Slippery roadSwitzerland

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Switzerland. 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.


33. Slippery road

A slippery road has reduced tyre grip and can make steering, braking and acceleration less effective. Roads may become slippery because of rain, ice, snow, mud, oil, loose material or other substances on the surface. Drivers should reduce speed, increase their following distance and avoid sudden steering, braking or acceleration. Extra caution is needed in bends, on bridges and wherever the road surface changes unexpectedly.

Slippery road
Slippery-road warning with a supplementary snow-and-ice panel at Simplon. (Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What can make roads slippery in Switzerland?

Snow, ice, water and other material can reduce grip. The slippery-road warning identifies a particularly slippery surface, ruts or a section especially exposed to frost. When used to warn of ice or slippery snow, it is accompanied by the prescribed icy-road panel. Adjust to the actual conditions.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 5; OCR articles 4,12; LCR articles 31-32

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

How should you drive on a slippery road in Switzerland?

Reduce speed early, increase the gap to the vehicle ahead and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Do not rely on the posted maximum as a safe target when grip is poor.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 5; OCR articles 4,12; LCR articles 31-32

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

Does a slippery-road warning sign in Switzerland automatically impose a lower number?

The warning sign highlights a reduced-grip risk; it normally does not itself prescribe a new numerical speed limit. A separate speed-limit sign, temporary restriction or local condition may still apply. Travel below the legal maximum when necessary for safety.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 5; OCR articles 4,12; LCR articles 31-32

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

Warning for a slippery road surface. Warning for a slippery road surface.

English • Traffic sign 1.05 • Slippery road.

Deutsch • Verkehrssignal 1.05 • Schleudergefahr.

Français • Signal 1.05 • Chaussée glissante.

Italiano • Segnale 1.05 • Strada sdrucciolevole.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • SSV, Anhang 2 (DE)

🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • OSR, annexe 2 (FR)

🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • OSStr, allegato 2 (IT)

SVG source: Bundesamt für Strassen (ASTRA) • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

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