Sheep sign: what it means
The sheep sign warns that sheep are likely to be in the road ahead. Slow down and be ready to stop.
What does the sheep sign mean?
Know your traffic signs lists it as “sheep”. Rule 214 says to drive slowly past animals, give them plenty of room and watch out for animals on unfenced roads.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Cattle may be in the road ahead.
- Wild animals, such as deer, may be on the road.
- Sheep may be in the road ahead.
Show answer
C. Sheep may be in the road ahead. It warns of sheep 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 hill and moorland roads, often with no fences.
What should you do?
Slow down, give sheep plenty of room and do not sound your horn.
What do people get wrong?
Sounding the horn to move sheep along. Rule 214 says not to scare animals with your horn or engine.
Common questions
What if sheep block the road?
Rule 214 says if a herd blocks the road, stop and switch off your engine until they have left the road.
Why are sheep loose on the road?
On unfenced roads in hill areas, animals graze up to the edge of the road.
Compare with
Cattle signCattle may be in the road ahead.
Wild animals signWild animals, such as deer, may be on the road.
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.