SlopeAustralia
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.
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.
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.
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

Traffic rules
Australia