This regulatory road sign, code 617, indicates a strict prohibition: all vehicles are forbidden from proceeding except for pedal cycles that are being pushed by hand. You'll often see this sign on pedestrian areas or specific routes where only foot traffic and non-motorised, hand-pushed cycles are permitted. As a driver, you must not enter this area with any motorised vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, or even mobility scooters, unless a specific exemption is displayed on a supplementary plate.
Master the meaning of the 'All Vehicles Prohibited Except Pedal Cycles Being Pushed by Hand' sign (617) to ensure compliance and safety on Great Britain's roads. Understanding this specific traffic sign interpretation is vital for your driving theory revision.
This regulatory sign is part of the legal control of the road. It may require a driver to stop, give way, keep to a direction, avoid a movement, stay out of a restricted area, or respect a vehicle-specific rule. In practice, the sign should be read with the stop line, lane markings, road layout, and any supplementary plates so the instruction is obeyed before the controlled point. It is listed in the catalogue as code 617.
"All vehicles prohibited except pedal cycles being pushed by hand" gives a binding instruction, restriction, or prohibition. The driver must understand who it applies to, where it starts, and whether any exception is shown before continuing.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 617 - All vehicles prohibited except pedal cycles being pushed by hand 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.
Sign 617 means that the road ahead is closed to all motor vehicles and other forms of transport. The only exception is for pedal cycles that are being pushed by hand, allowing pedestrians with cycles to pass. Any other vehicle, including cars, vans, motorcycles, and even mobility scooters, must not enter this area.
You're likely to encounter sign 617 in areas where pedestrian safety is paramount, such as pedestrian zones, certain shared-use paths, pedestrianised shopping streets, or sometimes at the entrance to specific attractions or parks where vehicle access is restricted. It ensures that only pedestrians and those pushing cycles can proceed.
A common exam trap is assuming that because it mentions 'pedal cycles', you can ride your bicycle through. The sign specifically states 'being pushed by hand', so riding your cycle is prohibited, just like any other vehicle. Another trap is ignoring supplementary plates which might offer limited exceptions under specific conditions, or assuming the prohibition doesn't apply to your specific vehicle type if it's not explicitly listed.
No, you are not allowed to ride your bicycle through the area marked by sign 617. The sign explicitly permits only 'pedal cycles being pushed by hand'. If you are cycling, you must dismount and push your bicycle by hand to comply with the instruction.
If sign 617 prevents your intended route, you must find an alternative, legal route. Do not attempt to proceed through the prohibited area with your vehicle. Look for nearby signs that might direct you to a suitable alternative road that allows vehicle access.
A clear reference image of the 617 - All vehicles prohibited except pedal cycles being pushed by hand road sign used in Great Britain.

The 617 - All vehicles prohibited except pedal cycles being pushed by hand road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 617 - All vehicles prohibited except pedal cycles being pushed by hand road sign is part of the Great Britain Regulatory Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Master Great Britain road signs by comparing this one with similar traffic signs, enhancing your sign recognition skills crucial for the theory test. This focused revision helps you distinguish between signs and reduces errors during your exam preparation and beyond.

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This regulatory sign is part of the legal control of the road. It may require a driver to stop, give way, keep to a direction, avoid a movement, stay out of a restricted area, or respect a vehicle-specific rule. In practice, the sign should be read with the stop line, lane markings, road layout, and any supplementary plates so the instruction is obeyed before the controlled point. It is listed in the catalogue as code 615.
This regulatory sign is part of the legal control of the road. It may require a driver to stop, give way, keep to a direction, avoid a movement, stay out of a restricted area, or respect a vehicle-specific rule. In practice, the sign should be read with the stop line, lane markings, road layout, and any supplementary plates so the instruction is obeyed before the controlled point. It is listed in the catalogue as code 651.
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