SlopeAustralia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Australia. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


12. Slope

A slope is a section of road that rises or descends noticeably. A steep slope can affect vehicle speed, braking distance, traction, visibility and the ability of heavy or low-powered vehicles to maintain a steady speed.

Warning signs may indicate a steep ascent or dangerous descent and may show the gradient as a percentage. Drivers should adjust their speed early, select a suitable gear and remain prepared for slow vehicles, bends and changing road conditions.

Steep-descent warning sign indicating a 10% gradient on Great Eastern Highway. (Glen Forrest, Western Australia)
Wikimedia.org • JarrahTree • CC BY
What does a steep-slope warning mean in Australia?

Australian rules are administered by states and territories. In New South Wales, a hill warning and any advisory speed must be distinguished from a mandatory speed limit.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, NSW official road-user guidance — slope

Warning for a steep ascent. Warning for a steep ascent.

English • W5-13 • Steep climb. The road climbs steeply ahead. Select a suitable gear and maintain control.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.nsw.gov.au • Transport for NSW • W5-13

SVG source: Government of Queensland • Public domain • Original revision 2012-10-12. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Warning for a steep descent. Warning for a steep descent.

English • W5-12 • Steep descent. The road descends steeply ahead. Reduce speed and select a suitable gear before descending.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Government of Queensland • CC BY 3.0 au)
🔗 Transport.nsw.gov.au • Transport for NSW • W5-12

SVG source: Government of Queensland • CC BY 3.0 au • Original revision 2012-10-12. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Qld.gov.au • official published diagram W5-12.

How should I approach a steep descent in Australia?

Reduce speed before the descent and select a suitable gear to help control the vehicle. Keep enough following distance and avoid building up speed that requires continuous heavy braking. A warning gives no fixed safe descent speed: the gradient, surface, visibility, load and vehicle can require a speed well below the legal maximum.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, NSW official road-user guidance — slope

What should I check when meeting or overtaking on a slope in Australia?

In New South Wales, do not overtake unless you have a clear view of approaching traffic and enough space to complete the manoeuvre safely. A crest can hide an oncoming vehicle even when the visible part of the road is empty.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • Australia, NSW official road-user guidance — slope

1 Australia 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Speed limit 5 Advisory speed 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Bridge 9 Speed bump 10 Toll road 11 One-way traffic 12 Slope 13 Bus stop 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Pedestrian crossing 18 Railway crossing 19 Mandatory direction 20 Turn prohibition 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Slippery road 24 Curve 25 Chevron 26 Wrong-way driving 27 Height limit 28 Radar speed sign 29 Selective barriers 30 Traffic lights 31 Traffic lights warning 32 Pedestrian lights 33 Road markings 34 Left-hand traffic 35 Driving licence 36 Location marker 37 Emergency telephone 38 No parking 39 No stopping 40 Disabled parking 41 Traffic management 42 Reversing 43 U-turn 44 Uncontrolled crossroad 45 Oversize load 46 Licence plate 47 Charging station 48 Local traffic 49 Moped 50 Truck 51 Bus 52 Police 53 Ambulance 54 Pothole 55 Path 56 Particulates 57 Air pollution 58 Rush hour 59 Road code 60 Two-way traffic 61 Street gutter 62 Cargo bike 63 Forestry vehicle 64 Construction vehicle 65 Semi-trailer truck 66 Trolleybus 67 Speed pedelec 68 Delivery vehicle 69 Idling 70 Tow truck 71 Four-wheel drive 72 Bicycle 73 Motorcycle equipment 74 Tram 75 Rail track 76 Caravan 77 Trailer 78 Tow hitch 79 Fire truck 80 Siren 81 Convoy 82 Emergency vehicle lighting 83 Agricultural machinery 84 Electric bicycle 85 Electric vehicle 86 Pedelec 87 Quadricycle 88 Microcar 89 All-terrain vehicle 90 Van 91 Recreational vehicle 92 Scooter 93 Trikke 94 Personal mobility device 95 Skateboard 96 Segway 97 Kick scooter 98 Roller skates 99 Mailman 100 Hitchhiker ...