SlopeIreland

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


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.

Road at Ballycharry with warning signs. (County Donegal, Ireland)
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.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Traffic and Parking Regulations — articles 7, 10, 36; RSA hazard, school, weather and overtaking guidance; Signs Regulations 2025 warnings

🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments

Warning for a steep ascent. 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. 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.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Traffic and Parking Regulations — articles 7, 10, 36; RSA hazard, school, weather and overtaking guidance; Signs Regulations 2025 warnings

🔗 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.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Traffic and Parking Regulations — articles 7, 10, 36; RSA hazard, school, weather and overtaking guidance; Signs Regulations 2025 warnings

🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments

1 Ireland 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Bridge 9 Speed bump 10 Toll road 11 Quay 12 Slope 13 Bus lane 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Road narrowing 18 Pedestrian crossing 19 Railway crossing 20 Turn prohibition 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Slippery road 24 Curve 25 Chevron 26 Wrong-way driving 27 Height limit 28 Weight limit 29 Radar speed sign 30 Priority at the next junction 31 Traffic lights warning 32 Pedestrian lights 33 Left-hand traffic 34 Driving licence 35 End of restriction 36 Parking 37 No parking 38 Reversing 39 U-turn 40 Hostel 41 Tourist attraction 42 Licence plate 43 Dangers 44 Cyclist 45 Bus 46 Police 47 Ambulance 48 Taxi 49 European emission standard 50 Pothole 51 Path 52 Particulates 53 Air pollution 54 Rush hour 55 Road code 56 2+2 Road 57 Street gutter 58 Cargo bike 59 Forestry vehicle 60 Construction vehicle 61 Semi-trailer truck 62 Trolleybus 63 Speed pedelec 64 Delivery vehicle 65 Idling 66 Tow truck 67 Four-wheel drive 68 Bicycle 69 Motorcycle equipment 70 Tram 71 Rail track 72 Caravan 73 Trailer 74 Tow hitch 75 Fire truck 76 Siren 77 Convoy 78 Emergency vehicle lighting 79 Agricultural machinery 80 Electric bicycle 81 Electric vehicle 82 Pedelec 83 Quadricycle 84 Microcar 85 All-terrain vehicle 86 Van 87 Recreational vehicle 88 Scooter 89 Trikke 90 Personal mobility device 91 Skateboard 92 Segway 93 Kick scooter 94 Roller skates 95 Mailman 96 Hitchhiker 97 Toddler 98 Child 99 Disability 100 Motorail ...