Horse-drawn vehicles sign: meaning and rules

What does the horse-drawn vehicles sign mean?

Know your traffic signs lists it as “horse-drawn vehicles likely to be in the road”. Rule 215 says to slow to a maximum of 10 mph when you see a horse on the road and pass wide and slow, leaving at least 2 metres.

Quick quiz

What does the sign at the top of this page mean?

Horse riders may be on or crossing the road.
Horse-drawn vehicles must not go in.
Horse-drawn vehicles may be in the road.

Show answer

C. Horse-drawn vehicles may be in the road. It warns of horse-drawn vehicles in the road ahead (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 215, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK

Where will you see it?

In the country, near stables and where horse-drawn carriages are common.

What should you do?

Slow down, pass wide and slow when it is safe, and do not sound your horn or rev your engine.

What do people get wrong?

Passing close and fast. A frightened horse can move suddenly.

Common questions

How much room should I give?

At least 2 metres, passing wide and slow, at no more than 10 mph (rule 215).

What is the red ring version?

A horse and cart in a red ring means no horse-drawn vehicles past that point.

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Sources

Checked on 4 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (warning signs) and The Highway Code rule 215.

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.