Signage is a tool we rely on to manage traffic in the UK. Regardless of where one drives, signage will provide important instructions regarding what is and is not allowed. The question is whether drivers understand their legal obligations to road signage. UK ''No Entry'' signs illustrate the point well enough.

The 'No Entry' sign is an easily recognised sign throughout the UK. It is presented as a red circle with a horizontal white bar across the centre. Its message is clear: vehicles approaching from the opposite direction are not allowed to go beyond the sign itself. Believe it or not, the law allows for penalties against any drivers who violate the 'No Entry' designation. 'No Entry' applies to all vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even bicycles. Pedal cycles being pushed by pedestrians are an exception.

An Official Regulatory Sign

The government has set up a system whereby individuals can distinguish between regulatory signs and their nonregulatory counterparts. This is important because a private property owner might put up a rectangular sign clearly barring entry to unauthorised personnel or vehicles. But the official 'No Entry' regulatory sign maintained as part of the highway code is distinct and different. Regulatory signs in the UK are generally circular. It is understood that the red 'No Entry' sign with the white bar across the centre prohibits all vehicular traffic, except for bicycles being pushed by pedestrians. If there are any other exceptions, they are generally addressed with a secondary plate mounted below the red circle. The plate might say something like, "Except buses". It is also worth noting that colours on regulatory signs matter. Red indicates a prohibition. On the other hand, blue represents either a positive (mandatory) instruction or a route designation for certain classes of vehicles.

Ignoring a 'No Entry' Sign

Adherence to 'No Entry' signs is mandatory under Section 36(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the TSRGD 2016. Ignoring a 'No Entry' sign is subject to a penalty of £100 and 3 penalty points added to one's driving license. The £100 fine is issued as a Fixed Penalty Notice. But if a driver's case goes to court for prosecution, the penalty could be as high as £1000. In addition, council enforcement could lead to a £105 fine. No matter how you look at it, ignoring an official 'No Entry' sign is asking for trouble.

''No Vehicles'' Signs in the UK

'No Entry' signs should not be confused with 'No Vehicles' signs. The two types of signs accomplish similar things, but they are distinct and different. A 'No Entry' sign prohibits vehicular traffic only from the direction facing the sign. A 'No Vehicles' sign prohibits vehicular traffic from every direction.

Practically speaking, 'No Vehicles' signs isolate a given area to prevent all traffic from entering that area. 'No Entry' signs are more a tool for maintaining traffic flow in one direction. Like 'No Entry' signs, 'No Vehicles' signs can be accompanied by exceptions. Any exceptions would be printed on a plant mounted below the primary sign. Here are examples of where you might find both types of signs:

● 'No Entry' – Normally placed at the exit of one-way streets, exits from car parks, or at the entrance of roads closed to all traffic from one direction or another.

● 'No Vehicles' – Normally placed at the entrance to pedestrian zones or restricted roads. The signs are also placed around areas where 'No Vehicles' are allowed at any time.

Also note that there is a visual difference between the two types of signs. The 'No Entry' sign has a white bar across the centre of the red circle. The 'No Vehicles' sign doesn't display the white bar. It is simply a red circle.

Not to Be Confused With Private Signage

Finally, the official regulatory 'No Entry' and 'No Vehicles' signs are of standard shape and colour. They should not be confused with private signage. For example, a circular 'No Entry' sign is an official regulatory sign. But a rectangular sign with the words ''No Entry'' at a construction site is considered private signage. It is intended to prohibit unauthorised access by visitors.

Landowners and businesses use a variety of signs to manage traffic, limit access, etc. The signs may even sport familiar colours like red and blue. But unless signage meets the requirements of government standards for size, shape, colour and messaging, you are dealing with private signage.

Signs Provide Important Information

Whether regulatory, private, or any other type of signage, the signs we see on a daily basis provide important information someone wants us to know. Ignoring signage isn't a smart idea. It is especially unwise when driving. If you encounter a red, circular 'No Entry' sign while driving, know that your vehicle is not allowed beyond that point. A failure to adhere to the sign could mean a financial penalty and points added to your license. Road signs are not to be ignored.