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    Give priority to vehicles from the opposite direction — UK road sign

    This circular sign orders drivers to give priority to oncoming traffic on narrow roads or single-lane bottlenecks.

    Give priority to vehicles from the opposite direction — red, white and black circle UK road sign

    A circular regulatory sign with a red border containing two arrows—a large red arrow pointing forward and a smaller black arrow pointing down—orders drivers to yield to oncoming traffic.

    It is installed at narrow bridges, traffic calming chicanes, and roadworks bottlenecks where two opposing vehicles cannot safely pass simultaneously.

    What this sign means

    You must give way to oncoming vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.

    The red arrow pointing in your direction indicates that your stream of traffic does not have priority.

    • Red circular order-giving sign.
    • Red arrow (your direction) must yield priority.
    • Black arrow (oncoming traffic) has priority.

    What to do when you see it

    Slow down as you approach the narrow hazard point and check for oncoming vehicles.

    Stop behind the give way line if an oncoming vehicle is approaching, and wait until the narrow passage is completely clear before proceeding.

    How this sign is tested

    DVSA theory test questions regularly feature this sign alongside its rectangular counterpart ('Priority over oncoming vehicles').

    Candidates are asked which arrow colour represents the direction that must give way.

    Common mistakes

    Confusing which arrow represents your direction (the red arrow in your direction means you must give way).

    Assuming that if you arrive at the narrow point first, you can force oncoming traffic to stop; you must yield priority.

    Give priority to vehicles from the opposite direction — red, white and black circle UK road sign

    Test yourself on this one

    Road and traffic signs is the biggest category in the question bank with 102 questions, and signs turn up inside other categories too. Work through them free, no sign-up needed.

    Practise road sign questions

    Frequently asked questions

    Which arrow indicates my direction on this sign?

    The red arrow points in your direction of travel, indicating you must give way.

    Do I have to stop if no oncoming vehicles are visible?

    No, if the single lane is clear, you may proceed cautiously without coming to a complete stop.

    What sign will drivers coming from the opposite direction see?

    They will see a blue rectangular 'Priority over oncoming vehicles' sign.

    Passed your theory? Get the practical booked

    Your theory certificate lasts two years. Most learners who use it quickly do it with an intensive course — a block of hours with a DVSA approved instructor and a practical test at the end, instead of one lesson a week for months.