DRIVERS in the UK need to understand lots of different signs and road markings.
One of the most common is the curved arrow sign, which you will often see painted on the middle of the road between you and oncoming traffic.
What does the curved arrow road marking mean?
This arrow tells drivers who are attempting to overtake that they need to return to the left hand side of the road.
These arrows are marked shortly before solid white lines.
Where there are double lines in the middle of the road, rule 129 of the Highway Code states that drivers must not cross or straddle this.
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Double white lines prohibit drivers from overtaking as it is too hazardous to do so.
Crossing double white lines could see the driver hit with three penalty points on their licence and a £60 fine.
You can only cross the double white lines to pass a stationary vehicle or one travelling at 10 mph or less, according to the Highway Code.
The curved arrow on the road is also used to indicate when the road goes from two lanes to one.
The arrow indicates you should move into the left hand single carriageway.
What do arrows on UK roads mean?
Arrows on UK roads are designed to give drivers instruction on which lane they need to be in.
The curved arrow sign is one of these, as it tells drivers that they must return over to the left side of the road.
What are the types of arrows?
As well as the curved arrow marking, there is an ahead only arrow, which is a straight arrow painted on the road.
You might also see a turn left as well as a turn right arrow on road.
Turn right arrows are usually painted on the road where there is a painted area the vehicle can site in and wait to turn right, while traffic can still pass by on the left hand side.
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Arrows are marked in order to inform drivers of the appropriate lane needed in order to reach their destination.
These are usually clearly marked at a junction with two or more lanes.
Arrows are also used on motorways to indicate when the road splits, or you need to exit.
How many road signs are there?
There are hundreds of different types of traffic sign, split into three categories as a general rule.
Circular traffic signs give orders, triangular ones warn drivers and rectangular ones inform them.
The colours displayed on the signs convey different messages as well.
Blue circular signs give mandatory instructions, and those with red rings around the circumference tell drivers what not to do.
Markings painted on the road are usually in white.
