---
title: "Slow moving works vehicle sign Meaning | UK Road Signs"
url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/slow-moving-works-vehicle
description: "What the arrow board on a works vehicle means, which side to pass, and how the DVSA theory test asks about it."
lang: en
---

# Slow moving or stationary works vehicle sign — UK road sign

A yellow board with flashing arrows telling drivers which side to pass a works vehicle in the lane.

Image: Slow moving or stationary works vehicle sign — yellow and black rectangle UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/slow-moving-works-vehicle.svg)

Maintenance vehicles carry a large yellow board on the back showing a flashing or fixed arrow. The arrow tells following drivers which side to pass on.

These vehicles may be stationary, crawling or performing rolling road blocks, so the board can appear with little warning.

## What this sign means

The vehicle is working on the road and traffic must pass on the side the arrow points to. A downward chevron pattern means pass either side is not permitted and you should move over as directed.

The board may be mounted on a lorry, an impact protection vehicle or a trailer.

## What to do when you see it

Move into the indicated lane in good time.

- Check mirrors and signal before changing lane.
- Pass only on the side the arrow shows.
- Do not sit close behind the vehicle waiting for a gap.
- Expect the vehicle to be travelling far slower than the traffic flow.

## How this sign is tested

Questions show the arrow board and ask which side you should pass, which is simply the direction of the arrow.

Others ask why the vehicle carries a heavy rear structure, which is to absorb an impact and protect the crew.

## Common mistakes

Ignoring the arrow direction and passing on the wrong side into the working area.

Braking hard on discovering the vehicle rather than reading the board at a distance.

## 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

Which side should I pass a works vehicle?

The side the arrow on its rear board is pointing to.

What is an impact protection vehicle?

A heavy vehicle with a crash cushion parked behind a works crew to absorb collisions.

Can these vehicles stop in a live lane?

Yes. They are permitted to work in a live lane with the arrow board displayed.

## 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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