No Motorised Vehicles

No Motorised Vehicles
No Motorised Vehicles

No Motorised Vehicles Sign: What It Really Means

Some road signs look similar but carry very different rules — and this can trip up even the most careful learners. One that causes confusion is the No Motorised Vehicles sign. Let’s clear up what it means, where you’ll find it, and how to remember it for both the test and real life.

What the Sign Looks Like

  • A red circle (which always means prohibition).
  • Inside, a car above and a motorbike below.

This is the classic No Motorised Vehicles sign.

What It Means

The sign tells you that all motor vehicles are prohibited beyond this point.

That includes:

  • 🚗 Cars
  • 🛻 Vans and lorries
  • 🏍 Motorcycles (including mopeds and scooters)
  • 🚌 Buses and coaches

Essentially, if it has a motor, it’s not allowed.

However — the restriction does not apply to:

  • 🚲 Pedal cycles
  • 🚶 Pedestrians
  • 🐎 Horse riders

Those road users are still permitted.

Where You’ll See It

You’ll often spot this sign at the start of:

  • Pedestrian zones in towns and city centres
  • Cycle paths or bridleways
  • Traffic-calmed areas designed to keep vehicles out
  • Parks or conservation areas where only walking and cycling are allowed

Why It Matters

This sign isn’t about catching drivers out — it’s there to protect vulnerable road users and preserve areas that aren’t safe for traffic. Respecting it helps prevent collisions and keeps shared spaces peaceful.

Common Mistakes by Learners

  • Mixing it up with the No Motor Cars sign (just a car symbol).
  • Thinking buses are allowed — they’re not. If it has a motor, it’s banned.
  • Following a cyclist through — cycles are allowed, but that doesn’t mean cars can follow.

Penalties for Ignoring It

Entering a No Motorised Vehicles zone when you’re not entitled can lead to:

  • A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) from CCTV enforcement.
  • Fines or points in serious cases of misuse.

Test Tip

On your driving test, if you see this sign:

  • Recognise the pair of symbols (car + motorcycle).
  • Know instantly it means no motor vehicles at all.
  • React appropriately — don’t enter unless you’re on foot, a pedal cycle, or horseback.

✅ Takeaway: The No Motorised Vehicles sign means exactly what it shows — cars, motorcycles, vans, buses, and any powered vehicle must not pass. Only people, cycles, and horses are allowed.