Warning of Other Hazards
The sign indicates a hazard that cannot be specified by any other warning sign. The nature of the hazard is indicated on an additional sign.
When You See This Sign
When you see an A40 you should immediately reduce speed and read the supplementary plate below the sign to find out which hazard applies. Adjust your driving according to the stated hazard, be prepared to brake or stop, and also follow other signs and road markings.
Rules & Regulations
- The A40 sign (Warning for other danger) is used when the hazard cannot be described by any other warning sign.
- The nature of the hazard or additional information must always be indicated on a supplementary plate below the warning sign – read it carefully.
- The warning sign itself does not change right-of-way rules or give specific orders; follow other signs and road markings for rights and obligations.
- Drivers are obliged to adjust their speed, increase vigilance, and be prepared to brake or stop based on the indicated hazard.
Tips for Drivers
- Read the supplementary plate immediately to know which specific hazard applies and act accordingly.
- Reduce speed in good time and increase the distance to the vehicle ahead until you have assessed the situation.
- Scan the surroundings extra carefully (pedestrians and cyclists, machinery, changed road surface) because the hazard is often unexpected or temporary.
- If the supplementary plate indicates temporary work or other people nearby, be prepared to stop and follow any instructions from road workers.
Common Mistakes
- Believing that the sign itself changes right-of-way or imposes a formal restriction instead of merely warning.
- Ignoring or not reading the supplementary plate and thus missing which exact hazard applies.
- Assuming a specific risk (e.g., roadwork or animals) without checking what the supplementary plate actually states.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Warning of Other Hazards
What does this warning sign mean?
- A Other danger — a special hazard indicated on a supplementary plate under the sign; check what the supplementary plate shows.
- B It is a general information sign about the distance to the nearest locality.
- C It means you must stop and give way.
- D It marks the end of a zone with special regulations.
Exam Tip
On the theory test they may ask whether the sign changes right-of-way rules or speed limits; the correct answer is that the A40 only warns of an unspecified hazard and does not in itself change right-of-way or formal speed limits.
Did You Know?
The exclamation mark symbol is used internationally as a general warning sign and gives road authorities flexibility to warn about unusual or temporary situations not covered by standard pictograms, for example new traffic arrangements after construction or special local hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the supplementary plate below the exclamation mark mean?
The supplementary plate specifies which other hazard is meant, for example roadwork, loose gravel or changed traffic flow. You must read it to know how to adjust your driving.
Does A40 change right-of-way or speed limit?
No, A40 is a warning sign and does not change right-of-way rules or speed limits by itself. Follow other signs and road markings for rules on priority and speed.
What should I do if there is no supplementary plate?
If there is no supplementary plate, you should treat the sign as a warning of an unspecified hazard: reduce speed, be extra vigilant and be prepared to stop until you can safely assess what the hazard is or until you see other information.
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