Support us

Slippery roadFrance

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
France

39. 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.

Warning that black ice frequently occurs on road D768. (Durtol, France)
Wikimedia.org • Tabl-trai • CC BY-SA
What makes a road slippery?

A road can become slippery because of rain, ice, snow, mud, oil, loose material or other substances that reduce tyre grip.

How should you drive on a slippery road?

Reduce speed, increase your following distance and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Sudden movements can cause the tyres to lose grip.

Why does braking distance increase on a slippery road?

Reduced tyre grip means the tyres cannot generate as much braking force, so the vehicle may need a longer distance to slow down or stop.

Can a road be slippery even when it looks dry?

Yes. Oil, dust, loose material or a thin layer of ice can reduce grip even when the road does not appear obviously wet or slippery.

Are bends more dangerous on slippery roads?

Yes. Turning requires tyre grip, so a slippery surface can make it easier for the vehicle to skid or leave its intended path, especially at higher speeds.

What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

Stay calm and avoid sudden braking or steering. Make smooth corrections and allow the tyres to regain grip. The correct response can depend on the vehicle and its safety systems.

1 France 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Minimum speed 8 Advisory speed 9 Footpath 10 Bike path 11 Pedestrian warning 12 Tunnel 13 Bridge 14 Cycling street 15 Pedestrian zone 16 Speed bump 17 Toll road 18 Customs 19 One-way traffic 20 Quay 21 Slope 22 Bus lane 23 Bus stop 24 Dead end 25 Stop sign 26 Give way 27 Roundabout 28 Priority road 29 Road narrowing 30 Priority over oncoming traffic 31 Give way to oncoming traffic 32 Pedestrian crossing 33 Railway crossing 34 Mandatory direction 35 Turn prohibition 36 School area 37 Overtaking 38 Crossing animals 39 Slippery road 40 Rockfall 41 Aircraft 42 Curve 43 Chevron 44 Wrong-way driving 45 Roadworks 46 Crosswind 47 Height limit 48 Width limit 49 Length limit 50 Weight limit 51 Radar speed sign 52 Selective barriers 53 Low-emission zone 54 Priority at the next junction 55 Traffic lights 56 Traffic lights warning 57 Pedestrian lights 58 Road markings 59 Junction layout 60 Bike box 61 Speed feedback 62 Driving licence 63 Location marker 64 Road number 65 Countdown markers 66 Public toilet 67 Rest area 68 Traffic mirror 69 Emergency telephone 70 International border 71 Cycling route 72 End of restriction 73 Parking 74 No parking 75 No stopping 76 Parallel parking 77 Alternate-side parking 78 Parking meter 79 Parking disc 80 Disabled parking 81 Traffic management 82 Merging 83 Reversing 84 U-turn 85 Carpool 86 Traffic jam 87 Uncontrolled crossroad 88 Road surface 89 Ring road 90 Exit 91 Information point 92 Horse riding 93 Provisional licence 94 Hazardous cargo 95 Emergency exit 96 Runaway truck ramp 97 Radio service 98 Oversize load 99 Lane 100 Tyre inflation station ...