---
title: "Low bridge height limit sign Meaning | UK Road Signs"
url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/low-bridge-height-limit
description: "What the low bridge height sign means, who must obey it, and how the DVSA theory test asks about height restrictions."
lang: en
---

# Low bridge height limit — UK road sign

A red-ringed circle showing a maximum height in feet, inches and metres for the bridge ahead.

Image: Low bridge height limit — red, white and black circle UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/low-bridge-height-limit.svg)

A height limit is shown inside a red ring, with the figure in both imperial and metric units. It applies to the overall height of the vehicle including any load.

Bridge strikes cost the railway millions each year and almost all of them are avoidable.

## What this sign means

Vehicles taller than the figure shown must not pass. The height is measured to the highest point of the vehicle or its load.

The limit is the safe headroom, not the actual structure height, which is slightly greater.

## What to do when you see it

Know your vehicle height before you set off, especially with a roof box or a van.

- Check the height of your vehicle plus any load.
- Take the signed diversion if you are too tall.
- Never guess by eye at the bridge.
- Slow down, because arch bridges are lower at the edges.

## How this sign is tested

Questions test who the limit applies to and remind drivers of high vehicles to check headroom before entering a bridge or a tunnel.

## Common mistakes

Forgetting that a roof box or a rack adds height.

Assuming the middle of an arch bridge is safe when the signed limit says otherwise.

## 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 (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/practice)

## Frequently asked questions

Is the height in feet or metres?

Both. British signs show imperial and metric figures.

Does the limit include my load?

Yes, it is the total height of the vehicle and anything on it.

What should I do if I am too tall?

Follow the signed alternative route. Never attempt the bridge.

## 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.

Intensive course prices: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/pricing
All courses: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/courses
Crash courses: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/crash-courses
Automatic lessons: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-lessons/automatic
Areas we cover: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-lessons-in
Driving test centres: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/driving-test-centres
How it works: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/how-it-works
Test pass guarantee: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/test-pass-guarantee

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