UK motorists warned they could face £100 fine if they ignore common motorway sign

If you've ever been driving along a motorway, you'll more than likely have seen this sign

12:37, 16 Apr 2025

This article contains affiliate links, which means we will receive commission on any sale of products or services we write. Learn more[1]An aerial shot of a motorway in England.(Image: Getty Images)

A driving theory teacher with over 1.1 million followers on TikTok[2] has issued a warning to UK motorists that they could be hit with a hefty fine if they fail to obey a common motorway sign.

Annie, who goes by the username @theorytestpractice on the popular video-sharing platform, has shared with her followers some guidance on what you need to do if you see a red X above the lane you're driving in on a motorway, the Express reports.[3][4]

While hopefully most of us who are in possession of a driving licence are already aware that a red X is a visual signal indicating that the lane is closed and should not be used, not everybody knows what to do if all of the lanes are marked with the same symbol.

Well, with the help of Annie, we're about to provide you with the answer.

"If there's a red X over all lanes, that would mean that all lanes are closed and you have to stop and wait," she explained.

"You can't drive past the red X. All lanes are closed.

"This will happen because there's maybe an accident ahead of you," she added. "Maybe a lorry's turned over or there's been a car crash or something."

She clarified: "So, a red X over one lane is one lane is closed. A red X over all lanes, all lanes are closed and you have to stop and wait.

I hope that helps."

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A red X appearing over all lanes of traffic on a motorway is usually implemented for safety reasons, such as to manage an incident, allow emergency vehicles access, or create space for road workers.

It's an illegal and dangerous act to drive into a lane displaying a red X.

According to the RAC[5], drivers who ignore warning signs on smart motorways will be slapped with an automatic GBP100 fine and three penalty points on their licence.

Highways England[6], the organisation which runs the country's main routes, has set up new cameras on motorway gantries which will now automatically catch rule-breaking drivers where before they had to be caught in the act by police.

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Recent RAC research showed that nearly a quarter of motorists[7] still put lives at risk by ignoring the 'red X' signs on smart motorways.

Around half of drivers said they frequently see other drivers ignoring the signs, despite 99% of respondents aware that they indicate a closed lane.

References

1. ^ Learn more (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ TikTok (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
3. ^ @theorytestpractice (www.tiktok.com)
4. ^ Express reports. (www.express.co.uk)
5. ^ RAC (go.skimresources.com)
6. ^ Highways England (nationalhighways.co.uk)
7. ^ a quarter of motorists (go.skimresources.com)