Cattle sign

What it means

Cattle may be on the road ahead, for example being moved between fields or grazing on unfenced land.

The cow symbol warns of farm animals on the road.

Drive slowly and quietly past animals. If a herd is blocking the road, stop, switch off your engine and wait for them to leave the road.

Where you'll see it

On country roads near farms, and across unfenced grazing land.

Rules to know

• The sign warns of cattle.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 15

• If a road is blocked by a herd of animals, stop and switch off your engine until they have left the road.

  The Highway Code, Rule 214

• Do not scare animals by sounding your horn, revving your engine or accelerating rapidly once you have passed them.

  The Highway Code, Rule 214

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Sounding your horn to clear the road.

  Instead: That can startle the animals. Wait with your engine off until they have left the road.

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?

• AAn opening or swing bridge ahead
• BWild animals may be crossing the road
• CCattle may be on the road ahead
• DWarns of a T-junction ahead, where your road ends at another road.

Ready for more? Take the Warning Signs Quiz