Subsidiary signs

What do subsidiary signs look like?

Subsidiary signs are square with a white background and black text. What's special about subsidiary signs is that they only apply when used together with a main sign. The subsidiary sign clarifies what the main sign means and where it applies.

Distance

The subsidiary sign indicates the distance to the point where the main sign starts to apply, or to the point where a corresponding main sign has been posted (advance warning).

Distance

Is the distance subsidiary sign important for the theory test and the driving test?

Yes, the distance subsidiary sign is important for both the theory test and the driving test. You must understand what the sign means and how to react when you see it. During the driving test, you are expected to adapt your driving based on the information from the distance subsidiary sign, for example by reducing your speed well in advance before reaching a hazard or a regulated area.

What does the distance subsidiary sign mean?

The distance subsidiary sign tells you how far it is to the place where the main sign starts to apply. For example, if you see a warning sign with a distance subsidiary sign showing "200 m", it means that the hazard being warned about is 200 meters further ahead on the road.

This subsidiary sign is often used together with warning signs to give you time to prepare for an upcoming dangerous situation. It can also be used together with other signs that indicate rules or restrictions on the road.

Distance subsidiary sign with a roundabout sign

When is the distance subsidiary sign used?

The distance subsidiary sign, when used together with warning signs, is used:

When a hazard cannot be seen from far enough away for you to stop safely
When a warning sign is placed at a distance other than the normal one
Always on motorways

The sign can also be used to give advance warning of yield, end of priority road, speed limits, height restrictions, and many other traffic regulations.

Why is the distance subsidiary sign important for traffic safety?

The distance subsidiary sign lets you plan your driving better. When you know how far it is to a hazard or a traffic regulation, you can adjust your speed and driving style in good time. This makes the roads safer for everyone.

For example, if you see a sign warning of a sharp curve with a distance subsidiary sign showing "300 m", you know you have 300 meters to reduce your speed to a safe level before reaching the curve.

The distance subsidiary sign is especially important in poor visibility situations, such as fog, rain, or darkness, when it can be difficult to see far ahead on the road.