Warning Sign/Sharp Deviation of Route

Criteria

85th percentile speed (mph)	Thickness of white chevron (mm)	Thickness of pattern (mm)	Height (mm)
<50	200	600	400
51-60	300	900	600
>60	400	1200	900

Other requirements

• Chevrons may point to either the left or right
• The angle of the chevrons must be 45 degrees
• Corners may be rounded, with a radius of no more than 10 mm
• If supported by flexible panels, they must be black in colour
• If supported by flexible panels, they may have a yellow border around the outer part of the sign

The sign warning of a sharp deviation of route, also known as the chevron sign due to its design, is a series of white chevron patterns on a black rectangular background. There can be one or more chevrons arranged horizontally on a single sign face, although two is probably the most commonly seen arrangement. Notably, unlike other signs, the corners of the sign aren't usually rounded and come to a point – although they are permitted to be rounded to a maximum radius of 10 mm. This sign is TSRGD reference number 515.

The sign is positioned at a point in the road where traffic has to change its course, such as at a bend in the road or at a roundabout, with the chevron pattern pointing in the direction that traffic has to turn.

Plastic flexible construction

An alternative design is permitted in which the sign is constructed from flexible plastic sections instead of being a standard metal or composite material sheet on posts. This type of sign is often used in locations where a sign is particularly vulnerable to being hit by errant vehicles; not only does it reduce the damage caused to a vehicle hitting the sign but it is cheaper and easier to repair than a normal sign. TSRGD ref 515.1 is the version of this sign for use at locations other than roundabouts while ref 515.1A is the design for use at roundabouts. The difference concerns the required height above ground level of the base of the chevron pattern. The installation of a yellow or luminous green backing around the black background is also permitted.

Block paving

At roundabouts, as an alternative or in addition to a chevron sign, the warning may be presented with the chevron pattern in block paving on the central island (TSRGD ref 515.2). This has the colours reversed with a series of chevrons patterns of black blocks on a background of white blocks. The patterned blocked area rises from the kerb on a slope with a 33 to 50% gradient towards the centre of the island.

Republic of Ireland

Chevrons at an Irish roundabout

Chevron signs in the Republic of Ireland are yellow and black.

An older sharp deviation of route sign

SA few older sharp deviation of route signs – using a black arrow arrow on a white background – survive.