Cattle sign: what it means
The cattle sign warns that cattle are likely to be in the road ahead, for example being moved between fields.
What does the cattle sign mean?
Know your traffic signs lists it as “cattle”. Rule 214 says to drive slowly when passing animals, give them plenty of room and be ready to stop.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Sheep may be in the road ahead.
- A cattle grid crosses the road ahead.
- Cattle may be in the road ahead.
Show answer
C. Cattle may be in the road ahead. It warns of cattle in the road ahead (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 214, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
On farm roads and country lanes near fields and milking sheds.
What should you do?
Slow down. If a herd blocks the road, stop, switch off your engine and wait.
What do people get wrong?
Edging forward into a herd. Wait until the animals have left the road.
Common questions
What should I do if cattle are crossing?
Stop and switch off your engine until they have left the road (rule 214).
Is there a sign for a supervised crossing?
Yes. Know your traffic signs also has signs for a supervised cattle crossing.
Compare with
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 4 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (warning signs) and The Highway Code rule 214.
- Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 214, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.