Give priority to oncoming traffic sign
Updated •4 min read
The give priority to oncoming traffic sign is a red-bordered circle that tells you to give way to vehicles coming from the opposite direction. The Highway Code calls it "Give priority to vehicles from opposite direction". Start with our free practice questions.
You see it where a road or bridge is too narrow for two vehicles to pass. Gov.uk says: "Where a road or bridge is very narrow, priority must be given to traffic from the other direction (there will usually be a 'give way' line indicating where to wait)" (gov.uk: The Highway Code, traffic signs). Checked on 5 November 2026.
The two priority signs people confuse
The Highway Code lists two signs about oncoming vehicles. They look different and ask opposite things of you.
| Sign | Shape and group | Highway Code caption | What you do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Give priority to oncoming traffic | Circle with a red border, in "Signs giving orders" | Give priority to vehicles from opposite direction | Wait and let oncoming vehicles through first |
| Priority over oncoming traffic | Rectangle, in the "All rectangular" group | Traffic has priority over oncoming vehicles | You go first; oncoming vehicles must give way to you |
Both captions are from the Highway Code on gov.uk (traffic signs), and the signs are drawn in the Department for Transport's Know your traffic signs. Our sign list shows both pictures: give priority to oncoming vehicles and traffic has priority over oncoming vehicles.
How to answer the theory test question
The question shows a sign and asks what it means. Check the shape first.
- A circle with a red border is an order or a prohibition. The Highway Code says "signs with red circles are mostly prohibitive", so this one tells you to give way, not that you may go first.
- A rectangle is information. The rectangular priority sign tells you that you have priority; it is not an order to wait.
- Read the caption in the answer list. The answer that says to give way to vehicles from the opposite direction matches the circular sign.
What to do when you meet the sign
- Slow down as you approach the narrow section and look ahead for oncoming vehicles.
- If there are vehicles coming towards you, stop at the give way line or before the narrowing and let them through.
- Go when the road ahead is clear, and keep a safe gap from any vehicle you are following.
This is general advice that follows the Highway Code's wording above, not extra rules. Our guide to country roads and single-track roads covers passing places, and the road signs guide explains how to learn signs by shape and colour. For give way lines at junctions, see junctions and box junctions.
Practise signs
Try the free practice questions or a mock theory test. The free diagnostic shows whether road signs are a weak area for you. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA or the Department for Transport.
Frequently asked questions
What does the give priority to oncoming traffic sign mean?
You must give way to vehicles coming from the opposite direction. The Highway Code caption is "Give priority to vehicles from opposite direction".
Who has priority at a very narrow road or bridge?
Traffic from the other direction, where this sign applies. Gov.uk says priority must be given to traffic from the other direction, and a give way line usually shows where to wait.
What is the difference between the red and the blue priority signs?
The red-bordered circle tells you to give way to oncoming traffic. The rectangular sign "Traffic has priority over oncoming vehicles" tells you that you go first.