SlopeIreland
12. 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 • Kenneth Allen • CC BY-SA
What does a steep-slope warning mean in Ireland?
Irish slope warnings identify a steep ascent or descent and can show the gradient. They are warnings, rather than the circular regulatory signs that set a speed limit.
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments
Warning for a steep ascent.
English • W 106 • Steep ascent. A steep uphill gradient is ahead; the example shows 15%.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • W 106
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-09-08. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Warning for a steep descent.
English • W 105 • Steep descent. A steep downhill gradient is ahead; the example shows 10%. Select a suitable gear and control your speed.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • W 105
SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-09-08. Wikimedia original unmodified.
How should I approach a steep descent in Ireland?
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.
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments
What should I check when meeting or overtaking on a slope in Ireland?
The Rules of the Road require safe overtaking with adequate visibility. Do not overtake towards a hilltop when you cannot see the road ahead to be clear, and allow room for oncoming traffic.
🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments

Traffic rules
Ireland