At what maximum distance is the "intersection area" road sign placed at complex intersections if it is not possible to place it at the intersection border?

Explanation

At most 30 metres before the boundary of the junction.

The "intersection area" marking is that yellow square with a cross inside it which you see in the picture, and its job is to define a space that must never be blocked by your stopping. The general rule is that this marking should be placed exactly at the boundary of the junction, so the driver knows precisely where he enters the protected area. But at complex junctions — multi-arm junctions, ones with a tram line, a central island or irregular geometry — placing it at the boundary itself is not always possible; in that case it is permitted to be placed up to a maximum of 30 metres earlier.

The reason for setting a definite ceiling is to prevent confusion. If the distance were not limited, the marking might be placed so far back that the driver loses its connection with the junction and does not know where the prohibition begins; the result is either needless braking in mid-street or entry into a full junction and gridlock across the whole crossroads.

Worth memorising: of the figures 10, 20 and 30, the correct one is the largest. One way to remember it is that "30 metres" is a ceiling, not the usual distance; that is, placement at the boundary remains the primary and preferred arrangement.

• 10 metres is a familiar figure for urban distances and for that reason looks right, but it is not the ceiling set for this marking. • 20 metres is the middle option and the commonest wrong choice; the mind usually treats the middle figure as safe, whereas the permitted limit is 30 metres.

Sources and content coverage · Report a content error