No motor vehicles except solo motorcycles.

No motor vehicles except solo motorcycles.
No motor vehicles except solo motorcycles

No Motor Cars Except Solo Motorcycles

What the Sign Looks Like

  • A red circle with a single black car symbol inside.

What It Means

  • The restriction applies to cars, taxis, vans and goods vehicles — they are not allowed past the sign.
  • The exception plate means solo motorcycles are permitted.

In short: no cars, but motorcycles on their own are allowed.

Why It’s Used

This sign is often seen:

  • On narrow roads unsuitable for cars but usable by motorcycles.
  • In town centres or traffic-calmed areas, where cars are restricted but motorbikes can still pass through.
  • To reduce congestion and emissions by preventing car access while still allowing two-wheeled vehicles.

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing it with the No Motor Vehicles sign (car above motorbike).
  • Assuming “solo” doesn’t matter – it does. Motorcycles with sidecars or trailers are not allowed.
  • Missing the plate – the exception is crucial. Without it, the restriction would apply to both cars and motorcycles.

Penalties for Ignoring It

Driving past the sign in a car or van when you’re not entitled can result in:

  • A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) from local enforcement.
  • Fines and possible points if it leads to unlawful or dangerous driving.

Test Tip for Learners

On your driving test, the examiner will expect you to:

  • Recognise the car symbol in the red circle as “No Motor Cars.”
  • Read the exception plate underneath to adjust your understanding.
  • Respond correctly — if you’re driving a car, you must not enter, no matter what others are doing.

Takeaway: The No Motor Cars sign with “Except Solo Motorcycles” means exactly that — cars, vans and other motor vehicles are not permitted, but solo motorcycles may pass.


  • No Motor Cars 🚗
  • No Motor Vehicles 🚗+🏍️
  • No Motor Cars except Solo Motorcycles