A sign that gives orders
Maximum height
A red circle showing a height (in metres and feet, e.g. 4.4m / 14'-6") means no vehicles over that height may pass - most often at a low bridge or a height barrier.
01
What it means
The limit is the maximum safe headroom. It matters far less in a car than in a van, a van with a roof box, or a hired vehicle - bridge strikes by drivers who didn't know their height are common and dangerous. If you drive anything tall, know its height, and if in doubt do not chance it: find another route.
02
Where you'll see it
Low railway and canal bridges, car-park entrances, and height barriers at retail parks.
03
On your driving test
Not something a car learner is stopped by, but it's in the sign bank and the habit matters the day you drive a van or a hired vehicle: read the limit and know your height.
Often confused with
Quick answers
Does the height limit apply to my car?
Almost never for an ordinary car - but it's critical in a van, with a roof box or bike rack, or in any hired or borrowed vehicle. Know your height before a low bridge.
Sign artwork is Crown copyright, reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0; meanings from the Highway Code (gov.uk).
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