Reduce speed now sign: meaning and rules

What does the reduce speed now sign mean?

Know your traffic signs describes it as a plate used with warning signs where a reduction in speed is necessary. You often see it under a bend or junction warning.

Quick quiz

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

The road bends ahead, here to the right.
The speed advised at a bend or hazard.
Slow down now for the hazard ahead.

Show answer

C. Slow down now for the hazard ahead. It is used with warning signs where you need to slow down (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 125, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK

Where will you see it?

Under warning triangles before sharp bends, junctions and roundabouts, often on fast roads.

What should you do?

Check your mirrors and slow down in good time, before you reach the hazard.

What do people get wrong?

Waiting to brake until you see the bend. The plate is there because the hazard needs a lower speed than you might expect.

Common questions

Is reduce speed now a speed limit?

No. It does not set a number. It tells you to slow down for the hazard on the sign above it.

Why is it red?

Red draws your attention. It is a plate that goes with a warning sign, not a sign that gives an order on its own.

Compare with

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Sources

Checked on 4 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (warning signs) and The Highway Code rule 125.

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.