Children going to or from school sign: what it means

School warning sign: a white triangle with a red border and two children walking
Image: Crown copyright, OGL

This sign warns that children may be crossing or walking near the road on their way to or from school. Slow down and be ready to stop.

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What it means

Rule 208: near schools, drive slowly and watch for young cyclists and pedestrians. In some places a flashing amber signal below the school sign tells you that children may be crossing ahead: drive very slowly until you are clear of the area.

You must stop when a school crossing patrol shows a stop for children sign (rule 210).

Where you see it

On roads near schools and on routes children use to reach them. Know your traffic signs also shows a part-time advisory 20 mph limit sign used at or near schools.

A common mistake

Ignoring it outside school hours. Children can be about at other times too, so keep watching; where lights are fitted, they flash when children are likely to be crossing.

Quick quiz

Amber lights are flashing under a school sign. What does that tell you?

  1. The school is closed
  2. Children may be crossing ahead
  3. The speed limit has ended
Show answer

B. Children may be crossing ahead. Rule 208: the flashing amber signal means children may be crossing, so drive very slowly until you are clear. Source: The Highway Code, rule 208, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 210, GOV.UK; Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK; The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK

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Next in warning signs: Slippery road sign. See all warning signs or the full road signs list.

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Sources

  1. The Highway Code, rule 208, GOV.UK
  2. The Highway Code, rule 210, GOV.UK
  3. Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK
  4. The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK
  5. 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.