Warning sign · W108
Side road ahead sign (W108)
A side road joins ahead as shown.
What does the side road ahead sign mean?
A side road joins ahead as shown.
What should you do?
Check the side-road approach and observe junction controls.
| Sign code | W108 |
|---|---|
| Sign group | Warning signs |
| Applies to | All learner codes (1, 2 and 3) |
| Test section | Road signs and markings |
How to recognise the side road ahead sign
A triangle showing a side road joining from the right.
Where you will see it
On any road before a road joins from the right.
What to do when you see it, step by step
- Slow down, watch the side road and be ready for vehicles joining without yielding.
The common mistake
Check which side the branch is on: left and right versions look alike at a glance.
Why this sign matters
Traffic joining from a side road may not see you or may not yield. The warning gives you time to slow before you reach the junction.
About warning signs
Warning signs tell you about a hazard ahead so you can slow down and prepare. They are red-bordered triangles. The K53 learner's test asks you to recognise signs like the side road ahead sign (W108) and choose the correct response, so learn both the picture and the action.
How to answer a test question about this sign
- Look at the shape and colour first. They tell you the group: warning signs for this one.
- Recall what the sign asks of you: check the side-road approach and observe junction controls.
- Remove the options that describe a different group of sign, then choose the response that matches the action.
Want the full explanation? Read the chapter Warning signs and temporary road controls.
Signs it is often confused with
Learners mix up signs that look or sound similar. Compare the side road ahead sign with these:
Side road ahead (W107)A triangle showing your road continuing straight with a side road joining from the left.
Staggered side roads (W109)A triangle showing two side roads that meet your road close together, one on each side. In the manual W109 shows the right-hand…
Road narrows (W328)A triangle showing the road narrowing symmetrically from both sides.Test yourself: Side road ahead sign questions
1 What does this sign mean?
- You must turn right at this point.
- A pedestrian-priority area with entry limited to specified uses.
- A side road joins ahead as shown.
Show the answer
Answer C: A side road joins ahead as shown.
Check the side-road approach and observe junction controls.
Memory tip: W108 · Side road ahead
All vehicle codes
2 Which response fits this sign?
- Check, signal and turn right safely.
- Only permitted emergency, loading and maintenance vehicles may enter; give pedestrians priority and observe the reference 15 km/h limit.
- Check the side-road approach and observe junction controls.
Show the answer
Answer C: Check the side-road approach and observe junction controls.
Side road ahead: A side road joins ahead as shown.
Memory tip: Check the side-road approach and observe junction controls.
All vehicle codes
Side road ahead sign: quick questions
What does the side road ahead sign (W108) mean?
A side road joins ahead as shown.
What should you do at the side road ahead sign?
Slow down, watch the side road and be ready for vehicles joining without yielding.
Where will you see the side road ahead sign?
On any road before a road joins from the right.
What is the common mistake with the side road ahead sign?
Check which side the branch is on: left and right versions look alike at a glance.
Sign artwork: Southern African Development Community (SADC), public domain. AceK53 is an independent study aid. Always confirm test requirements with your driving licence testing centre.