Keep two chevrons apart from the vehicle in front sign
Keep two chevrons apart from the vehicle in front sign
If you've driven on a UK motorway or dual carriageway, you may have noticed large white chevrons painted on the road, accompanied by a sign reading "Keep apart 2 chevrons". But what exactly does this sign mean, and why is it important for your driving theory test?
These road markings are designed to help drivers maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing the risk of tailgating and rear-end collisions.
Understanding the two-chevron rule is important for both your UK driving theory test and everyday motorway driving.
What Does the Keep Apart 2 Chevrons Sign Mean?
What Does the Keep Apart 2 Chevrons Sign Mean?
The Keep Apart 2 Chevrons sign reminds drivers to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front by using the large white chevron markings painted on the road.
The markings act as a visual guide, helping drivers judge whether they're following another vehicle too closely.
When driving through a chevron-marked section of road, you should aim to keep at least two chevron markings between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
This provides a useful reference point for maintaining a safer following distance at higher speeds.
What Do White Chevrons on the Motorway Mean?
What Do White Chevrons on the Motorway Mean?
White chevrons are large V-shaped markings painted directly onto the road surface.
Unlike ordinary lane markings, these chevrons are specifically designed to help drivers judge the distance between vehicles.
They are usually found on selected stretches of motorways and high-speed dual carriageways where maintaining a safe following distance is particularly important.
Remember for your theory test: White chevrons are used to help drivers maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
How Far Apart Are Motorway Chevrons?
How Far Apart Are Motorway Chevrons?
Individual motorway chevrons are typically spaced approximately 40 metres apart.
This measured spacing helps drivers judge the distance between their vehicle and the one in front.
The chevrons provide a simple visual reminder of the space needed when travelling at motorway speeds.
However, the correct following distance also depends on your speed, road conditions and the time needed to react and stop safely.
Do You Have to Keep Two Chevrons Apart?
Do You Have to Keep Two Chevrons Apart?
The chevron markings and accompanying sign provide safety guidance rather than establishing a separate fixed-distance offence.
However, driving too closely to the vehicle ahead can amount to careless or dangerous driving, depending on the circumstances.
Rule 126 of the Highway Code reminds drivers to leave enough space between themselves and the vehicle in front so they can stop safely if it suddenly slows down or stops.
A safe driver should never rely solely on road markings. Always consider speed, visibility, traffic and road conditions.
What Should You Do When You See the Keep Apart 2 Chevrons Sign?
When approaching a section of road displaying the Keep Apart 2 Chevrons sign:
Check the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
Use the white chevrons as a guide to your following distance.
Adjust your speed smoothly if you're travelling too closely.
Maintain a safe gap throughout the marked section.
Increase your following distance when road or weather conditions deteriorate.
Avoid sudden braking simply to create a larger gap. Instead, ease off the accelerator early and allow the distance to increase gradually.