Temporary sign
Police accident sign
What does the Police accident sign mean?
A temporary sign put out by the police to warn of an accident ahead. Slow down and proceed with care.
Also known as: Police: accident
What it means
The police are warning of an accident ahead.
Temporary police signs warn of potential danger or an accident ahead and the need to proceed with caution.
Slow down, expect queues and be ready to stop.
Where you'll see it
On the approach to an accident or incident.
Rules to know
These temporary signs are put out by the police to warn of potential danger or an accident ahead and the need to proceed with caution.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 138
Common mistakes
Mistake: Slowing to look at the scene.
Instead: Keep your eyes on the road and follow the police.
Test yourself
Recalling the answer helps it stick. Pick an answer to see how you did.
Question 1 of 1
What does this sign mean?
Ready for more? Take the Temporary Signs Quiz
Download this sign
© Crown copyright. Free to reuse under the Open Government Licence v3.0, as long as the sign is reproduced accurately and not in a misleading context.
Related signs
Similar
Police slow
Temporary sign
Another temporary police warning.
See also
Traffic queues likely ahead
Warning sign
Queues often follow an accident.
More temporary signs
All temporary signs
Share this sign
Pinterest (opens in a new tab)Facebook (opens in a new tab)X (opens in a new tab)WhatsApp (opens in a new tab)EmailSources
- Know Your Traffic Signs (Department for Transport, Sixth edition, 2023), Information signs, p. 138
Sign image: Department for Transport, Traffic sign images (diagram 829.2). © Crown copyright, reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Last reviewed 11 October 2026. This page explains the sign in our own words; for the full rules, see The Highway Code. How we source and check content