Warning sign · W109
Staggered side roads sign (W109)
Side-road junctions are staggered ahead.
What does the staggered side roads sign mean?
Side-road junctions are staggered ahead.
What should you do?
Watch for traffic entering from both side roads.
| Sign code | W109 |
|---|---|
| Sign group | Warning signs |
| Applies to | All learner codes (1, 2 and 3) |
| Test section | Road signs and markings |
How to recognise the staggered side roads sign
A triangle showing two side roads that meet your road close together, one on each side. In the manual W109 shows the right-hand side road first and then the left.
Where you will see it
On any road before two side roads that join within a short distance of each other.
What to do when you see it, step by step
- Slow down, be ready to stop or turn at a safe speed and look for traffic at both junctions that might not yield.
The common mistake
Treat it as two junctions, not one. The second junction is easy to miss while you are watching the first.
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 staggered side roads sign (W109) 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: watch for traffic entering from both side roads.
- 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 staggered side roads sign with these:
Side road ahead (W107)A triangle showing your road continuing straight with a side road joining from the left.
Side road ahead (W108)A triangle showing a side road joining from the right.
Crossroad ahead (W101)A triangle with a plain cross showing a road crossing yours.Test yourself: Staggered side roads sign questions
1 What does this sign mean?
- The indicated route is for vehicles exceeding the displayed GVM or GCM.
- Continue straight at this point.
- Side-road junctions are staggered ahead.
Show the answer
Answer C: Side-road junctions are staggered ahead.
Watch for traffic entering from both side roads.
Memory tip: W109 · Staggered side roads
All vehicle codes
2 Which response fits this sign?
- Watch for traffic entering from both side roads.
- Compare the vehicle or combination’s specified gross mass with the shown figure; use the designated route only if the command applies.
- Do not turn left or right here.
Show the answer
Answer A: Watch for traffic entering from both side roads.
Staggered side roads: Side-road junctions are staggered ahead.
Memory tip: Watch for traffic entering from both side roads.
All vehicle codes
Staggered side roads sign: quick questions
What does the staggered side roads sign (W109) mean?
Side-road junctions are staggered ahead.
What should you do at the staggered side roads sign?
Slow down, be ready to stop or turn at a safe speed and look for traffic at both junctions that might not yield.
Where will you see the staggered side roads sign?
On any road before two side roads that join within a short distance of each other.
What is the common mistake with the staggered side roads sign?
Treat it as two junctions, not one. The second junction is easy to miss while you are watching the first.
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.