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Motor gate ahead on left — South African Road Sign W316

There is a motor gate across or beside the road ahead, on the left-hand side. The road may be closed or controlled by this gate. Slow down and be ready to stop. Expect the gate to be closed or for traffic to be controlled there, and watch for vehicles slowing or turning at the gate.

Motor gate ahead on left road sign

W316

At a glance

Sign code
W316
Type
Warning
Official meaning
Warning: a motor gate is situated ahead on the left of the roadway.

What the Motor gate ahead on left sign means

There is a motor gate across or beside the road ahead, on the left-hand side. The road may be closed or controlled by this gate.

What you must do

Slow down and be ready to stop. Expect the gate to be closed or for traffic to be controlled there, and watch for vehicles slowing or turning at the gate.

Know the mistake this sign turns on

Full access adds the confusion Motor gate ahead on left 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 test

Sources

  • Road Traffic Signs chart, National Department of TransportThe official chart. Sign W316 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.

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