Every warning light on a UK car follows the same colour logic, even though the exact symbols vary a bit between manufacturers. Learn the colours first — the specific icon second.
This covers the 38 you're most likely to actually see. Modern cars can have 40–50+ possible symbols in total — there's no single official master list, since manufacturers vary. If yours shows something not here, the colour rule still applies.
Red — stop when safe
Amber — book it in soon
Green/Blue — just information
Red — stop as soon as it's safe
Something's happening right now that could damage the car or put you at risk.
Amber — worth booking in soon
Usually still drivable, but don't let it sit for months.
Green / Blue — just information
Not a fault. Confirms something's switched on.
Every light does this on start-upWhen you turn the key or press start, most of your dashboard symbols light up briefly as a self-check, then switch off. That's completely normal — it's a light that stays on, or comes on while driving, that means something.