Complete guide to highway works compliance
- 2 steps
UK Statutory Instrument
2016
United Kingdom
Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (TSRGD 2016)
At a glance
Enforced by
What's here
13 compliance obligations, 2 practical guides · 2 journeys
Who this Act binds
Business-side actors with duties under this Act, ranked by how often they appear.
- Any Person 3
- Operator 2
- Contractor 1
Plus 7 non-business duties on Crown ministers, regulators, local authorities or tribunals — shown collapsed under each section below.
Step-by-step journeys using this legislation
Walkthroughs that take you from a real business situation to compliance.
Highway works quick compliance check
- 2 steps
Relevant guidance
Practical guides for businesses affected by this Act, ordered by how closely they engage with it.
Direct — cites this Act
1 guidesMentioned in related content
1 guidesOther Acts binding the same actors
For each actor bound by this Act, the other UK Acts that bind them most often. Useful for understanding the full compliance landscape facing each role.
Any Person also bound by 2338 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Human Medicines Regulations 2012 2012 169 duties
- Merchant Shipping Act 1995 1995 144 duties
- Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 2016 101 duties
- Road Traffic Act 1988 1988 95 duties
- Air Navigation Order 2016 2016 95 duties
Operators also bound by 730 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 (Air Operations) 2012 138 duties
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2066 of 19 December 2018 on the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and amending Commission Regulation (EU) No 601/2012 (Text with EEA relevance) 2018 121 duties
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 601/2012 of 21 June 2012 on the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (Text with EEA relevance) (repealed) 2012 112 duties
- Space Industry Regulations 2021 2021 75 duties
- Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (‘Animal Health Law’) (Text with EEA relevance) 2016 66 duties
Contractors also bound by 178 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- The National Health Service (Personal Medical Services Agreements) Regulations 2015 2015 137 duties
- The National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) Regulations 2015 2015 134 duties
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 2015 114 duties
- The National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) (Wales) Regulations 2023 2023 93 duties
- The Health and Personal Social Services (General Medical Services Contracts) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004 2004 87 duties
What this Act requires
Sections that create concrete duties on businesses or carry penalties. Procedural and definitional sections are folded into the “Browse other sections” expander at the bottom of each group. Click any section title to read the source text on legislation.gov.uk.
Part 1 — THE TRAFFIC SIGNS REGULATIONS 2016
Browse 15 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Citation, commencement and extent
Authorisations
Expressions of time and distance and for parking restrictions
Dimensions and design of signs
Illumination of upright signs and associated plates
Provision for review of these Regulations
Height of road markings and size of studs fitted with reflectors, retroreflecting material or a light source
Diagram Colours
Mutual recognition of standards
Revocations
Transitional and savings provisions
Interpretation
Prescription of signs
Letters, numerals and other characters
Illumination – road markings
Part 2 — THE TRAFFIC SIGNS GENERAL DIRECTIONS 2016
Browse 14 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Interpretation
Mutual recognition of standards
Special directions
Citation, commencement and extent
Revocations
Saving
Provision for review of these General Directions
Application of general directions
General provision about upright signs and associated plates and structure warning markings
General provision about placing of signs on vehicles
General provision about the removal of temporary signs
Studs that provide illumination
Mounting of upright signs
The backs of, and backing boards for, upright signs
Schedules
Upright signs that indicate regulatory requirements for moving traffic
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- National Highways must ensure traffic signs meet specific design standards Statutory regulator
Signs to indicate parking places and areas subject to parking controls
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- National Highways must ensure parking signs meet strict design standards Statutory regulator
Regulatory signs at junctions and miscellaneous regulatory signs
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- National Highways must ensure traffic signs meet specific design and size rules Statutory regulator
The sign must not be illuminated.
- Do not illuminate certain traffic signs Contractor
A legend or symbol included in the lower panel must...
- Ensure legend or symbol on road works sign lower panel meets size requirements Any Person
If “except buses”, “except local buses”, “except in signed bays”...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Traffic authorities must not add bottom panel if sign includes bus exceptions Local authority
(1) The white area is to be filled with maps...
- Comply with design specifications for traffic sign white area Any Person
Route numbers and place names may be varied as appropriate...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Traffic authorities must not include 'turn left', 'ahead', or 'turn right' in road markings Local authority
(1) In a legend provided for in this Schedule the...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Traffic authorities must format junction numbers and route numbers on signs as specified Local authority
Browse 156 other Schedules — structural / supplementary
Directional signs
Signs only for use in temporary situations
Signs for traffic control by light signals, signs for crossings, and signs for lane control
Matrix signs and light signals for the control of moving traffic on motorways and dual carriageway roads
Variable message signs
Letters, numerals and other characters
Permitted Expressions Of Time, Distance and Parking Restrictions
Revocations
The road marking must be reflectorised.
The sign may have different numerals to those shown in...
The arrow in the road marking may indicate a path...
(1) Subject to sub paragraph (2), where the sign is...
The structure warning marking may be left unlit, or be...
Paragraph 6 applies to that part of the sign, if...
Where those parts of the sign coloured yellow, if any,...
“Give way to oncoming vehicles for” and a distance.
(1) “Except” and “trams”, “buses”, “local buses”, “cycles”, “buses and...
“Play Street except for access”.
“Play Street” and a time period and “except for access”....
“No vehicles”.
(1) Subject to sub‑paragraphs (2) and (3), “Except” and any...
“No explosives” or “No inflammables or explosives”.
“and authorised vehicles”.
“Give way to oncoming vehicles”.
(1) The sign must have a symbol of the size,...
A sign provided for at item 1, 5, 6, 7,...
A legend provided for at item 5, 6 or 7...
A sign provided for at item 2, 3 or 4...
A legend provided for in the Part 4 sign table...
Where an item in the Part 4 sign table (“the...
(1) A symbol included in accordance with paragraph 15 must...
A sign must include an arrow pointing to the left...
(1) A sign may convey any two of the descriptions...
Signs consisting of multiple panels
The sign must have a yellow background and black border...
(1) This paragraph applies in relation to a sign provided...
(1) This paragraph applies to a sign which includes the...
Provisions applying where the sign is made up of more than one panel
(1) Panels included in a sign may be placed in...
Height of legends to be proportionate
Illumination
(1) The sign must include a symbol of the size,...
A sign provided for in the Part 3 sign table...
A legend may be varied in accordance with an entry...
The legend must be of a height provided for in...
A sign must include an arrow pointing to the left...
White panel signs
The sign must have a white background and black border...
A restriction of a description in column 2 of items...
The provisions as to size, colour and type in this...
The sign must be of the shape shown in the...
The upper panel must contain— (a) the symbol or symbols...
The upper panel may be varied in accordance with column...
Where provided for in column 7 of the item, a...
The bottom panel may be varied in accordance with column...
The sign must consist of the top and middle panels...
The top panel may be varied so “RED ROUTE” appears...
The middle panel may be varied to include—
Unless paragraph 5 applies, the sign may include a bottom...
A symbol provided for at item 4,5, 6, 8, 9,...
The size of the symbol must comply with the requirements...
The bottom panel may also include a legend, to accompany...
The legend may be repeated along the length of the...
Where the marking is placed in part of a lay‑by,...
The continuous line must be varied to red where placed...
The continuous line must be replaced by the marking provided...
”SCHOOL” may be varied to “CHILDREN” with the maximum length...
”SCHOOL” and the line between “SCHOOL” and “KEEP” may be...
The overall length of the marking may be varied within...
The marks forming the boundary of the bay and any...
”TAXIS” may be varied to “AMBULANCES” or “POLICE”.
The transverse line may be omitted— (a) from that part...
Where the marking is placed on a red route, the...
”STOP” may be varied to “STAND”.
The information of a description in column 2 of an...
In respect of items 1A and 2A, each lamp incorporated...
The road marking may be varied as follows—
The road marking may be varied as follows—
If the road marking is placed to indicate where a...
(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where the backing board for the...
The number of taxis may be varied as appropriate and...
The time period may be omitted or varied in accordance...
The logo of a local tourist organisation may be added...
(1) The distance may be varied. (2) A second distance...
The legend “No.1” may be varied to another number, a...
(1) The legend may be omitted or varied to “Speed...
“not 24 hrs” may be omitted.
The name or location of the crossing in the top...
Place names, street names or the name of a geographical...
(1) Identification numbers of routes— (a) may be varied and...
When placed on a primary route the sign must be...
When placed on a non-primary route the sign must be...
When placed on a motorway the sign must be varied...
The reference or identification number and any route number may...
Letters, numerals and other characters incorporated into the sign need...
(1) The bus symbol may be omitted.
”BUS STOP” may be varied to “BUS STAND” and the...
”Tram” may be varied to “Request” and the face of...
Supplementary plates may be added to the sign to give...
(1) The place name may be varied.
(1) The place name may be varied.
(1) The place name may be varied.
(1) The place name may be varied as appropriate.
(1) The place name may be varied as appropriate.
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) the numeral “30” may be...
(1) An audible or tactile warning in the form of...
The notch may be omitted from the raised rib and...
The notch may be omitted from the raised rib and...
When used in circumstances other than shown in the diagram...
The curvature of the arrow may be varied.
One of the boundary lines must be omitted when—
The width of the longitudinal line may be varied to...
(1) The marking may be used on the off side...
The boundary line and edge of carriageway line may be...
(1) The direction of the chevrons must be reversed when...
The distance between each end of each bar to the...
The colour of the telephone symbol and arrow must be...
The wheelchair symbol may be omitted and the width of...
The permitted variants are— (a) the relative position of the...
”AND USE PHONE” may be varied to “AND USE SOS...
The width of the line may be 50 mm when...
”The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency” may be varied to—...
When placed on a non-primary route the sign must be...
The numerals may be varied.
A symbol provided for at item 19, 21, 22, 23...
The sign may only be placed— (a) to indicate or...
(1) The sign may only be placed in connection with...
(1) Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) to (4), the sign may...
An amber light beacon may only be placed in combination...
A blue light beacon may only be placed—
Where an amber or blue light beacon or a warning...
Zebra crossings placed across a minor road in the vicinity of a junction with a major road
The road marking may only be placed—
The road marking may only be placed—
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the road marking may only...
The road marking may only be placed in conjunction with...
The signs may only be placed —
The sign may only be placed in connection with the...
The post provided for the mounting of the sign must...
The sign— (a) may only be placed in connection with...
The sign may only be placed in conjunction with—
(1) Zig-zag lines must be placed on the approaches to...
(1) A traffic authority may, pursuant to section 65(1) of...
(1) The placing of light signals and other signs at...
The indicator may only be placed in conjunction with the...
(1) This general direction applies where the lamp is specially...
(1) Equipment used in connection with the signals (including the...
The colour of the lamps referred to in paragraph 4...
(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where the sign provided for at...
Arrow may point upwards to the left.
(1) A variable message sign must be of a size...
One of the following legends may be displayed on a...
(1) A legend provided for in sub-paragraph (2) may be...
One of the following legends may be used on a...
(1) A legend provided for in sub-paragraph (2) may be...
(1) The following legends may be displayed on a variable...
Other sections — not classified into a Part
These sections sit outside the numbered Parts — usually provisions added or moved by later amendments.
Light signals above the carriageway
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- National Highways must ensure light signals meet height, design and display specifications Statutory regulator
Significance of stripes and other road markings at Parallel crossings and in Parallel controlled areas
- Do not stop on Parallel crossings unless forced by circumstances Operator
(1) A zig-zag line also conveys the requirement that whilst...
- Do not overtake or pass vehicles within a parallel controlled area Operator
Automatic bollards
- Install automatic bollard indicators that meet specified size, colour and meaning Any Person
Browse 21 other sections
A warning of a description in column 2 of an...
A warning or information in column 4 of an item...
Where a number is mentioned in column 5 of the...
A Schedule 2 General Direction mentioned (by reference to paragraph...
No stopping or crossing white line marking
Mandatory with flow cycle lanes
The road marking must be reflectorised.
The road marking may, except at a roundabout, be varied...
The words “LANE” and “LANES” may be varied to “TRACK”....
Beacons displayed with upright signs relating to the operation of light signals
Stripes at Zebra and Parallel crossings
Significance of give-way markings at Zebra crossings
Significance of zig-zag lines at Zebra crossings
(1) The give-way line marking provided for at item 54...
(1) Without prejudice to paragraph 24, the zig-zag lines provided...
General provision about crossings placed across cycle tracks
School crossing patrol signs
Mirror at traffic signals warning of the presence of cyclists and electric scooters being used in a trial
Refuge indicator lamps
Meaning of “stop line”
Primary and secondary signals
Official guidance
Authoritative sources published by regulators or government explaining this legislation.
- National Highways - working on our network (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 (DfT) (opens in a new tab) from DfT Publication
Enforcement and responsible bodies
The regulators that administer or enforce this legislation.
Government company responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving England's strategic road network (motorways and major A-roads). Sets standards for highway design, construction, …
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