R401
At a glance
- Sign code
- R401
- Type
- Regulatory
- Official meaning
- A comprehensive sign indicating the start of a dual-carriageway freeway, from where the rules applicable to freeways take effect.
What the Dual-carriageway freeway begins sign means
You are entering a dual-carriageway freeway, where the two directions of traffic are separated and freeway rules apply.
What you must do
From here on obey freeway rules - no stopping, no pedestrians, no slow vehicles or U-turns, and keep left except when overtaking.
Know the mistake this sign turns on
Full access adds the confusion Dual-carriageway freeway begins is most often mistaken for and the hint for the test, on this sign and every other one — plus practice questions and timed mock papers. The practice sample and the readiness test are free.
See the free practice testSources
- Road Traffic Signs chart, National Department of TransportThe official chart. Sign R401 was checked against it, artwork and meaning, before being published here.
- National Road Traffic Regulations, 2000 — Schedule 1Where the prescribed meaning of each road traffic sign is set out.
Last updated 2026-08-23.