This sign, code 639R, indicates that waiting is prohibited, but loading or unloading is permitted in the direction shown by the arrows. It's crucial to read this sign in conjunction with any accompanying times, road markings, or kerb markings, as restrictions can be very specific. Understanding this sign is key to avoiding contraventions and passing your Great Britain driving licence theory test.
Master the specific conditions of the 639R sign, crucial for Great Britain theory test revision and avoiding parking penalties. This explanation helps you correctly interpret no waiting rules and permitted loading exceptions shown by directional arrows for your driving knowledge.
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 639R.
"No waiting except loading in indicated direction" 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 639R - No waiting except loading in indicated direction 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 639R sign means you cannot wait (stop for any reason other than loading or unloading) in the direction indicated by the arrows. However, you are allowed to stop briefly to load or unload goods. Always check for specific times, road markings, and kerb colours, as these can add further restrictions.
No, you cannot park your car where the 639R sign applies. The sign explicitly prohibits waiting, which includes parking. Loading or unloading is permitted, but 'waiting' or 'parking' is not, unless specifically indicated otherwise by additional signs or markings.
The arrows on the 639R sign show you the direction or the specific area where the 'no waiting except loading' restriction applies. You must pay close attention to these arrows to know exactly which part of the road is affected by the sign's instructions.
A common trap is assuming you can stop for any reason besides loading. The sign strictly means only loading/unloading is allowed, not general waiting or parking. Learners also sometimes miss reading the sign with associated markings like yellow lines or kerb marks, or ignoring the direction of arrows, leading to incorrect answers in the theory test.
A single yellow line typically means no waiting at the times shown on the accompanying plate. A double yellow line means no waiting at any time. If you see a 639R sign with yellow lines, you must adhere to both the sign's instruction (allowing loading but no waiting) and the yellow line restrictions, which might further limit when even loading is allowed.
A clear reference image of the 639R - No waiting except loading in indicated direction road sign used in Great Britain.

The 639R - No waiting except loading in indicated direction road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 639R - No waiting except loading in indicated direction road sign is part of the Great Britain Parking and Loading Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Reviewing related signs like the 'No Waiting Except Loading' 639R alongside similar traffic sign comparisons helps build strong memory patterns for your theory test revision. This focused study ensures you can accurately distinguish between parking and loading restrictions, improving your overall sign recognition.

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

Understand the 'No Waiting and No Loading Direction Plate' Sign (640) in Great Britain

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