Rectangles form the third major shape group in the UK road sign system, used to inform rather than instruct or warn.
These signs are generally used for directions, place names and general advice that helps drivers plan their route.
What this sign system means
Rectangular signs cover a wide range of information, including motorway and primary route direction signs, tourist information and advisory notices.
Colour coding within rectangular signs helps identify the road type, such as blue for motorways, green for primary routes and white for local roads.
What to do when you see it
Use the information provided to plan your route or understand local conditions, without treating it as a mandatory instruction unless stated.
- Read directional information in good time to choose the correct lane
- Use colour coding to identify motorway, primary or local routes
- Follow advisory information sensibly even though it is not always compulsory
- Do not confuse informational rectangles with mandatory circular signs
How this sign is tested
The theory test may ask you to interpret direction signs, including matching colours to road types.
You may also be tested on recognising which signs are advisory information rather than legal instructions.
Common mistakes
Drivers sometimes leave lane changes too late because they misread direction sign information.
Confusing an advisory rectangular sign with a compulsory instruction is another common misunderstanding.
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 questionsFrequently asked questions
Are rectangular signs always optional
Most rectangular signs give information or advice, though some, like certain regulatory plates, do carry legal force.
What do the colours on direction signs mean
Blue indicates motorways, green indicates primary routes, and white or black indicates local roads.
Why are direction signs rectangular
The rectangular shape distinguishes information signs from the circular orders and triangular warnings used elsewhere in the system.