The Clearway, No Stopping sign (code 642) is a mandatory regulatory sign in Great Britain, meaning you must not stop your vehicle anywhere within the restricted area. This sign indicates a strictly enforced clearway, often found in busy urban areas or along specific routes to maintain traffic flow. Always pay attention to supplementary plates, as they may specify exceptions for certain vehicles, times, or purposes, but unless an exemption is clearly stated, stopping is prohibited.
Mastering the Clearway, No Stopping sign (642) is crucial for your driving theory test revision. Learn the exact meaning and implications of this regulatory sign to ensure compliance and safe driving.
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 642.
"Clearway, no stopping" 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 642 - Clearway, no stopping 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 Clearway, No Stopping sign (642) prohibits you from stopping your vehicle at any point from the sign onwards until the restriction ends or is cancelled. This applies even if you are only waiting for a short period, such as to pick up or drop off passengers or to allow someone to alight. The primary aim is to keep traffic moving freely.
Yes, there can be exceptions, but these will always be clearly indicated on supplementary plates attached to the main sign. These might specify certain times of day when stopping is allowed, or exempt particular types of vehicles like licensed taxis or disabled badge holders. Always check for these plates before assuming you are exempt.
A common trap is assuming that because other drivers are stopping, it's permissible. This sign is a binding instruction, not a suggestion. Another trap is not reading supplementary plates carefully, leading to a misunderstanding of any permitted exceptions. Remember, if no exception is stated, you must not stop.
The restriction generally begins from the point where the sign is displayed. You should ensure you comply with the 'no stopping' rule before you pass the sign or as you enter the area it governs, often indicated by road markings or the stop line. If the sign is accompanied by distance information, the restriction will apply from that point or duration.
If the sign prevents your intended action, such as dropping someone off, you must choose an alternative legal place to stop or wait. This might mean continuing to the next available parking bay, a designated stopping area, or finding a different route if your destination is within the clearway and inaccessible without stopping.
A clear reference image of the 642 - Clearway, no stopping road sign used in Great Britain.
The 642 - Clearway, no stopping road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 642 - Clearway, no stopping road sign is part of the Great Britain Regulatory Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Mastering the UK driving theory test means distinguishing between similar road signs. Comparing the 'Clearway, no stopping' sign with other regulatory signs aids in sign recognition and boosts your theory test revision.
Understand the 'Stop at Major Road' sign (601.1) and know when to stop.
You must give way to traffic on the major road ahead.
Understand the 'Give Way to Major Road Traffic' sign (602-WLS) and its rules in Great Britain.
Understand the 'Stop, Children Crossing Ahead' Handheld Sign
Mandatory Left Turn: Understand the 606 'Vehicular Traffic Must Turn Left' Sign
Understand the 607 One-Way Plate: A Binding Regulatory Traffic Sign
Master the Dual Carriageway Plate (608) Regulatory Sign
Mandatory Turn Ahead: You Must Follow the Arrow's Direction
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