SlopeSweden
10. 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 • Holger.Ellgaard • CC BY-SA
What does a steep-slope warning mean in Sweden?
Swedish gradient warnings identify a steep descent or ascent. Reduce speed for the vehicle, surface and view ahead; the warning is distinct from a mandatory speed-limit sign.
🔗 riksdagen.se • Sweden: Road Signs Ordinance 2007:90
Warning for a steep ascent.
English • Traffic sign A4 • Steep ascent. The figure gives the gradient as a percentage and is adapted to local conditions.
Svenska • Vägmärke A4 • Varning för stigning. Märket anger kraftig stigning. Siffran anger stigningen i procent och är anpassad till förhållandena på platsen.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transportstyrelsen.se • Transportstyrelsen • A4 (SV)
SVG source: Government of Sweden • Public domain • Original revision 2018-07-12. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Warning for a steep descent.
English • Traffic sign A3 • Steep descent. The figure gives the gradient as a percentage and is adapted to local conditions.
Svenska • Vägmärke A3 • Varning för nedförslutning. Märket anger brant nedförslutning. Siffran anger lutningen i procent och är anpassad till förhållandena på platsen.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transportstyrelsen.se • Transportstyrelsen • A3 (SV)
SVG source: Government of Sweden • Public domain • Original revision 2018-07-12. Wikimedia original unmodified.
How should I approach a steep descent in Sweden?
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.
What should I check when meeting or overtaking on a slope in Sweden?
Do not overtake close to a hill crest when visibility is inadequate. Follow the road’s signs and allow safe room for oncoming vehicles rather than treating a gradient warning as a priority instruction.

Traffic rules
Sweden