Warning of Oncoming Traffic
The sign indicates that a one-way street transitions into a roadway with traffic in both directions.
When You See This Sign
When you see A25 you should expect oncoming traffic and immediately adapt your driving: keep to the right, reduce speed and be prepared to stop or give way if the road is narrow. Check mirrors and visibility before continuing and avoid overtaking until the situation is clear.
Rules & Regulations
- Sign A25 warns that a carriageway with one-way traffic transitions into a carriageway with two-way traffic; prepare for oncoming vehicles.
- Keep to the right on your part of the road and adjust your speed so that you can safely meet oncoming vehicles or reverse if necessary.
- Overtaking is only safe if there is clear visibility and sufficient space; obey any prohibition signs and road markings that supplement the warning.
- At narrow passages, bridges or roadworks where the sign often appears you may need to stop and wait until oncoming traffic has passed.
Tips for Drivers
- Reduce your speed immediately when you see the sign and position your vehicle close to the right edge to give room to oncoming traffic.
- Check your mirrors and blind spots and be extra alert for cyclists and pedestrians who may be approaching from the opposite direction.
- Avoid overtaking near the sign; wait until the road clearly shows that two vehicles can safely pass side by side.
- Be prepared to stop or reverse if the road is too narrow - clear signals with indicators or hand gestures may be needed to cooperate with oncoming drivers.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking the sign gives you priority over oncoming traffic - the sign only warns of two-way traffic; it does not determine right of way.
- Assuming that overtaking is still as safe as it was on the previous one-way section; many learners misjudge the width and visibility immediately after the sign.
- Failing to reduce speed early enough and therefore ending up too far out on the road when oncoming vehicles appear.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Warning of Oncoming Traffic
What does this sign mean for the traffic situation ahead?
- A A carriageway with one-way traffic changes into a carriageway with two-way traffic — be aware of oncoming traffic.
- B The opportunity to overtake will end — continued one-way street.
- C Road becomes one-way ahead — prepare for one-way traffic.
- D Bicycle traffic may now ride against the direction of travel — follow the bicycle symbols.
Exam Tip
On the theory test you may be asked whether overtaking is permitted immediately after the sign or who has priority in a narrow passage - the correct answer shows that the sign only warns of two-way traffic and that overtaking is only permitted if it is clearly safe.
Did You Know?
A25 is a standardized warning sign according to the international design, featuring two opposing arrows, and is often used where one-way streets end, at narrow bridges, tunnels or roadworks. The sign is placed to give early warning so drivers can adjust their position and speed before encountering opposing traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the sign mean I automatically have to give way to oncoming traffic?
No, the sign only informs that two-way traffic begins. Right of way is determined by other signs, road markings, or traffic rules in the specific situation.
Am I allowed to overtake immediately after passing the sign?
Overtaking can be dangerous immediately after the sign because the road often becomes narrower or visibility worsens. If you intend to overtake you must ensure clear visibility and sufficient space and obey any prohibition signs.
Where is A25 most commonly placed in practice?
The sign is usually placed where one-way traffic ends, for example at the end of a one-way street, after a bridge or tunnel, and at roadworks. It is often combined with other devices that warn of a narrow road or indicate a recommended order of passage.
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