SlopeHungary

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


9. 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.

Slope
Steep-descent warning sign indicating a 9% gradient with a 40 km/h speed limit. (Aszód, Pest County, Hungary)
Wikimedia.org • Globetrotter19 • CC BY-SA
What does a steep-slope warning mean in Hungary?

Hungarian warnings are called Veszélyes lejtő and Veszélyes emelkedő. The figure on the sign describes the steepest gradient of the hazardous section as a percentage.

🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ sections 16(1)(c),26-27,32,34

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

English • Traffic sign figure 69 • Dangerous ascent. A substantial ascent lies ahead. The number shown gives the maximum uphill gradient of the dangerous section as a percentage.

Magyar • 69. ábra • Veszélyes emelkedő. Jelentősebb emelkedő következik; a feltüntetett szám a veszélyes útszakasz legnagyobb emelkedésének százalékos mértékét jelzi.

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

English • Traffic sign figure 68 • Dangerous descent. A substantial descent lies ahead. The number shown gives the maximum downhill gradient of the dangerous section as a percentage.

Magyar • 68. ábra • Veszélyes lejtő. Jelentősebb lejtő következik; a feltüntetett szám a veszélyes útszakasz legnagyobb lejtésének százalékos mértékét jelzi.

How should I approach a steep descent in Hungary?

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.

🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ sections 16(1)(c),26-27,32,34

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

Do not overtake where a crest or bend prevents a sufficient view. Slow before entering a narrow section and follow its actual priority controls; the gradient warning itself is not a priority sign.

🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ sections 16(1)(c),26-27,32,34

1 Hungary 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Pedestrian zone 9 Slope 10 Bus stop 11 Stop sign 12 Give way 13 Roundabout 14 Priority road 15 Road narrowing 16 Priority over oncoming traffic 17 Give way to oncoming traffic 18 Pedestrian crossing 19 Railway crossing 20 Mandatory direction 21 School area 22 Overtaking 23 Crossing animals 24 Slippery road 25 Chevron 26 Wrong-way driving 27 Roadworks 28 Height limit 29 Weight limit 30 Radar speed sign 31 Selective barriers 32 Priority at the next junction 33 Traffic lights 34 Traffic lights warning 35 Road markings 36 Countdown markers 37 Traffic mirror 38 Cycling route 39 Parking 40 No parking 41 No stopping 42 Disabled parking 43 Reversing 44 U-turn 45 Uncontrolled crossroad 46 Road surface 47 City limit 48 Licence plate 49 Charging station 50 Dangers 51 Cyclist 52 Moped 53 Car 54 Bus 55 Police 56 Ambulance 57 Taxi 58 European emission standard 59 Pothole 60 Path 61 Particulates 62 Air pollution 63 Rush hour 64 Road code 65 Two-way traffic 66 Street gutter 67 Cargo bike 68 Forestry vehicle 69 Construction vehicle 70 Semi-trailer truck 71 Trolleybus 72 Speed pedelec 73 Delivery vehicle 74 Idling 75 Tow truck 76 Four-wheel drive 77 No vehicles 78 Bicycle 79 Motorcycle equipment 80 Rail track 81 Caravan 82 Trailer 83 Tow hitch 84 Fire truck 85 Siren 86 Convoy 87 Emergency vehicle lighting 88 Agricultural machinery 89 Electric bicycle 90 Electric vehicle 91 Pedelec 92 Quadricycle 93 Microcar 94 All-terrain vehicle 95 Van 96 Recreational vehicle 97 Scooter 98 Trikke 99 Personal mobility device 100 Skateboard ...