8 Road Signs You Think You Know – But Probably Don't - Daily Express

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National speed limit sign

These are particularly misunderstood.

1. National speed limit. Not the end of a speed limit, this sign actually tells drivers what the national speed limit is on this road.

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And what are those speed limits?

In a built-up area – a road with “a system of street lighting furnished by means of lamps placed not more than 200 yards apart” – the speed limit is 30mph for all vehicles; on a single carriageway, the speed limit is 60mph for cars and vans (50mph if towing or driving a bus, minibus or lorry less than 7.5 tonnes; 40mph for lorries over 7.5 tonnes); or 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways for cars and vans (it’s 60mph or 70mph for heavier or longer vehicles).

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No access to motor vehicles road sign

2. No motor vehicles. This sign does not mean “cars and motorbikes only” – or even “no flying motorcycles”.

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It means that there are no motor vehicles allowed, so pedestrians and bicycles are free to use the road beyond the sign. 

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No waiting road sign

3. No waiting. The confusion over this sign possibly arises because it mixes up two types of signs: the red circle, used mostly to prohibit something, and the blue background, which usually gives positive instructions.

But this sign, usually found in built-up areas, is used to prevent parked cars causing congestion, or where free-flowing traffic makes it dangerous to stop.

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No stopping road sign

4. No stopping. Like no waiting, the no stopping sign uses a red circle and blue background.

But the red cross is a big clue – as is its use on urban clearways with all those cars passing at 50 or 60mph.

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Minimum speed limit sign

5. Minimum speed. A sign with a number on it must be a speed limit, mustn’t it?

Actually, no: a blue circular background with a white number warns drivers of a minimum speed on the road. Admittedly, it’s not that common, so if you see one, it could be time to speed up.

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Road narrows on both sides

6. Road narrows on both sides.

This is often mistaken for a sign indicating the end of a dual carriageway, where two lanes merge into one, but here the black lines don’t touch, telling drivers that the road narrows on both sides.

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T-Junction with priority over vehicles from the right

7. T-junction with priority over vehicles from the right.

This tells drivers that although they are approaching a T-junction, the dotted lines on the road are telling the traffic coming from the right to give way, so you’re OK to carry on turning without stopping for them (but stay alert for drivers not paying attention).

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Uneven road sign

8. Uneven road. The two poached eggs on toast (two bumps and a dip in the middle) sign warns of an uneven road, as opposed to just one bump, which tells drivers about impending speed humps.

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