A sign that gives orders
Maximum width
A red circle showing a width (in metres and feet) means no vehicles wider than that may pass - used at a narrow gap, an old bridge, or a width restrictor built to keep large vehicles out.
01
What it means
The limit protects a narrow structure or keeps lorries off an unsuitable road. As with height, it rarely troubles a car, but it's decisive for vans, vehicles towing, and anything wide. Some width restrictors are physical gaps between bollards or islands - approach slowly, take the middle, and don't guess if it looks tight.
02
Where you'll see it
Narrow bridges, chicane-style width restrictors, and roads a council wants to keep heavy traffic off.
03
On your driving test
Read it and, in a wide vehicle, respect it. In a car, the skill it points to is judging your road position through a narrow gap calmly and centrally.
Often confused with
Quick answers
What if a width restrictor looks too narrow?
Slow right down, line up centrally, and if you genuinely can't be sure you'll fit, don't attempt it - back off and find another route.
Sign artwork is Crown copyright, reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0; meanings from the Highway Code (gov.uk).
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