wheelchair symbol may be omitted and the width of...

        55. 55.The permitted variants are— (a) the relative position of the...

        56. 56.”AND USE PHONE” may be varied to “AND USE SOS...

        57. 57.The width of the line may be 50 mm when...

        58. 58.”The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency” may be varied to—...

      6. PART 6 Requirements applying to signs in Parts 2 and 4

        1. 1.Where the sign is placed temporarily on a road by...

        2. 2.The letters and numerals in the first diagram must have...

        3. 3.The road marking must not project above the surface of...

        4. 4.(1) Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) and (3), where the sign...

        5. 5.The sign need not be illuminated.

        6. 6.The parts of the sign coloured orange and white must...

        7. 7.The marking must be reflectorised.

        8. 8.Studs incorporating— (a) reflectors; (b) retroreflecting material;

        9. 9.Studs incorporating— (a) reflectors; (b) retroreflecting material;

        10. 10.The light reflected by the reflectors or retroreflecting material, or...

        11. 11.The light reflected by the reflectors or reflecting material, or...

        12. 12.The external part of a stud that is visible when...

        13. 13.Any frame used must not be reflectorised.

        14. 14.(1) When placed on the main carriageway, the leading edge...

        15. 15.(1) When placed on a slip road, the leading edge...

      7. PART 7 The Schedule 11 General Directions

        1. 1.Where the sign is mounted on a bollard—

        2. 2.The back of the sign may be of any colour....

        3. 3.(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies in relation to a yellow backing...

        4. 4.Where the sign is placed on a backing board, no...

    12. SCHEDULE 12

      Directional signs

      1. PART 1 General provisions applying to Parts 2 to 20

        1. 1.Information of a description in column 2 of a sign...

        2. 2.Subject to paragraph 4, an appropriate background for a sign...

        3. 3.A legend on a directional sign must be of a...

        4. 4.An appropriate background may differ from diagram A or B...

        5. 5.Where a sign indicates a road or route and that...

        6. 6.(1) A sign with a background provided for at item...

        7. 7.A directional sign which only conveys directions to a telephone...

        8. 8.Where a diagram A sign with a background provided for...

      2. PART 2 Sign background for directional signs for motorways, primary routes, non-primary routes, cyclists and pedestrians

      3. PART 3 Legends that may be shown on signs in Part 2

        1. 1.Information of a description in column 2 of an item...

        2. 2.The inclusion of a legend is subject to such restrictions,...

        3. 3.(1) Any word forming part of a legend provided for...

        4. 4.(1) This paragraph applies to a legend provided for in...

      4. PART 4 Provisions applicable to Part 5

        1. 1.Information or a requirement of a description in column 2...

        2. 2.The arrows and lane markings may only be placed on...

        3. 3.The sizes in the diagram are stroke widths.

      5. PART 5 Arrows and lane marking symbols that may be incorporated in diagram A signs

      6. PART 6 Provisions applicable to Part 7

        1. 1.Information of a description in column 2 of an item...

        2. 2.A route symbol must only be placed on a diagram...

        3. 3.The sizes in the diagram are stroke widths.

      7. PART 7 Route symbols, indicating the junction layout incorporated in diagram “A”

      8. PART 8 Provisions applicable to Part 9

        1. 1.Information of a description in column 2 of an item...

        2. 2.Subject to paragraph 3, the appropriate backgrounds on which a...

        3. 3.A diagram A background at item 1 of the sign...

        4. 4.A white border must be added around the destination panel...

        5. 5.(1) This paragraph applies to a legend on a destination...

        6. 6.The sizes in the diagram are stroke widths.

      9. PART 9 Destination panels that may appear on plates in Part 2

      10. PART 10 Provisions applying to Parts 11 and 12

        1. 1.Information or a restriction of a description in column 2...

        2. 2.In the case of items 10 and 36, the reference...

        3. 3.In the case of item 24, the description in column...

        4. 4.A sign which contains a symbol provided for at item...

        5. 5.(1) An appropriate background for a symbol provided for in...

        6. 6.An appropriate background of the type provided for at item...

        7. 7.An appropriate background of the type provided for at item...

        8. 8.An appropriate background of the type provided for at item...

        9. 9.The sizes in the diagram are stroke widths.

      11. PART 11 General symbols that may be appear on plates in Part 2

      12. PART 12 Legends for the parking symbols shown in items 25 and 26 of Part 11

      13. PART 13 Provisions applying to Parts 14 to 18

        1. 1.(1) The location of a tourist destination or leisure facility...

        2. 2.The signs in Part 14 are to be used for...

        3. 3.The signs in Part 15 are to be used for...

        4. 4.The signs in Part 16 are to be used for...

        5. 5.The signs in Part 17 are to be used for...

        6. 6.The signs in Part 18 are to be used for...

        7. 7.An appropriate background for an item in a table in...

        8. 8.Where the background of the sign is not brown—

        9. 9.The sizes in the diagram are stroke widths.

      14. PART 14 Symbols indicating types of tourist destinations and leisure facilities in England, Scotland or Wales

      15. PART 15 Symbols indicating types of tourist destinations and leisure facilities in England or Wales

      16. PART 16 Symbols indicating types of tourist destinations and leisure facilities in England

      17. PART 17 Symbols indicating types of tourist destinations and leisure facilities in Scotland

      18. PART 18 Symbols indicating types of tourist destinations and leisure facilities in Wales

      19. PART 19 Provisions applying to Part 20

        1. 1.Information or a warning, requirement, restriction or prohibition specified in...

        2. 2.A symbol must be of the colour and type and...

        3. 3.The prohibition specified in column 2 at item 22 of...

        4. 4.The prohibition specified in column 2 at item 33 of...

        5. 5.For the purpose of this Part and Part 20 an...

        6. 6.If two or more symbols from the sign table in...

        7. 7.The symbol at item 22 must not be included on...

        8. 8.The dimensions in the diagrams in the sign table in...

        9. 9.A symbol provided for in Part 20 may be varied...

        10. 10.A symbol provided for at item 20, 22, 23, 24...

      20. PART 20 Warning and regulatory symbols that may be incorporated on directional signs

      21. PART 21 Provisions applying to Part 22

        1. 1.Information of a description in column 2 of an item...

        2. 2.A sign for conveying the description of information must be...

      22. PART 22 Sign background for signs indicating services

      23. PART 23 Provisions applying to Part 24

        1. 1.Information of a description in column 2 of an item...

        2. 2.An arrow, symbol or panel may only be placed on...

        3. 3.For the purposes of this Part, an appropriate diagram A...

        4. 4.The truck symbol provided for at item 13 of the...

        5. 5.The symbol or panel shown by the diagram in column...

        6. 6.The arrows, symbols or panels shown on a sign for...

        7. 7.The sizes in the diagram are stroke widths.

      24. PART 24 Arrows, symbols and panels that may be placed on a services sign

      25. PART 25 Provisions applying to Part 26

        1. 1.A description of information in column 2 at an item...

        2. 2.(1) This paragraph applies to a legend on a sign...

      26. PART 26 Miscellaneous signs indicating services and local facilities

      27. PART 27 Provisions applying to Part 28

        1. 1.Information or a warning of a description in column 2...

        2. 2.A sign provided for at item 17 must be internally...

        3. 3.(1) This paragraph applies to a legend that is used...

        4. 4.Paragraph 2 of the Schedule 12 General Directions, applies to...

        5. 5.(1) The signs mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) need not be...

      28. PART 28 Other directional signs

      29. PART 29 The Schedule 12 General Directions

        1. 1.Paragraph 2 applies to a sign provided for—

        2. 2.The sign may only be placed at a junction.

        3. 3.Paragraph 4 applies to a sign— (a) which has a...

        4. 4.The back of the sign may be of any colour....

    13. SCHEDULE 13

      Signs only for use in temporary situations

      1. PART 1 Provisions applying to signs in Part 2

        1. 1.A warning of a description in column 2 of an...

        2. 2.A plate containing a legend provided for in column 4...

        3. 3.If there is a number in column 5, the equivalent...

        4. 4.The number in column 6 indicates that the equivalent numbered...

      2. PART 2 Signs for use in temporary situations

      3. PART 3 Provisions applying to plates in Part 4

        1. 1.A warning of a description in column 2 of an...

        2. 2.In relation to item 3, the warning is conveyed by...

        3. 3.The plate provided for at item 2 may have a...

      4. PART 4 Optional supplementary plates used only in combination with signs shown in Part 2

      5. PART 5 Provisions applying to signs in Part 6

        1. 1.A warning, requirement, restriction or prohibition of a description in...

        2. 2.In respect of items 9 and 10, each lamp incorporated...

        3. 3.If a number appears in column 5, the equivalent paragraph...

        4. 4.The provisions of Part 8 apply to cones (item 4),...

        5. 5.A number in column 6 indicates that the equivalent numbered...

        6. 6.Where provision is made in column 4 for a different...

        7. 7.Where provision is made in column 4 for the name...

      6. PART 6 Additional Temporary Signs

      7. PART 7 Provisions applying to signs in Part 6

        1. 1.Section 36 of the 1988 Act applies to the sign....

        2. 2.The sign must be of the size, colour and type...

        3. 3.(1) The sign must be a flexible sheet on which...

        4. 4.(1) The pyramid must consist of three visible sides, each...

        5. 5.(1) The pyramid must consist of three visible sides, each...

        6. 6.(1) The triangle must be legibly and permanently marked with...

        7. 7.(1) The triangle must be legibly and permanently marked with...

        8. 8.The sign must have, on its reverse, a date by...

        9. 9.The yellow may be fluorescent.

        10. 10.The sign need not be illuminated.

        11. 11.A person who is in charge of, or accompanies, an...

        12. 12.A person that, but for this paragraph, is not authorised...

      8. PART 8 Requirements applying to cones, cylinders and delineators

        1. 1.A cone is to consist of a conically shaped device—...

        2. 2.A cylinder is to consist of a cylindrically shaped device...

        3. 3.A delineator is to consist of a flat device—

        4. 4.The part of a cone, cylinder or delineator coloured white...

        5. 5.Information about the ownership of a cone, cylinder or delineator...

        6. 6.Information about the manufacture of a cone, cylinder or delineator...

        7. 7.There may be mounted on top of a cone a...

        8. 8.In relation to each aspect of performance specified in column...

      9. PART 9 Other temporary signs

        1. 1.A sign that is not otherwise provided for by these...

        2. 2.A sign referred to in paragraph 1 must be of...

        3. 3.The sign must be— (a) rectangular but with the corners...

        4. 4.The sign must be of a size appropriate to the...

        5. 5.(1) The sign may incorporate— (a) letters;

        6. 6.Letters, numerals or other characters must not have an x-height...

        7. 7.(1) The background of the sign must be yellow, white...

        8. 8.(1) This paragraph applies if the sign—

        9. 9.(1) This paragraph applies if the sign conveys—

        10. 10.A variable message sign may have a black background and,...

        11. 11.A variable message sign may have a yellow background and...

        12. 12.If a route symbol provided for in the sign table...

        13. 13.(1) A sign provided for in this Part need not...

        14. 14.Schedule 13 General Direction 16 applies to a sign provided...

      10. PART 10 Amber and blue light beacons

        1. 1.An amber or blue light beacon conveys the warning that...

        2. 2.The beacon must comply with the requirements of paragraphs 3...

        3. 3.The peak intensity of light emitted by the lens or...

        4. 4.Each lens must be of such a shape and size...

        5. 5.The rate of flashing must not be less than 55...

        6. 6.General Directions 17 and 19 of the Schedule 13 General...

        7. 7.General Directions 18 and 19 of the Schedule 13 General...

      11. PART 11 Warning lights

        1. 1.A lamp for conveying to traffic the limits of a...

        2. 2.The height of the centre of each lens of the...

        3. 3.The warning light must— (a) be powered separately from any...

        4. 4.Subject to paragraphs 5 and 6, the whole of the...

        5. 5.In relation to each aspect of performance specified in column...

        6. 6.The external surface of the parts of the warning light...

        7. 7.A person that, but for this paragraph, is not authorised...

        8. 8.General Direction 15 of the Schedule 13 General Directions applies...

      12. PART 12 The Schedule 13 General Directions

        1. 1.The sign must not be placed unless in combination with...

        2. 2.The sign may only be retained in place for so...

        3. 3.The sign may remain in place after the completion of...

        4. 4.The sign may only be placed in connection with the...

        5. 5.(1) The sign may only be placed to indicate the...

        6. 6.(1) The sign may be attached to the front or...

        7. 7.The sign may be attached on the front or rear...

        8. 8.(1) The back of a sign must be coloured grey,...

        9. 9.(1) The sign may only be placed—

        10. 10.The sign may only be placed by a constable in...

        11. 11.The sign must not remain in place after the end...

        12. 12.The sign— (a) may only be placed in connection with...

        13. 13.The sign may only be placed— (a) to indicate the...

        14. 14.(1) The sign may only be placed in connection with...

        15. 15.(1) The sign may only be placed in connection with...

        16. 16.(1) Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) to (4), the sign may...

        17. 17.An amber light beacon may only be placed in combination...

        18. 18.A blue light beacon may only be placed—

        19. 19.Where an amber or blue light beacon or a warning...

    14. SCHEDULE 14

      Signs for traffic control by light signals, signs for crossings, and signs for lane control

      1. PART 1 Provisions applying to signs in Parts 2 and 3

        1. 1.General provision about signs provided for in this Schedule

        2. 2.Application of the Part 3 table to certain traffic light signs provided for in the Part 2 table

        3. 3.Light signals to be ES compliant

        4. 4.Traffic light signals

        5. 5.(1) This paragraph applies to traffic light signals.

        6. 6.Tramcars

        7. 7.The significance of the light signal is that—

        8. 8.Light signals at level crossings, swing or lifting bridges, airfields and premises used by emergency vehicles

        9. 9.Red and green pedestrian, equestrian and cyclist symbols

        10. 10.Illumination of “WAIT”

        11. 11.School crossing places

        12. 12.Cattle crossings

        13. 13.Pedestrians crossing at level crossings

        14. 14.Zig-zag lines in a signal-controlled crossing facility controlled area

        15. 15.(1) Without prejudice to paragraph 14, a zig-zag line in...

        16. 16.Light signals above the carriageway

        17. 17.Beacons displayed with upright signs relating to the operation of light signals

        18. 18.Stripes at Zebra and Parallel crossings

        19. 19.Significance of give-way markings at Zebra crossings

        20. 20.Significance of zig-zag lines at Zebra crossings

        21. 21.Significance of stripes and other road markings at Parallel crossings and in Parallel controlled areas

        22. 22.(1) The give-way line marking provided for at item 54...

        23. 23.(1) Without prejudice to paragraph 24, the zig-zag lines provided...

        24. 24.(1) A zig-zag line also conveys the requirement that whilst...

        25. 25.General provision about crossings placed across cycle tracks

        26. 26.School crossing patrol signs

        27. 27.Mirror at traffic signals warning of the presence of cyclists

        28. 28.Automatic bollards

        29. 29.Refuge indicator lamps

        30. 30.Meaning of “stop line”

        31. 31.Primary and secondary signals

      2. PART 2 Light signals, signs and road markings for the control of traffic

      3. PART 3 Green arrow, tram and cycle signals

      4. PART 4 Requirements applying to signs in Parts 2 and 3

        1. 1.Section 36 of the 1988 Act applies to the sign....

        2. 2.The sign is specified for the purposes of column 5...

        3. 3.The dimension of 200 mm referred to in the diagram...

        4. 4.The stop line must be reflectorised unless paragraph 5 applies....

        5. 5.If the stop line is placed with zig-zag lines the...

        6. 6.The sign comprises the stop (item 64) and go (item...

        7. 7.No retroreflecting material must be applied to that part of...

        8. 8.Where the sign is erected on a road subject to...

        9. 9.The sign must be illuminated throughout the hours of darkness...

        10. 10.The sign must be illuminated by means of internal lighting...

        11. 11.(1) Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) and (3), the parts of...

        12. 12.(1) The illumination of the roundel must be in accordance...

        13. 13.(1) A globe must be internally illuminated by a flashing...

        14. 14.The sign must only be illuminated when the warning conveyed...

      5. PART 5 Movement at section 25 crossings

        1. 1.The driver of a vehicle must not cause the vehicle...

        2. 2.A pedestrian must not remain on the carriageway within the...

        3. 3.Subject to paragraph 4, the driver of a vehicle must...

        4. 4.(1) The prohibition in paragraph 3 does not apply to—...

        5. 5.When vehicular light signals at a Puffin crossing are displaying...

        6. 6.(1) Whilst any motor vehicle (“the approaching vehicle”) or any...

        7. 7.(1) Every pedestrian who is on the carriageway within the...

      6. PART 6 The Schedule 14 General Directions

        1. 1.In these General Directions a reference to an item is...

        2. 2.(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (3), the traffic light signals provided...

        3. 3.(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) one or more of...

        4. 4.The traffic light signals may be placed to face traffic...

        5. 5.(1) The light signals may only be placed if they...

        6. 6.(1) A traffic authority may, pursuant to section 65(1) of...

        7. 7.The sign may only be placed in conjunction with a...

        8. 8.The sign may only be placed in conjunction with the...

        9. 9.The light signal may only be placed at or near...

        10. 10.The light signals may only be placed in conjunction with...

        11. 11.The sign may only be placed in conjunction with the...

        12. 12.The sign may only be placed in conjunction with the...

        13. 13.The light signals may only be placed in conjunction with—...

        14. 14.The light signals may only be placed in conjunction with...

        15. 15.The light signals may only be placed in conjunction with...

        16. 16.The sign may only be placed in conjunction with the...

        17. 17.The light signals may only be placed in conjunction with—...

        18. 18.The light signals may only be placed in conjunction with...

        19. 19.The light signals may only be placed in conjunction with...

        20. 20.The sign may only be placed in conjunction with the...

        21. 21.The light signals may only be placed in conjunction with—...

        22. 22.The light signals may only be placed in conjunction with...

        23. 23.The light signals may only be placed in conjunction with...

        24. 24.The light signals may only be placed when the signs...

        25. 25.The light signals may only be placed in conjunction with...

        26. 26.The sign may only be placed in conjunction with the...

        27. 27.The sign may only be placed in conjunction with the...

        28. 28.The signs may only be placed to indicate the effect...

        29. 29.The sign may only be placed in conjunction with the...

        30. 30.The sign may only be placed in conjunction with the...

        31. 31.(1) The road marking may only be placed in conjunction...

        32. 32.The road marking may only be placed—

        33. 33.The road marking may only be placed—

        34. 34.(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the road marking may only...

        35. 35.The road marking may only be placed in conjunction with...

        36. 36.The signs may only be placed —

        37. 37.The sign may only be placed in connection with the...

        38. 38.The post provided for the mounting of the sign must...

        39. 39.The sign— (a) may only be placed in connection with...

        40. 40.The sign may only be placed in conjunction with—

        41. 41.(1) Zig-zag lines must be placed on the approaches to...

        42. 42.(1) A traffic authority may, pursuant to section 65(1) of...

        43. 43.(1) The placing of light signals and other signs at...

        44. 44.The indicator may only be placed in conjunction with the...

        45. 45.(1) This general direction applies where the lamp is specially...

        46. 46.(1) Equipment used in connection with the signals (including the...

    15. SCHEDULE 15

      Matrix signs and light signals for the control of moving traffic on motorways and dual carriageway roads

      1. PART 1 Provisions applying to signs in Part 2

        1. 1.(1) Information or a warning, requirement, restriction or prohibition of...

        2. 2.The warning for the purposes of the description in column...

        3. 3.(1) The significance of a light signal provided for at...

        4. 4.Subject to paragraph 5, the significance of a light signal...

        5. 5.The prohibitions in paragraphs 3 and 4 do not apply...

        6. 6.For the purposes of this Schedule a matrix sign which...

        7. 7.The significance of a number in column 5 of an...

        8. 8.The significance of a number in column 6 of an...

      2. PART 2 Matrix signs and light signals for motorways and all‑purpose dual carriageway roads

      3. PART 3 Permitted variants in respect of the signs shown in Part 2

        1. 1.The numerals may be varied.

        2. 2.The arrow may point downwards to the left.

        3. 3.The symbol may be reversed where appropriate.

        4. 4.The number of arrows, or symbols indicating which lanes are...

        5. 5.“50” may be varied to any of the legends or...

        6. 6.“50” may be varied to any of the legends or...

        7. 7.An identification number may be added to the backing board...

        8. 8.The number of red crosses may be varied.

        9. 9.Arrow may point upwards to the left.

        10. 10.The colour of the lamps referred to in paragraph 4...

        11. 11.(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where the sign provided for at...

      4. PART 4 Provisions applying to signs in Part 2

        1. 1.The legend or symbol shown on the matrix sign must...

        2. 2.The flashing amber lamps provided for at item 11 for...

        3. 3.The flashing amber lamps provided for at item 12 of...

        4. 4.The sign may display four lamps of the size, colour...

        5. 5.In operation each lamp must show an intermittent amber light...

        6. 6.The sign must— (a) be accompanied by four red lamps...

        7. 7.(1) Section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 applies...

      5. PART 5 The Schedule 15 General Directions

        1. 1.(1) The sign may only be placed—

        2. 2.The sign must only be displayed over an actively managed...

    16. SCHEDULE 16

      Variable message signs

      1. PART 1 Preliminary

        1. 1.(1) A variable message sign must be of a size...

        2. 2.(1) In a legend provided for in this Schedule the...

      2. PART 2 Signs automatically activated by vehicular traffic

        1. 3.One of the following legends may be displayed on a...

      3. PART 3 Legends giving warnings of adverse weather or other temporary hazards or incidents

        1. 4.(1) A legend provided for in sub-paragraph (2) may be...

      4. PART 4 Legends indicating location of temporary hazard or incident

        1. 5.One of the following legends may be used on a...

      5. PART 5 Additional information

        1. 6.(1) A legend provided for in sub-paragraph (2) may be...

      6. PART 6 Other legends

        1. 7.(1) The following legends may be displayed on a variable...

      7. PART 7 Performance classes

    17. SCHEDULE 17

      Letters, numeral and other characters

      1. PART 1 Letters, numerals and other characters for use with a black, blue, brown, dark green, green or red background

      2. PART 2 Letters, numerals and other characters for use with an orange, white or yellow background

      3. PART 3 Letters, numerals and other characters for motorway route numbers on blue backgrounds

      4. PART 4 Letters, numerals and other characters for route numbers on temporary motorway signs with yellow backgrounds)

      5. PART 5 Letters, numerals and other characters for use on variable message signs where the characters shown in parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 cannot be used because of the method of construction or operation of the sign

      6. PART 6 Proportions and forms of letters, numerals and other characters for use in road markings where the character height is between 280 mm and 700 mm (inclusive)

      7. PART 7 Letters, numerals and other characters for use in road markings where the character height is 1600 mm (or 705 mm or 1035 mm in accordance with regulation 5(15))

      8. PART 8 Letters, numerals and other characters for use in road markings where the character height is 2800 mm

      9. PART 9 Scottish Gaelic letters, numerals and other characters for use on a brown or dark green background

      10. PART 10 Scottish Gaelic letters, numerals and other characters for use on a white background

    18. SCHEDULE 18

      Permitted Expressions Of Time, Distance and Parking Restrictions

      1. PART 1 Permitted expressions of time periods, days and dates

        1. 1.(1) A reference to a time, or to times, of...

        2. 2.A reference to a day, or to days, may be...

        3. 3.A reference to a month, or to months, may be...

        4. 4.A reference to a year, or to years, may be...

        5. 5.The expressions “Match”, “match”, “Event”, “event”, “Market”, “market”, “Day”, “day”,...

        6. 6.The expressions permitted by paragraph 1, 2, 3 or 4...

        7. 7.The expressions permitted by paragraph 1, 2, 3 or 4...

      2. PART 2 Permitted expressions for parking restriction signs

        1. 1.A restriction in relation to parking may be shown as,...

      3. PART 3 Permitted expressions of distance

        1. 1.Paragraphs 2 to 6 are subject to paragraph 7.

        2. 2.Where “10” is used as an example numeral, a distance...

        3. 3.Yards must be expressed as the numeral followed by “yards”...

        4. 4.A distance of 3 miles or more must be expressed...

        5. 5.A distance of ½ mile or more but less than...

        6. 6.A distance of less than ½ mile must be expressed—...

        7. 7.Where— (a) a sign provided for in Schedule 12 includes...

    19. SCHEDULE 19

      Revocations

      1. PART 1 Regulations Revoked

      2. PART 2 General Directions Revoked

  5. Explanatory Note

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

You have chosen to open The Whole Instrument

The Whole Instrument you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Instrument as a PDF

The Whole Instrument you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open the Whole Instrument

The Whole Instrument you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open Schedules only

The Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

Close

Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.

Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.

Close

Opening Options

Different options to open legislation in order to view more content on screen at once

Close

Explanatory Memorandum

Explanatory Memorandum sets out a brief statement of the purpose of a Statutory Instrument and provides information about its policy objective and policy implications. They aim to make the Statutory Instrument accessible to readers who are not legally qualified and accompany any Statutory Instrument or Draft Statutory Instrument laid before Parliament from June 2004 onwards.

Close

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • correction slips
  • links to related legislation and further information resources
Close

Impact Assessments

Impact Assessments generally accompany all UK Government interventions of a regulatory nature that affect the private sector, civil society organisations and public services. They apply regardless of whether the regulation originates from a domestic or international source and can accompany primary (Acts etc) and secondary legislation (SIs). An Impact Assessment allows those with an interest in the policy area to understand:

  • Why the government is proposing to intervene;
  • The main options the government is considering, and which one is preferred;
  • How and to what extent new policies may impact on them; and,
  • The estimated costs and benefits of proposed measures.
Close

More Resources

Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as made version that was used for the print copy
  • correction slips

Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including:

  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • links to related legislation and further information resources