Warning sign · W349
Crosswinds sign (W349)
Strong crosswinds may affect vehicles ahead.
What does the crosswinds sign mean?
Strong crosswinds may affect vehicles ahead.
What should you do?
Slow down and allow for sideways movement, especially near exposed areas.
| Sign code | W349 |
|---|---|
| Sign group | Warning signs |
| Applies to | All learner codes (1, 2 and 3) |
| Test section | Road signs and markings |
How to recognise the crosswinds sign
A triangle showing a windsock.
Where you will see it
On roads in exposed rural and mountainous areas.
What to do when you see it, step by step
- Check whether a strong wind is blowing and from which direction.
- Any shielding from a truck, bridge or cutting changes the force on your vehicle, so adjust your steering in time.
The common mistake
The wind can push a vehicle sideways when it leaves a sheltered patch.
Why this sign matters
Strong gusts can force a vehicle off course, particularly in exposed places. The warning tells you to expect them and to steer early.
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 crosswinds sign (W349) 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: slow down and allow for sideways movement, especially near exposed areas.
- 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 crosswinds sign with these:
Crossroad ahead (W101)A triangle with a plain cross showing a road crossing yours.
T-junction ahead (W104)A triangle showing your road ending against a road that runs across it.
Skewed T-junction (W105)A triangle showing a T-junction whose cross-road meets yours at an angle (one of a left/right pair).Test yourself: Crosswinds sign questions
1 What does this sign mean?
- Vehicles exceeding the displayed length may not proceed.
- A sharp bend lies ahead in the direction shown.
- Strong crosswinds may affect vehicles ahead.
Show the answer
Answer C: Strong crosswinds may affect vehicles ahead.
Slow down and allow for sideways movement, especially near exposed areas.
Memory tip: W349 · Crosswinds
All vehicle codes
2 Which response fits this sign?
- Prepare before the bend and steer smoothly.
- Slow down and allow for sideways movement, especially near exposed areas.
- Check the length of the whole vehicle combination.
Show the answer
Answer B: Slow down and allow for sideways movement, especially near exposed areas.
Crosswinds: Strong crosswinds may affect vehicles ahead.
Memory tip: Slow down and allow for sideways movement, especially near exposed areas.
All vehicle codes
Crosswinds sign: quick questions
What does the crosswinds sign (W349) mean?
Strong crosswinds may affect vehicles ahead.
What should you do at the crosswinds sign?
Check whether a strong wind is blowing and from which direction. Any shielding from a truck, bridge or cutting changes the force on your vehicle, so adjust your steering in time.
Where will you see the crosswinds sign?
On roads in exposed rural and mountainous areas.
What is the common mistake with the crosswinds sign?
The wind can push a vehicle sideways when it leaves a sheltered patch.
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.