Staggered Junction Sign: Meaning and Rules
Warning Signs
A staggered junction is a road layout where two side roads join the main road at different points, either left-then-right or right-then-left.
A staggered junction sign warns that two side roads join the main road just ahead from opposite sides, one after the other, either left-then-right or right-then-left. It is a red-bordered triangular warning sign used on South African roads and tested in the K53 learner's test.
What does a staggered junction sign mean?
A staggered junction sign is a triangular warning sign with a red border showing two opposing side-road symbols. It tells you that two side roads will join the main road at different points a short distance apart. The first side road may enter from the left then the right, or from the right then the left.
What are the two types of staggered junction?
- Left-right staggered junction: the first side road joins from the left, followed by one on the right.
- Right-left staggered junction: the first side road joins from the right, followed by one on the left.
Read the sign's symbols from the bottom up: the first side-road icon shows which direction the first junction comes from.
How do you drive safely through a staggered junction?
- Slow down as soon as you see the sign.
- Check your mirrors and blind spots for vehicles entering from both sides.
- Give way to traffic already on the main road if you are joining from a side road.
- Do not overtake until you are clear of both side roads.
The staggered junction sign is a warning sign. Browse all warning signs or the full K53 road signs guide, and revise junction priority in the rules of the road.
Staggered junction sign FAQ
What does a staggered junction sign mean?
It warns that two side roads join the main road just ahead from opposite sides, one shortly after the other.
What is the difference between a left-right and right-left staggered junction?
A left-right junction has the first side road on the left; a right-left junction has the first side road on the right.
What must you do at a staggered junction?
Slow down, watch for merging traffic from both sides, and do not overtake until you have passed both side roads.
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