---
title: "Width restriction sign Meaning | UK Road Signs | Fast Track"
url: https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/road-signs/width-restriction
description: "What the width restriction sign means, where it is used, and how the DVSA theory test covers dimension limits."
lang: en
---

# Width restriction — UK road sign

A red-ringed circle giving the maximum vehicle width for the road or gap ahead.

Image: Width restriction — red, white and black circle UK road sign (https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/signs/width-restriction.svg)

A width limit is shown inside a red ring in feet and inches with the metric figure alongside. It applies where a gap, bridge or gateway is too narrow for wide vehicles.

Like height limits it includes any load, including mirrors on some vehicles.

## What this sign means

Vehicles wider than the figure shown must not pass. The restriction is often physically enforced by a narrowing or bollards.

It appears at village pinch points, under bridges and at the entrances to residential streets.

## What to do when you see it

Judge your width honestly and take the alternative route if in doubt.

- Fold mirrors on a wide vehicle where advised.
- Approach slowly and centre the vehicle in the gap.
- Give way if the gap only takes one vehicle at a time.
- Look for oncoming traffic already committed to the gap.

## How this sign is tested

Questions group width, height, length and weight limits together and test that a red ring means prohibition.

## Common mistakes

Squeezing through and damaging bollards or mirrors.

Entering the gap when an oncoming vehicle is already committed.

## 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 the limit include mirrors?

Where a physical narrowing is fitted, mirrors matter. Always allow clearance.

Are width limits legally enforceable?

Yes. A red ring makes the restriction mandatory.

Who gives way at a narrowing?

Follow the priority arrows if shown, otherwise the driver with the clearer path waits.

## 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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