No motor vehicles except solo motorcycles.

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

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