---
title: "Priority Over Oncoming Vehicles Sign | UK Road Signs"
url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/priority-over-oncoming
description: "Understand the Priority Over Oncoming Vehicles sign, Highway Code P.618, theory test tips, and safety considerations."
lang: en
---

# Priority over vehicles from the opposite direction — UK road sign

This rectangular sign informs drivers that they have priority over oncoming traffic at a narrow road section.

Image: Priority over vehicles from the opposite direction — blue and white rectangle UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/priority-over-oncoming.svg)

A blue rectangular sign featuring a large white arrow pointing forward and a smaller red arrow pointing down indicates priority over oncoming traffic.

It is installed on the side of a narrow bottleneck that has legal right of way over opposing drivers.

## What this sign means

Traffic travelling in your direction has priority through the narrow road section.

Oncoming vehicles face a 'Give Priority' red circle sign and must yield to you.

- Blue rectangular informative/priority sign.
- White arrow (your direction) indicates priority.
- Red arrow (oncoming direction) indicates opposing traffic must yield.

## What to do when you see it

Proceed through the narrow hazard safely, but remain prepared to stop if an oncoming vehicle fails to yield.

Never force your priority if an oncoming vehicle has already entered the bottleneck.

## How this sign is tested

Theory test questions contrast this rectangular blue sign with the circular red sign.

Questions check whether candidates know priority must still be exercised with due care and attention.

## Common mistakes

Assuming priority guarantees a clear road and accelerating blindly into the bottleneck.

Failing to yield when an opposing vehicle is already established inside the narrow section.

## 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

Does priority mean I can speed through the gap?

No, you must proceed at a safe, controlled speed and be ready to stop if necessary.

What shape is the Priority Over Oncoming Traffic sign?

It is a blue rectangle, which provides positive directional priority instruction.

What should I do if an oncoming car refuses to yield?

Prioritise safety and yield space rather than forcing a right of way conflict.

## 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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