Slippery roadChina

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


1. 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.

What can make roads slippery in China?

Water, ice, mud, oil or other surface contamination can reduce grip where present. Conditions may change along the road, and a surface that looks clear can still be slippery. Reduce speed for the actual grip and visibility and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration.

🔗 xzfg.moj.gov.cn • Mainland China — Law Articles 35–48; Regulations 38–53 and 63, actual controls and safe movement

🔗 jtgl.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Traffic Police — full Road Traffic Safety Law, 2021 amended text

🔗 samr.gov.cn • SAMR — full implementing Regulations, 2017 amended text

🔗 szjj.sz.gov.cn • Shenzhen Traffic Police — official sign categories and their functions

🔗 openstd.samr.gov.cn • SAMR — current GB 5768.2-2022 status, not the full standard

🔗 std.sacinfo.org.cn • SAC — published first sign-standard amendment, effective 1 January 2026

How should you drive on a slippery road in China?

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.

🔗 xzfg.moj.gov.cn • Mainland China — Law Articles 35–48; Regulations 38–53 and 63, actual controls and safe movement

🔗 jtgl.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Traffic Police — full Road Traffic Safety Law, 2021 amended text

🔗 samr.gov.cn • SAMR — full implementing Regulations, 2017 amended text

🔗 szjj.sz.gov.cn • Shenzhen Traffic Police — official sign categories and their functions

🔗 openstd.samr.gov.cn • SAMR — current GB 5768.2-2022 status, not the full standard

🔗 std.sacinfo.org.cn • SAC — published first sign-standard amendment, effective 1 January 2026

Does a slippery-road warning sign in China 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.

🔗 xzfg.moj.gov.cn • Mainland China — Law Articles 35–48; Regulations 38–53 and 63, actual controls and safe movement

🔗 jtgl.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Traffic Police — full Road Traffic Safety Law, 2021 amended text

🔗 samr.gov.cn • SAMR — full implementing Regulations, 2017 amended text

🔗 szjj.sz.gov.cn • Shenzhen Traffic Police — official sign categories and their functions

🔗 openstd.samr.gov.cn • SAMR — current GB 5768.2-2022 status, not the full standard

🔗 std.sacinfo.org.cn • SAC — published first sign-standard amendment, effective 1 January 2026