Red X
Have you
noticed the Red X
signal when driving on
motorways?
It’s there for your safety and it’s illegal to ignore it.
The Red X sign is key to supporting safety on motorways. It tells you when a lane is closed, helping any drivers and their passengers who may have got into difficulty. It also provides a safe place to work for the emergency services, recovery operators and our road workers.
Most drivers respect the Red X signal. But those who don’t put themselves and other road users at real risk.
Observe the
Red X and
all signals set
The illustrations below show a typical sequence of signs and signals you’ll see on the motorway when a Red X signal is set. This helps to manage incidents or collisions.
For each stage, the first illustration provides examples of how these appear as a single sign, mounted at the side of the motorway, displaying advice, restrictions and/or warnings for all lanes. The second illustration shows how the same advice, warnings and restrictions would appear on lane-specific overhead gantries. It's against the law to drive in a lane to which the Red X applies, whether this is indicated for that lane on a single sign by the side of the motorway or by lane-specific signs on overhead gantries.
Lane closure warning. Obey the speed limit displayed.
Move into the next available lane as indicated by the arrow. This sign may be repeated.
You must not enter or proceed in a lane closed by a Red X signal.
National speed limit, or a message informing of the end of any restrictions.
Sometimes a Red X signal needs to be set far in advance of an incident to provide access for emergency services. Or to help you re-join the motorway from an emergency area. When you see the Red X, it means the lane is closed and you must not use it.
Please leave gaps in the traffic to let other drivers move into an open lane.
Signs will also show when the lane is re-opened. You may see a national or variable speed limit, or a message informing you of the end of the restriction. Do not move into a closed lane even if you’ve passed a hazard, as there may be other hazards up ahead in the same lane.
Remember, it’s illegal and dangerous to drive in a Red X lane. If you’re caught, you could receive a fixed penalty of up to £100 and three points, and in some cases more severe penalties or a court appearance.
