Cattle Crossing Sign

Shape: Equilateral triangle (pointing up) · Colour: Yellow/white with red border

Cattle or livestock may cross or be present on the road ahead.

What It Means

India has one of the world's largest cattle populations, and stray cattle on roads — particularly highways at night — is a serious and often fatal hazard. Cattle and buffalo are dark-coloured and have no reflective properties, making them nearly invisible at night until you are very close. Hitting a large animal at highway speed causes severe vehicle damage and often fatal injuries to occupants. The hazard is especially serious between dusk and dawn.

📍 Where You'll See It

On highways passing through agricultural areas, near village boundaries, and at traditional cattle grazing grounds.

✅ What You Must Do

Reduce speed and scan ahead. At night, use high beams but switch to low beam when the road appears clear — high beam illuminates cattle reflections further out. Never try to pass cattle at speed.

⚠️ Common Mistake

Driving at highway speed on rural roads at night. Even without a sign, cattle are a constant hazard on Indian rural roads.

⚖️ Legal Note

Hitting stray cattle does not automatically make the driver liable if the animal was illegally on the road, but driving at excessive speed remains a Sec. 183 violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Cattle Crossing sign mean?

Cattle or livestock may cross or be present on the road ahead.

Where will I see a Cattle Crossing sign?

On highways passing through agricultural areas, near village boundaries, and at traditional cattle grazing grounds.

What should I do when I see a Cattle Crossing sign?

Reduce speed and scan ahead. At night, use high beams but switch to low beam when the road appears clear — high beam illuminates cattle reflections further out. Never try to pass cattle at speed.

Know a Driver Who Ignores This Sign?

Share this page. Awareness is the first step to safer roads.