This sign, code 640, is a direction plate used in conjunction with waiting and loading restrictions. It helps drivers understand how parking, loading, and bay usage are controlled in a specific area, often alongside other traffic signs, road markings, and kerb markings. You must read the entire sign assembly, including any arrows and times, before deciding to stop, park, load, or unload to avoid a contravention.
Master the interpretation of the 'No Waiting and No Loading Direction Plate' (640) for your theory test revision. This detailed sign explanation helps you understand crucial traffic sign interpretation for Great Britain's roads.
Parking and loading signs often contain several conditions in a small space. This sign may allow stopping for a specific purpose, prohibit waiting, restrict loading, reserve a bay, set a time limit, or mark the end of a controlled area. Learners should read the whole sign assembly before stopping because a vehicle can be in contravention even when it is stopped only briefly. It is listed in the catalogue as code 640.
"No waiting and no loading direction plate" tells drivers how waiting, parking, loading, unloading, or bay use is controlled. The sign must be read with arrows, times, road markings, kerb marks, and bay limits.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 640 - No waiting and no loading direction plate road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the British driving theory exam in Great Britain.
The 640 sign is a direction plate that clarifies the extent and direction of waiting, parking, loading, or unloading restrictions. It must always be read in conjunction with other traffic signs, road markings like yellow lines, kerb marks, and any stated times or bay limits. It tells you precisely where and when these restrictions apply.
You are prohibited from waiting, parking, loading, or unloading in areas indicated by the 640 sign and its accompanying markings if those restrictions apply. Do not assume a bay is unrestricted without checking times and plates, do not stop beyond arrows, and always obey kerb marks, yellow lines, permit conditions, and return-period rules.
You can stop or use a bay only where the sign assembly explicitly permits it for your vehicle, purpose, and within the specified times. Always check arrows to understand which direction the restriction applies. Ensure you keep access points, crossings, and junctions clear, and only leave your vehicle if the full sign and road markings allow it.
For the theory test, it's crucial to understand that parking and loading signs can be complex, often combining several conditions. A common exam trap is failing to read the whole sign assembly, including arrows, times, and road markings. Even a brief stop can result in a contravention if it's in a prohibited area or at a prohibited time, so thorough observation is key.
Yes, the 640 sign is specifically about controlling where and when you can wait, park, load, or unload. It directs you to specific restrictions indicated by other signs or markings. Always interpret this sign as part of a system; it guides you to understand a defined controlled zone, and you must adhere to all its components, not just the primary sign.
A clear reference image of the 640 - No waiting and no loading direction plate road sign used in Great Britain.

The 640 - No waiting and no loading direction plate road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 640 - No waiting and no loading direction plate road sign is part of the Great Britain Parking and Loading Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Mastering Great Britain driving theory involves understanding nuanced differences between similar road signs. Comparing these signs directly aids in accurate recognition and reduces errors during your theory test revision, crucial for effective traffic sign comparison.

This sign directs you to a parking place available only on a specific day.

Understand the Sign 638: Continuous Prohibition on Loading and Unloading

Understand the 'Waiting Prohibited Except for Loading During the Period Indicated' Sign

Decode the 'No Waiting Except Loading' Sign and Its Directional Arrows

Understand the 'No Waiting in Off-Highway Loading Area' Sign

Learn the meaning of the 'Bay reserved for loading and unloading only' road sign (660.4)

This sign means parking is reserved for voucher payment during specific times.

Understand the 'Parking with time limit and return period' sign (661.1)
After reviewing the full list of road signs, challenge yourself with practice questions focused specifically on sign recognition. Reinforce your learning and ensure you're fully prepared to identify and understand all traffic signs on the DVSA theory test.
Browse All GB Road Signs List