What it means
The S-34a sign informs of a lay-by. It indicates a prepared space beside the road to move out of the main traffic stream when necessary or convenient, without turning it into free parking, a service area, or a traffic lane. It usually appears on narrow stretches, gradients, tunnels, mountain roads, or places where stopping on the carriageway may create risk. When you see it, use the lay-by only if you can enter safely, signalling and slowing progressively. In the test they often check that you understand its function of moving aside from traffic and do not confuse it with a mandatory exit.
- CategoryInformation signs
- ShapeRectangular or square, blue
Practise DGT questions featuring this sign
Ten DGT 2026 exam-style questions about signs, with an explanation after each. Free, no signup.
Variants of family S-34
Other related signs
S-810
Length of a hazardous stretch or a stretch subject to a regulatory requirement
S-820
The extension of a prohibition to one side
S-821
Extension of the prohibition to one side
S-830
The extension of a prohibition to both sides
S-840
Gives advance notice of a mandatory stop
S-850
A priority route
S-851
A priority route