---
title: "Maximum headroom plate Meaning | UK Road Signs | Fast Track"
url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/maximum-headroom-plate
description: "What the headroom plate on a bridge shows, how it differs from the circular limit sign, and how it is tested."
lang: en
---

# Maximum headroom plate — UK road sign

A yellow-backed plate on a bridge itself, repeating the available headroom in feet and metres.

Image: Maximum headroom plate — yellow and black rectangle UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/maximum-headroom-plate.svg)

Mounted on the bridge structure, the headroom plate repeats the available clearance so a driver who has missed the advance sign has a final chance to stop.

It is informational rather than a legal prohibition, but exceeding it means striking the bridge.

## What this sign means

The figure shown is the actual safe headroom at that point of the structure.

On arch bridges several plates may appear across the width, each showing the clearance for that part.

## What to do when you see it

If your vehicle is close to the figure, stop and find another route.

- Compare the figure with your known vehicle height.
- Do not attempt the bridge if there is any doubt.
- Report a strike or damaged bridge to the police immediately.
- Remember roof boxes and aerials add height.

## How this sign is tested

Height restriction questions appear in the road signs category and in questions about driving vans and vehicles with loads.

## Common mistakes

Relying on the advance sign and not reading the plate on the structure.

Guessing vehicle height rather than knowing it.

## 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 plate a legal limit?

It states available headroom. The circular red-ringed sign carries the legal restriction.

Why are several plates used on arch bridges?

Clearance varies across the width of an arch.

What should I do after a bridge strike?

Stop, call the police, and for a railway bridge report it so trains can be halted.

## 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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