Give Way and Stop Signs in the UK Explained

How to Use Give Way and Stop Signs

Learning the appropriate way to react when coming across road signs is crucial to get you to your destination safely. It's extra important to learn what the give way and stop signs mean and what you should do in each situation to guarantee the driver and other road users the best outcome.

This guide will dig into the meaning of these signs, show what they look like, and explain the correct way to drive when coming across one.

Contents

• How to use give way signs
• How to use stop signs
• The difference between give way and stop signs
• Be aware of other road users
• Highway Code

How to use give way signs

The traditional give way sign is a white triangle with a red border and the words 'Give Way' written in the triangle.

There's also a sign warning of a Give Way - some time before the junction itself. This is a plain white triangle with a red border and a text plate below the triangle with the words give way. The distance to the Give Way in the UK is usually given in yards.

The approach to a junction may have a give way sign (red triangle with Give Way written in it) or a triangle marked on the road. If you see this sign, you must give way to traffic on the main road.

How to use stop signs

At a junction, you may find a red octagonal sign with a white border with the word "STOP" written in it. If you see this sign, you must stop your vehicle behind the solid white line and wait until the road ahead is clear or has a sufficient gap for you to file into.

The difference between give way and stop signs

The difference between a stop and a give way sign is that at a give way sign, you must wait for oncoming traffic and proceed when the road is clear. If there's no oncoming traffic, you may proceed straight away.

With a stop sign, you must come to a complete stop behind the solid white line across the road, even if it seems the road ahead is clear. Make sure there's no traffic coming either way before you move off.

Be aware of other road users

When approaching a stop sign or give way sign, you should always be aware that other road users may not have seen or heard that you are approaching from behind. You should also watch out for pedestrians crossing the road, as they may not be aware that your vehicle is ready to turn onto this carriageway.

Also, if you're driving in the countryside, look out for horse-riders who may take a different line on the road from that which you may expect. You should always wait on a vehicle turning into your junction before you pull out, as that road user may have not turned their indicator off after their last manoeuvre.

When moving off from a stop sign or give way sign, be sure to look around before emerging from your junction and wait for a safe gap in the traffic before you do so.

Highway Code

Even though most people think of the most common signs when the words 'give way' or 'stop' are mentioned, the Highway Code has different signs for similar situations. Knowing what each one looks like and the exact action that's expected of you when approaching one will spare you from having accidents and getting fines.

Learn more about the highway legislation with Evans Halshaw

Road signs were created to help drivers drive safely for themselves and other road users. Learning the exact meaning of each road sign is essential to keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible.

If you'd like to learn more tips about driving in the United Kingdom, check out our blog where you'll find multiple articles and guides that will be of value to you.