diff --git a/selfdrive/car/car_helpers.py b/selfdrive/car/car_helpers.py
index 446778861..104c46441 100644
--- a/selfdrive/car/car_helpers.py
+++ b/selfdrive/car/car_helpers.py
@@ -10,6 +10,9 @@ from selfdrive.car import gen_empty_fingerprint
 
 def get_startup_alert(car_recognized, controller_available):
   alert = 'startup'
+  if Params().get("GitRemote").decode('utf-8') in ['git@github.com:commaai/openpilot.git', 'https://github.com/commaai/openpilot.git']:
+    if Params().get("GitBranch").decode('utf-8') not in ['devel', 'release2-staging', 'dashcam-staging', 'release2', 'dashcam']:
+      alert = 'startupMaster'
   if not car_recognized:
     alert = 'startupNoCar'
   elif car_recognized and not controller_available:
diff --git a/selfdrive/controls/lib/alerts.py b/selfdrive/controls/lib/alerts.py
index 972a63ef8..31d908052 100644
--- a/selfdrive/controls/lib/alerts.py
+++ b/selfdrive/controls/lib/alerts.py
@@ -171,6 +171,13 @@ ALERTS = [
       AlertStatus.normal, AlertSize.mid,
       Priority.LOW_LOWEST, VisualAlert.none, AudibleAlert.none, 0., 0., 15.),
 
+  Alert(
+      "startupMaster",
+      "WARNING: This branch is not tested",
+      "Always keep hands on wheel and eyes on road",
+      AlertStatus.userPrompt, AlertSize.mid,
+      Priority.LOW_LOWEST, VisualAlert.none, AudibleAlert.none, 0., 0., 15.),
+
   Alert(
       "startupNoControl",
       "Dashcam mode",