SlopeFrance
An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of France. 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.
21. 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 • Tabl-trai • CC BY-SA
What does a steep-slope warning mean in France?
French warnings distinguish a dangerous descent from a steep ascent. The gradient is a hazard description; it does not replace a separate speed restriction or the duty to adapt speed to the conditions.
🔗 equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • French road-sign order, Article 5-8, signs EB10 and EB20
Warning for a steep descent.
English • Traffic sign A16 • Dangerous descent.
Français • Panneau A16 • Descente dangereuse.
🔗 Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967
© Roulex 45 et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 3.0 • SVG original non modifié.
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Roulex_45 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Source revision 2013-07-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.
How should I approach a steep descent in France?
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.
🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R413-17, R414-1–4, R414-11; 1967 order article 3
What should I check when meeting or overtaking on a slope in France?
On a mountain road or a steep road where meeting is difficult, the descending vehicle must stop first in time. If reversing is necessary, the Road Code also considers combinations, vehicle weight and buses; between equal classes, the downhill vehicle normally reverses unless the uphill vehicle can clearly do so more easily.
🔗 legifrance.gouv.fr • French Road Code — R413-17, R414-1–4, R414-11; 1967 order article 3

Traffic rules
France