Temporary sign
Road works sign
What does the Road works sign mean?
Warns of road works or an obstruction in the road ahead. Take extra care and look out for further signs and any temporary speed limit.
Also known as: Road works ahead sign, Man digging sign
What it means
There are road works or an obstruction in the carriageway ahead. It can be used for any type of works, from a large construction scheme to minor maintenance.
A plate under the sign may tell you how far away the works are, where they are, or what kind of works they are.
Look out for the signs that follow. They may close lanes, set a temporary speed limit or send you around the works. A speed limit in a red circle is mandatory, but a yellow rectangular 'Max speed' sign only shows an advised speed.
The 'End of road works' sign marks the end of the works and of any temporary restrictions that came with them, including speed limits.
Where you'll see it
Before works or an obstruction on the road, on any type of road.
Rules to know
You must not exceed any temporary maximum speed limit.
The Highway Code, Rule 288
Where lanes are restricted due to road works, merge in turn, and don't switch lanes to overtake queuing traffic.
The Highway Code, Rule 288
Don't drive through an area marked off by traffic cones.
The Highway Code, Rule 288
A yellow rectangular 'Max speed' sign at road works shows the maximum speed advised, in miles per hour, through the works.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 160
Common mistakes
Mistake: Ignoring a lower speed limit because nobody seems to be working.
Instead: A temporary maximum speed limit applies until the 'End of road works' sign, whether or not you can see anyone working.
Mistake: Treating every speed sign at road works as advice.
Instead: A number in a red circle is a legal limit. Only the yellow rectangular 'Max speed' sign is advisory.
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© Crown copyright. Free to reuse under the Open Government Licence v3.0, as long as the sign is reproduced accurately and not in a misleading context.
Related signs
Used with
Maximum speed advised at road works
Temporary sign
An advised speed through the works, not a legal limit.
See also
Loose chippings
Temporary sign
Loose stones on the road, often at road works.
See also
Slippery road
Warning sign
Another warning triangle: the road surface may be slippery.
Sources
- Know Your Traffic Signs (Department for Transport, Sixth edition, 2023), Road works and temporary situations, pp. 150 and 160
- The Highway Code, Rule 288
Sign image: Department for Transport, Traffic sign images (diagram 7001). © Crown copyright, reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Checked against these sources and reviewed by Bikash Thapa, full UK driving licence holder. Last reviewed 4 October 2026. This page explains the sign in our own words; for the full rules, see The Highway Code. How we source and check content