No Waiting Sign

No Waiting Sign
No Waiting Sign

What Does the “No Waiting” Sign Mean?

If you’re learning to drive, you’ll quickly discover that not all road signs are created equal. Some give you freedom, some give you limits, and then there’s the one that confuses many learners: the “No Waiting” sign.

Let’s break it down so you’ll never be caught out.

No Waiting Sign The Sign Itself

The “No Waiting” sign is a blue circle with a red border and a single diagonal red line. It looks very similar to the “No Stopping” sign, but here’s the key difference:

  • No Stopping has a red cross.
  • No Waiting has just one red line.

Think of it this way: one line means one restriction (waiting). A red cross means everything is banned.

“No Waiting” doesn’t mean you can never stop. It means you must keep it brief. Drop off, pick up, load, unload, and then move on.
NO WAITING

What “No Waiting” Really Means

When you see a No Waiting sign, you cannot park or wait in that area.
But here’s the important part:

  • You can stop briefly to pick up or set down passengers.
  • You can stop to load or unload, if there aren’t extra restrictions shown.

You cannot, however:

  • Sit there with the engine running while you wait for someone.
  • Leave your vehicle unattended.

No Waiting Sign Time Plates Matter

no waiting time plates
No Waiting Times

Sometimes the sign comes with an extra plate underneath telling you when the rule applies.
For example:

  • “Mon–Fri, 8–6 pm” → the restriction only applies during those times.
  • No extra plate? → the rule applies at all times.

Always check — the detail makes the difference.

No Waiting Sign Where You’ll See It

You’ll usually find No Waiting signs in places where parked vehicles would create hazards or block traffic. Common examples include:

  • Busy urban roads.
  • Near junctions where waiting would reduce visibility.
  • Alongside yellow single or double lines:
    • Single yellow line = no waiting at certain times (look for signs).
    • Double yellow line = no waiting at any time.

No Waiting Sign Penalties if You Ignore It

No waiting

If you park or wait where you shouldn’t, you could face:

  • A Penalty Charge Notice (fine).
  • A fine through the post, especially in areas monitored by CCTV.
  • In some cases, clamping or towing if you’re causing obstruction.

No Waiting Sign Top Tips for Learner Drivers

  1. Learn the difference – Red cross = No Stopping. Single line = No Waiting.
  2. Always check for signs – Look for any extra time plates.
  3. Think “quick stop, not linger” – Dropping off is fine, sitting and waiting is not.
  4. Respect yellow lines – They work hand in hand with No Waiting rules.

No waiting sign explained

“No Waiting” doesn’t mean you can never stop. It means you must keep it brief. Drop off, pick up, load, unload, and then move on.

Master this rule and you’ll avoid fines, drive with confidence, and show your examiner that you understand exactly how the Highway Code keeps traffic flowing safely.

BACK TO ALL QUESTIONS