Highway Cone Rules

Yes, traffic cones are mandatory on highways to safely guide vehicles around works, closures, or hazards.

Only authorised contractors, highway authorities, and emergency services can place cones on public highways.

On motorways and major A roads, cones must be at least 1000mm tall for maximum visibility.

Yes. Reflective collars are legally required for all cones used on highways and dual carriageways in the UK.

Yes. Cone spacing depends on road speed and site layout, typically outlined in Chapter 8 of the Traffic Safety Guide.

Yes. Police, fire, and rescue services deploy cones to manage traffic during incidents and emergencies.

Yes. On high-speed roads and motorways, warning lamps are often required at night to supplement cone visibility.

No. Cones must be combined with proper signage to legally close or redirect lanes.

Highways England, local councils, and contracted traffic management companies monitor compliance with placement rules.

Misplaced cones can cause serious accidents and legal consequences, including fines and contractor penalties.

Yes. Highway cones must be tested for wind resistance to prevent movement under high-traffic conditions.

Yes. Cones on motorways must have weighted bases to withstand passing vehicle turbulence.

Standard orange cones with white reflective bands are used on UK highways.

Yes. Cones should be visible from a sufficient distance, usually based on stopping distances appropriate to road speed.

Yes. Damaged cones must be removed immediately and replaced with compliant cones to maintain site safety.

Only if they remain undamaged and meet the necessary visibility and stability standards.

Cones are typically transported on maintenance trucks or trailers designed for safe loading and unloading at sites.

Yes. Regular inspections ensure cones remain correctly positioned and undamaged throughout works.

Yes. Poorly placed or unstable cones can become hazards, especially at high speeds, if not managed properly.

Yes. Even temporary or moving works require cones to create a safe work zone perimeter on highways.

Yes. Traffic cone usage is specifically detailed within the Chapter 8 Traffic Safety Measures and Signs Guide.

Chapter 8 compliance ensures traffic management devices like cones are used safely and effectively on highways.

Yes. Contractors must comply with all applicable safety rules, including cone size, spacing, and placement standards.

Yes. Police can instruct adjustments to cone setups for public safety during incidents or emergencies.

Yes. Traffic management must combine cones and appropriate signage to inform and warn drivers properly.

Only if the site remains live, is fully illuminated, and cones are adequately secured and inspected.

Contractors may face legal liability, heavy fines, or contract termination for breaching safety standards.

No. Cones guide traffic but must be combined with clear signage, road markings, and barriers where necessary.

Yes. Layouts depend on the number of lanes, speed limits, and Chapter 8 requirements for each road type.

Yes, but only with proper authorisation, signage, and compliance with traffic management regulations.

Contractors or site managers are responsible for safely removing all cones once highway works are complete.