Motorists have been urged to brush up on the Highway Code to understand a commonly misunderstood road sign. There's a lot to learn when passing a driving test, and years later, it can be hard to remember what every sign means.
Signs are a vital part of driving on UK roads, and each has their very own meaning. The RAC say there are hundreds used in the UK, and even their shape matters.
A circular road sign gives orders, a triangular sign warns, while a rectangular sign informs. However, there is a sign that many people mistake for another, which could prove dangerous if you get it wrong.
A red triangle with two vertical black lines means the road will narrow on both sides. The RAC said: "This 'bottleneck' sign looks very similar to the ‘dual carriageway ends’ sign, except for one key difference; the vertical lines remain separate despite coming closer together."
The breakdown insurer urged: "Pay special attention to nearby road markings, as the width of lanes will begin to change."
The sign looks very much like a red triangle with two vertical black lines coming together. Yet, this sign means the dual carriageway is ending.
Explaining the difference, the RAC added: "The ‘dual carriageway ends’ sign appears in a red triangle. It shows two carriageways coming together to indicate two-way traffic will continue ahead on a single carriageway road.
"You’ll soon notice the central reservation coming to an end and lanes beginning to merge."
Getting these two confused can pose a danger, as one warns drivers that two carriageways are coming together, while another warns that the two lanes remain separate but will be closer together.
Another common road sign people get wrong is the plain red circle with nothing inside. The unusual sign, which features a red border and a completely blank white centre, means no vehicles are allowed to enter.
The Highway Code states that the sign indicates a road that is closed to all vehicular traffic, making it illegal for motorists to continue beyond that point.
If you break the rule, you may face hefty fines and penalty points. Typically, the sign is found in pedestrianised areas, quiet lanes, private roads and certain bridges or narrow routes.
The sign applies to all vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, vans and lorries.
