Search Legislation

Advanced Search

The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002

Changes to legislation:

There are outstanding changes not yet made by the legislation.gov.uk editorial team to The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002. Those changes will be listed when you open the content using the Table of Contents below. Any changes that have already been made by the team appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

Close

Changes to Legislation

Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the affected provisions when you open the content using the Table of Contents below.

View outstanding changes

Changes and effects yet to be applied to :

Changes and effects yet to be applied to the whole Instrument associated Parts and Chapters:

Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Instrument (including any effects on those provisions):

  1. Introductory Text

  2. PART I THE TRAFFIC SIGNS REGULATIONS 2002

    1. SECTION 1 PRELIMINARY

      1. 1.Citation and commencement

      2. 2.Revocations

      3. 3.Savings

      4. 4.Interpretation—general

      5. 5.Interpretation of speed limit

      6. 6.Interpretation of references

      7. 7.Interpretation of Schedules 1 to 12

    2. SECTION 2 GENERAL PROVISIONS

      1. 8.Authorisations

      2. 9.Temporary obstructions

      3. 10.Application of section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to signs and disqualification for offences

      4. 11.Signs, markings and signals to be of the size, colour and type shown in the diagrams

      5. 12.Variations of dimensions

      6. 13.Proportions and form of letters, numerals, symbols and other characters

      7. 14.Signs attached to vehicles

    3. SECTION 3 WARNING, REGULATORY AND INFORMATORY TRAFFIC SIGNS

      1. 15.Sign shown in diagram 610 and its significance

      2. 16.Signs shown in diagrams 601.1, 602, 611.1, 778, 778.1 and 784.1 and their significance

      3. 17.Permitted variants of upright signs

      4. 18.Illumination of signs

      5. 19.Illumination of signs—further provisions

      6. 20.Illumination of plates

      7. 21.Illumination of signs shown in diagrams 560 and 561

      8. 22.Buses

      9. 23.Bus lanes

      10. 24.Bus symbols

    4. SECTION 4 ROAD MARKINGS

      1. 25.Road marking shown in diagram 1003: give way

      2. 26.Road markings shown in diagrams 1013.1, 1013.3 and 1013.4: double white lines

      3. 27.Road marking shown in diagram 1001.3: zig-zag lines—no stopping

      4. 28.Road marking shown in diagram 1001.3: zig-zag lines—no overtaking

      5. 29.Road markings shown in diagrams 1025.1, 1025.3, 1025.4, 1043 and 1044: bus stop and bus stand clearways and box junctions

      6. 30.Permitted variants of road markings

      7. 31.Illumination of road markings

      8. 32.Height of road markings and size of studs

    5. SECTION 5 LIGHT SIGNALS AND WARNING LIGHTS

      1. 33.Light signals for the control of vehicular traffic—standard form

      2. 34.Green arrow light signals for the control of vehicular traffic

      3. 35.Portable light signals for the control of vehicular traffic

      4. 36.Significance of light signals prescribed by regulations 33 to 35

      5. 37.Light signals for the control of vehicular traffic on motorways and all-purpose dual carriageway roads

      6. 38.Significance of light signals prescribed by regulation 37(1)

      7. 39.Light signals to control traffic at level crossings etc

      8. 40.Significance of light signals prescribed by regulation 39

      9. 41.Light signals for the control of tramcars

      10. 42.Significance of light signals prescribed by regulation 41

      11. 43.Meaning of stop line and references to light signals

      12. 44.Light signals for lane control of vehicular traffic

      13. 45.Warning signal for motorways and all-purpose dual carriageway roads

      14. 46.Matrix signs for motorways and all-purpose dual carriageway roads

      15. 47.Light signals at signal-controlled pedestrian facilities

      16. 48.Light signals at equestrian crossings

      17. 49.Light signals at Toucan crossings

      18. 50.Warning lights at school crossing places

      19. 51.Cattle crossing signs and warning lights

      20. 52.Light signals for pedestrian traffic at level crossings

    6. SECTION 6 MISCELLANEOUS TRAFFIC SIGNS

      1. 53.Temporary signs

      2. 54.Flashing beacons

      3. 55.Road danger lamps

      4. 56.Cones, delineators and cylinders

      5. 57.Refuge indicator lamps

      6. 58.Variable message signs

  3. PART II THE TRAFFIC SIGNS GENERAL DIRECTIONS 2002

    1. 1.Citation and commencement

    2. 2.Revocations

    3. 3.Interpretation—general

    4. 4.Interpretation of references

    5. 5.Saving

    6. 6.Sign to be placed only at sites approved by the Secretary of State

    7. 7.Signs to be placed only to indicate the effect of a statutory prohibition

    8. 8.The placing of certain signs to indicate the beginning of a restriction, requirement, prohibition or speed limit

    9. 9.Beginning of a speed limit—further provisions

    10. 10.The placing of certain signs to indicate the end of a restriction, requirement, prohibition or speed limit

    11. 11.Repeater signs

    12. 12.Signs to be placed only on specified types of road

    13. 13.(1) The signs shown in diagrams 2101, 2101.1, 2101.2, 2102,...

    14. 14.(1) The signs shown in diagrams 832.3, 1012.2, 1064, 2901,...

    15. 15.(1) The signs shown in diagrams 823, 824, 825, 868,...

    16. 16.Speed limits of 20 mph

    17. 17.Signs to be placed only in conjunction with specified road markings (except signs for prohibitions and restrictions on waiting etc)

    18. 18.Road markings to be placed only in conjunction with other road markings or specified signs (except road markings for prohibitions and restrictions on waiting etc)

    19. 19.The placing of the signs shown in diagrams 615 and 811

    20. 20.Signs to be placed only in combination with specified plates or other signs

    21. 21.Plates to be placed only in combination with specified signs

    22. 22.Placing of road markings and signs to indicate prohibitions and restrictions on waiting, loading and unloading and parking

    23. 23.(1) The road marking shown in diagram 1020.1 may be...

    24. 24.(1) Except where it is placed to indicate the effect...

    25. 25.(1) Subject to paragraph (2) a road marking shown in...

    26. 26.The sign shown in diagram 663, 663.1, 664, 665 or...

    27. 27.Signs to be placed only at specified sites or for specified purposes

    28. 28.The sign shown in diagram 551.1 may be placed on...

    29. 29.The sign shown in diagram 574 may be placed only...

    30. 30.The sign shown in diagram 601.1 may be placed on...

    31. 31.The sign shown in diagram 833, 834, 835 or 836...

    32. 32.(1) The sign shown in diagram 878 or 879 may...

    33. 33.The sign shown in diagram 957 may be placed on...

    34. 34.(1) The marking shown in diagram 1003 may be placed...

    35. 35.The road marking shown in diagram 1043 or 1044 shall...

    36. 36.Restrictions on the placing of temporary signs

    37. 37.(1) The sign shown in diagram 790 or 7014—

    38. 38.(1) No sign of the kind referred to in regulation...

    39. 39.(1) The sign shown in diagram 7023 or 7024 may...

    40. 40.Placing of signs varied to show metric units

    41. 41.Mounting and backing of signs

    42. 42.(1) The back of any sign shown in a diagram...

    43. 43.Mounting of the sign shown in diagram 781

    44. 44.Mounting of the signs shown in diagrams 560 and 561

    45. 45.Mounting of refuge indicator lamps

    46. 46.Mounting and backing of light signals, matrix signs and warning lights

    47. 47.Placing of road marking shown in diagram 1001 or 1001.2 in conjunction with light signals

    48. 48.Placing of road marking shown in diagram 1014 in conjunction with the road marking shown in diagram 1013.1 or 1013.3

    49. 49.Placing of road marking shown in diagram 1001.3 (zig-zag lines)

    50. 50.Placing of signs and light signals shown in Schedule 11

    51. 51.(1) The light signals prescribed by regulation 37(1) shall not...

    52. 52.The sign shown in diagram 6002, 6021 or 6031.1 may...

    53. 53.Placing of portable light signals prescribed by regulation 35

    54. 54.Placing of signals and other signs at crossings

    55. 55.Placing of various light signals

    56. 56.Approval of types of sign and signals by the Secretary of State

    57. 57.Studs

    58. 58.Approval of types of stud by the Secretary of State

    59. 59.Special directions

  4. Signature

    1. SCHEDULE 1

      WARNING SIGNS

    2. SCHEDULE 2

      REGULATORY SIGNS

    3. SCHEDULE 3

      SIGNS FOR RAILWAY AND TRAMWAY LEVEL CROSSINGS

    4. SCHEDULE 4

      MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATORY SIGNS

    5. SCHEDULE 5

      SIGNS FOR BUS, TRAM AND PEDAL CYCLE FACILITIES

    6. SCHEDULE 6

      ROAD MARKINGS

    7. SCHEDULE 7

      DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

      1. PART I PRIMARY ROUTE DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

      2. PART II NON-PRIMARY ROUTE DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

      3. PART III TOURIST DESTINATION SIGNS

      4. PART IV SIGNS FOR SERVICES AND TOURIST FACILITIES

      5. PART V BOUNDARY SIGNS

      6. PART VI DIRECTIONAL SIGNS TO PARKING PLACE

      7. PART VII DIRECTIONAL SIGNS FOR CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS

      8. PART VIII TEMPORARY AND EMERGENCY DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

      9. PART IX OTHER NON-MOTORWAY DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

      10. PART X MOTORWAY SIGNS

    8. SCHEDULE 8

      LIGHT SIGNALS FOR THE CONTROL OF VEHICULAR TRAFFIC

    9. SCHEDULE 9

      LIGHT SIGNALS FOR PEDESTRIANS AND ANIMAL CROSSINGS

    10. SCHEDULE 10

      LANE CONTROL SIGNALS AND SIGNS

      1. PART I LANE CONTROL SIGNALS

      2. PART II LANE CONTROL SIGNALS

    11. SCHEDULE 11

      MATRIX SIGNS AND LIGHT SIGNALS

      1. PART I MATRIX SIGNS

      2. PART II LIGHT SIGNALS

    12. SCHEDULE 12

      ROAD WORKS SIGNS ETC

      1. PART I MISCELLANEOUS WARNING, INFORMATORY AND REGULATORY SIGNS FOR ROAD WORKS ETC

      2. PART II ROAD WORKS DELINEATORS AND BARRIERS

      3. PART III SIGNS FOR LANE CLOSURES AND CONTRA-FLOW WORKING AT ROAD WORKS

      4. PART IV SIGNS FOR ROAD WORKS ENTRANCES AND EXITS

      5. PART V SIGNS MOUNTED ON ROAD WORKS VEHICLES

    13. SCHEDULE 13

      PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF LETTERS, NUMERALS AND OTHER CHARACTERS

      1. PART I PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF LETTERS, NUMERALS AND OTHER CHARACTERS

      2. PART II PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF LETTERS, NUMERALS AND OTHER CHARACTERS

      3. PART III PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF LETTERS, NUMERALS AND OTHER CHARACTERS

      4. PART IV PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF LETTERS, NUMERALS AND OTHER CHARACTERS

      5. PART V PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF LETTERS, NUMERALS AND OTHER CHARACTERS FOR USE ON VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGNS

      6. PART VI PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF LETTERS, NUMERALS AND OTHER CHARACTERS FOR USE IN THE ROAD MARKINGS SHOWN IN SCHEDULE 6

      7. PART VII PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF LETTERS, NUMERALS AND OTHER CHARACTERS

    14. SCHEDULE 14

      PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF SYMBOLS INDICATING TYPES OF TOURIST DESTINATION

      1. PART I PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF SYMBOLS INDICATING TYPES OF TOURIST DESTINATION IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES

      2. PART II PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF SYMBOLS INDICATING TYPES OF TOURIST DESTINATION IN ENGLAND AND WALES

      3. PART III PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF SYMBOLS INDICATING TYPES OF TOURIST DESTINATION IN ENGLAND ONLY

      4. PART IV PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF SYMBOLS INDICATING TYPES OF TOURIST DESTINATION IN SCOTLAND ONLY

    15. SCHEDULE 15

      LEGENDS FOR USE ON VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGNS

      1. PART I PRELIMINARY

        1. 1.(1) In a legend prescribed by this Schedule the number...

      2. PART II SIGNS AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATED BY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC

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

      3. PART III LEGENDS GIVING WARNINGS OF ADVERSE WEATHER OR OTHER TEMPORARY HAZARDS OR INCIDENTS

        1. 3.(1) A legend specified in sub-paragraph (2) may only be...

      4. PART IV LEGENDS INDICATING LOCATION OF TEMPORARY HAZARD OR INCIDENT

        1. 4.One of the following legends may be used only in...

      5. PART V ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

        1. 5.(1) A legend specified in sub-paragraph (2) may be used...

      6. PART VI OTHER LEGENDS

        1. 6.(1) The following legends may also be displayed on a...

    16. SCHEDULE 16

      PERMITTED VARIANTS

    17. SCHEDULE 17

      ILLUMINATION OF SIGNS

    18. SCHEDULE 18

      INTERPRETATION OF “UNLADEN VEHICLE”

      1. 1.In these Regulations “unladen vehicle” means, subject to paragraph 3—...

      2. 2.The conditions are— (a) that the motor vehicle is a...

      3. 3.For the purposes of this Schedule, the following are to...

    19. SCHEDULE 19

      BUS STOP AND BUS STAND CLEARWAYS AND BOX JUNCTIONS

      1. PART I SIGNIFICANCE OF BUS STOP AND BUS STAND CLEARWAY MARKINGS

        1. 1.Interpretation of Part I of Schedule

        2. 2.Prohibition conveyed by road markings

        3. 3.Exceptions in favour of buses

        4. 4.Other exceptions

        5. 5.Permitted purposes

      2. PART II SIGNIFICANCE OF BOX JUNCTION MARKINGS

        1. 6.Interpretation of Part II of Schedule

        2. 7.Prohibition conveyed by markings in diagram 1043 or 1044

        3. 8.Prohibition conveyed when markings are placed in conjunction with signs in diagrams 615 and 811

    20. SCHEDULE

      PLACING OF SIGNALS AND OTHER SIGNS AT SIGNAL-CONTROLLED CROSSING FACILITIES

      1. 1.Interpretation

      2. 2.Vehicular light signals on a two-way street

      3. 3.Vehicular light signals on a one-way road

      4. 4.Additional vehicular light signals

      5. 5.Far side light signals at crossings

      6. 6.Near side signals at crossings

  6. Explanatory Note

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

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

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

Timeline of Changes

This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.

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

The data on this page is available in the alternative data formats listed: