Yellow road signs explained

KNOWLEDGE of road signs is essential in order to keep not only yourself but others safe while on the road.

So, whether you’re learning to drive or have had your licence for a while, it can be useful to brush up on your road sign knowledge.

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What do yellow road signs mean?

Yellow road signs are mainly used to draw attention to diversions, information and instructions.

On regulatory signs, a yellow background often indicates restrictions on parking, waiting or loading.

While direction signs with a yellow background are temporary directions or diversions and might replace permanent signs while roadworks are ongoing. 

Diversion signs are displayed to indicate an alternative route when there is a closure.

Where will you see a yellow road sign?

As stated above you will find yellow road signs in a number of different places.

Regulatory signs indicating restrictions are typically found on major commuter roads, such as Red Routes, or outside schools.

Diversion signs are somewhat common – you will see them on – and the roads near to – motorways in particular.

The motorist will need to follow the correct yellow symbol to bypass the road closure.

They are designed so that drivers can easily recognise the symbol dotted across their new path, confirming they are on the correct track.

Yellow road signs can also be found at checkpoints and weighbridges.

What other colour road signs are used in the UK?

There are millions of road signs used across the UK.

Here we take a look at what other colour road signs are used.

Brown signs with white writing point to places of public interest or tourist spots.

Blue signs are designed to give the driver instructions and also indicate parking.

The circular signs are usually directional, for example, a one way arrow, turn left/right, and proceed in direction of arrow.

Other signs indicate mini roundabout ahead, keep left, and pass by on either side.

While blue rectangle signs are used primarily to inform on ordinary roads.

They are also used on motorways to give directions.

Red circular road signs tell the driver if there is a danger, and what they shouldn’t do.

Where as, red triangular signs are warning signs, to tell the driver of potential dangers they may be about to face.

Green road signs are directional on primary roads – they have the same meaning as the blue rectangular location sings on a motorway.

However, instead of a blue background, the green indicates that this is a non-motorway route.

They are often found at the end of a motorway slip road – informing of major A-roads to a particular location.