SlopeSweden

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


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.

Slope
Steep-gradient warning sign on Maria Trappgränd. (Stockholm, Sweden)
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.

🔗 data.riksdagen.se • Sweden: Traffic Ordinance chapter 3 sections 14-15,30,36,39; Signs Ordinance A3-A4

🔗 riksdagen.se • Sweden: Road Signs Ordinance 2007:90

Warning for a steep ascent. 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. 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.

🔗 data.riksdagen.se • Sweden: Traffic Ordinance chapter 3 sections 14-15,30,36,39; Signs Ordinance A3-A4

🔗 riksdagen.se • Sweden: Road Signs Ordinance 2007:90

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.

🔗 data.riksdagen.se • Sweden: Traffic Ordinance chapter 3 sections 14-15,30,36,39; Signs Ordinance A3-A4

🔗 riksdagen.se • Sweden: Road Signs Ordinance 2007:90

1 Sweden 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Built-up area 5 Speed limit 6 Bike path 7 Shared-use path 8 Toll road 9 Quay 10 Slope 11 Bus stop 12 Stop sign 13 Give way 14 Roundabout 15 Pedestrian crossing 16 Railway crossing 17 Crossing animals 18 Roadworks 19 Height limit 20 Selective barriers 21 Traffic lights 22 Pedestrian lights 23 Traffic mirror 24 Cycling route 25 Parking 26 No parking 27 No stopping 28 Reversing 29 Licence plate 30 Charging station 31 Dangers 32 Bus 33 Police 34 Ambulance 35 European emission standard 36 Pothole 37 Path 38 Particulates 39 Air pollution 40 Rush hour 41 Road code 42 2+1 Road 43 2-1 Road 44 Street gutter 45 Cargo bike 46 Forestry vehicle 47 Construction vehicle 48 Semi-trailer truck 49 Trolleybus 50 Speed pedelec 51 Delivery vehicle 52 Idling 53 Tow truck 54 Four-wheel drive 55 Bicycle 56 Motorcycle equipment 57 Rail track 58 Caravan 59 Trailer 60 Tow hitch 61 Fire truck 62 Siren 63 Convoy 64 Emergency vehicle lighting 65 Agricultural machinery 66 Electric bicycle 67 Electric vehicle 68 Pedelec 69 Quadricycle 70 Microcar 71 All-terrain vehicle 72 Van 73 Recreational vehicle 74 Scooter 75 Trikke 76 Personal mobility device 77 Skateboard 78 Segway 79 Kick scooter 80 Roller skates 81 Mailman 82 Hitchhiker 83 Toddler 84 Child 85 Disability 86 Motorail 87 km/h 88 mph 89 Speedometer 90 Ride height 91 Dirt road 92 Driving 93 Start-stop system 94 Manual transmission 95 Automatic transmission 96 Throttle 97 Tachometer 98 Steering wheel 99 Power steering 100 Visual scanning ...