---
title: "No stopping clearway sign Meaning | UK Road Signs"
url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/no-stopping-clearway
description: "What the no stopping clearway sign means, how it differs from no waiting, and how the theory test asks about it."
lang: en
---

# No stopping clearway sign — UK road sign

A blue circle with a red cross, meaning you must not stop on the main carriageway at any time.

Image: No stopping clearway sign — blue and red circle UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/no-stopping-clearway.svg)

The clearway sign is a blue circle with a red border and a red diagonal cross. It prohibits stopping on the main carriageway, not merely parking.

Urban clearways operate only at the times shown, while a full clearway applies at all times.

## What this sign means

You must not stop on the carriageway, even briefly, except in an emergency. Lay-bys beside a clearway are not covered by the restriction.

An urban clearway allows you to stop briefly to set down or pick up passengers.

## What to do when you see it

Keep moving and use a lay-by if you need to stop.

- Do not stop on the carriageway for any reason short of an emergency.
- Use a marked lay-by for rest breaks or navigation checks.
- Read the plate to see whether an urban clearway applies only at peak times.
- Watch for the end of clearway sign.

## How this sign is tested

Questions test that a clearway bans stopping rather than parking, which is a stronger restriction than a yellow line.

Others ask whether lay-bys are included, and they are not.

## Common mistakes

Treating the sign as a no parking sign and stopping briefly to make a phone call.

Assuming an urban clearway applies all day, when it typically covers peak periods only.

## 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

What is the difference between a clearway and no waiting?

A clearway bans stopping at all. No waiting allows brief stops to set down or pick up.

Can I stop in a lay-by on a clearway?

Yes. Lay-bys are outside the restricted carriageway.

Do urban clearways run all day?

No. They apply during the hours shown on the plate, usually peak times.

## 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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