Sheep sign

What it means

Sheep may be on or crossing the road ahead.

The sign warns of sheep, usually on rural roads where animals graze beside the road or are moved from field to field.

Slow down and be ready to stop. Sheep can move suddenly and unpredictably.

Where you'll see it

On country roads, moorland and hill roads, and near farms and unfenced grazing land.

Rules to know

• The sign warns of sheep on or near the road.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 14

• When passing animals, drive slowly, give them plenty of room and be ready to stop. Do not scare them by sounding your horn, revving your engine or accelerating rapidly once you have passed.

  The Highway Code, Rule 214

• 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

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Sounding the horn to move sheep out of the way.

  Instead: Do not sound your horn or rev your engine. It can scare the animals. Stop, wait and let them clear 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
• BSheep may be on the road
• CTwo-way traffic on the road ahead
• DWarns that children may be crossing or near the road on their way to or from school.

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