Crossroads sign

What it means

There is a crossroads ahead, where another road crosses the one you are on. Slow down and be ready for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians joining or crossing your road.

The symbol is a simple plan of the junction. The broader line shows which road has priority. On this version the vertical line is wider, so the road you are on has priority over the side roads.

Having priority doesn't mean others will wait. Someone on a side road may pull out without seeing you, so check your mirrors, ease off and be ready to stop.

Where you'll see it

On the approach to a crossroads, before you reach the junction, so you have time to react.

Rules to know

• The broader line in the symbol shows which road has priority through the junction.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 10

• Take extra care at junctions and watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, who are not always easy to see.

  The Highway Code, Rule 170

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Treating the sign as an instruction to stop.

  Instead: It's a warning, not an order. Whether you must stop or give way depends on the signs and road markings at the junction itself.

Test yourself

Recalling the answer helps it stick. Pick an answer to see how you did.

Question 1 of 2

What does this sign mean?

• AWarns of a crossroads ahead.
• BWarns of a roundabout ahead.
• CWarns of a zebra or parallel crossing ahead.
• DWarns of side roads joining from the left and right, a short distance apart.

Full road sign quizzes are coming soon. See what's planned