SlopeCzechia

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


14. 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-gradient warning sign on the road from Purkarec to Hluboká nad Vltavou. (South Bohemia, Czechia)
Wikimedia.org • donald judge • CC BY
What does a steep-slope warning mean in Czechia?

A steep-ascent or steep-descent warning identifies the road hazard. Read any gradient, distance plate and separate speed restriction; do not treat the warning as a numerical speed limit.

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Road Traffic Act 361/2000 — sections 4–5, 17–20, 27, 40a; Decree Annex 1 warnings

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Decree 294/2015 — current sign and marking descriptions, annexes 1–10

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

English • Traffic sign A 5b • Steep ascent. The sign warns of a road section with a steep uphill gradient. The actual maximum longitudinal gradient of the carriageway is shown on the sign.

Čeština • Dopravní značka A 5b • Nebezpečné stoupání. Značka upozorňuje na úsek pozemní komunikace s prudkým stoupáním. Na značce se uvádí skutečný nejvyšší podélný sklon vozovky.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org • 🔗
🔗 E-sbirka.gov.cz • Vyhláška č. 294/2015 Sb. • A 5b • znění účinné od 1. 7. 2025

SVG source: Life of Riley • Public domain • Original revision 2011-10-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against E-sbirka.gov.cz • official published diagram A 5b.

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

English • Traffic sign A 5a • Steep descent. The sign warns of a road section where local conditions make the descent dangerous. The actual maximum longitudinal gradient of the carriageway is shown on the sign.

Čeština • Dopravní značka A 5a • Nebezpečné klesání. Značka upozorňuje na úsek pozemní komunikace, kde místní podmínky činí klesání nebezpečným. Na značce se uvádí skutečný nejvyšší podélný sklon vozovky.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org • 🔗
🔗 E-sbirka.gov.cz • Vyhláška č. 294/2015 Sb. • A 5a • znění účinné od 1. 7. 2025

SVG source: Government of the Czech Republic • Public domain • Original revision 2013-12-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against E-sbirka.gov.cz • official published diagram A 5a.

How should I approach a steep descent in Czechia?

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.

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Road Traffic Act 361/2000 — sections 4–5, 17–20, 27, 40a; Decree Annex 1 warnings

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Decree 294/2015 — current sign and marking descriptions, annexes 1–10

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

Do not overtake towards a crest when you cannot see enough road to complete the manoeuvre safely. Keep room to meet oncoming traffic and follow any priority controls at a narrowing.

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Road Traffic Act 361/2000 — sections 4–5, 17–20, 27, 40a; Decree Annex 1 warnings

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Decree 294/2015 — current sign and marking descriptions, annexes 1–10

1 Czechia 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Advisory speed 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Pedestrian warning 11 Pedestrian zone 12 Speed bump 13 Customs 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Dead end 18 Stop sign 19 Give way 20 Roundabout 21 Priority road 22 Road narrowing 23 Priority over oncoming traffic 24 Give way to oncoming traffic 25 Pedestrian crossing 26 Railway crossing 27 School area 28 Crossing animals 29 Slippery road 30 Aircraft 31 Curve 32 Chevron 33 Wrong-way driving 34 Roadworks 35 Height limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Priority at the next junction 40 Traffic lights 41 Traffic lights warning 42 Pedestrian lights 43 Road markings 44 Junction layout 45 Bike box 46 Speed feedback 47 Location marker 48 Countdown markers 49 Traffic mirror 50 Emergency telephone 51 International border 52 Pedestrian underpass 53 Cycling route 54 Parking 55 No parking 56 No stopping 57 Park and ride 58 Kiss and ride 59 Disabled parking 60 Traffic management 61 Reversing 62 Road surface 63 Provisional licence 64 Hazardous cargo 65 Runaway truck ramp 66 Tourist attraction 67 Axle weight limit 68 Licence plate 69 Charging station 70 Dangers 71 Cyclist 72 Bus 73 Police 74 Ambulance 75 Taxi 76 Police signals 77 European emission standard 78 Pothole 79 Path 80 Particulates 81 Air pollution 82 Rush hour 83 Road code 84 Train station 85 Street gutter 86 Cargo bike 87 Forestry vehicle 88 Construction vehicle 89 Semi-trailer truck 90 Trolleybus 91 Speed pedelec 92 Delivery vehicle 93 Idling 94 Tow truck 95 Four-wheel drive 96 No vehicles 97 Bicycle 98 Motorcycle equipment 99 Tram 100 Rail track ...