SlopePanama
Traffic rules
Panama
1. 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.
What does a steep-slope warning mean in Panama?
On a Panamanian slope, choose a speed that reflects the gradient, vehicle and road visibility. Obey any separate speed instruction and be prepared for slow uphill traffic.
🔗 gacetaoficial.gob.pa • Panama Traffic Regulations, Decree 640/2006 — Articles 180, 183–184
Warning for a steep ascent.
English • Traffic sign P-6-1 • Steep ascent. Select a suitable gear and maintain control. The uphill-gradient family is confirmed; the illustration uses a lorry while the reference drawing uses a car.
Español • P-6-1 • Ascenso pronunciado. Advierte una pendiente ascendente pronunciada. Seleccione una marcha adecuada y mantenga el control del vehículo. La familia de pendiente ascendente está confirmada; la ilustración utiliza un camión y el plano de referencia muestra un automóvil.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Ena.com.pa • ENA Norte: detalle de señalización vertical, enero 2026, hoja 44
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Source revision 2014-04-15. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Warning for a steep descent.
English • Traffic sign P-6-1 • Steep descent. Reduce speed and use a suitable gear to control the descent. The downhill-gradient family is confirmed; the illustration uses a lorry while the reference drawing uses a car.
Español • P-6-1 • Descenso pronunciado. Advierte una pendiente descendente pronunciada. Reduzca la velocidad y utilice una marcha adecuada para controlar el descenso. La familia de pendiente descendente está confirmada; la ilustración utiliza un camión y el plano de referencia muestra un automóvil.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Ena.com.pa • ENA Norte: detalle de señalización vertical, enero 2026, hoja 44
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Source revision 2014-04-15. Wikimedia original unmodified.
How should I approach a steep descent in Panama?
Reduce speed before the descent and select a suitable gear to control speed with the engine. Article 183 prohibits descending in neutral or with the clutch disengaged. Keep a safe following distance and avoid allowing speed to build up. The gradient, grip, visibility, load and vehicle may require a speed well below the legal maximum.
🔗 gacetaoficial.gob.pa • Panama Traffic Regulations, Decree 640/2006 — Articles 180, 183–184
What should I check when meeting or overtaking on a slope in Panama?
Keep sufficient clear road for meeting and overtaking. Do not move into opposing traffic where a crest hides approaching vehicles; obey any specific priority controls at a narrowing.
🔗 gacetaoficial.gob.pa • Panama Traffic Regulations, Decree 640/2006 — Articles 180, 183–184
