diff --git a/selfdrive/car/car_helpers.py b/selfdrive/car/car_helpers.py
index 4467788611..9f61dcda46 100644
--- a/selfdrive/car/car_helpers.py
+++ b/selfdrive/car/car_helpers.py
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@ from selfdrive.car import gen_empty_fingerprint
 
 def get_startup_alert(car_recognized, controller_available):
   alert = 'startup'
+  if Params().get("GitBranch") in ['master', 'master-ci']:
+    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 972a63ef8b..31d908052e 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",