SlopeSlovakia

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


6. 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.

Steep-gradient warning sign on the road to Malatiná. (Dolný Kubín District, Slovakia)
Wikimedia.org • Oto_Zapletal • CC BY-SA
What does a steep-slope warning mean in Slovakia?

A steep-gradient warning alerts you to the ascent or descent. The actual speed restriction and the duty to adjust speed to the road, vehicle and visibility remain in force.

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Act 8/2009 sections 5(4),15-18; Decree signs 112-113

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Road Traffic Act 8/2009, effective 1 October 2026

How should I approach a steep descent in Slovakia?

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.

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Act 8/2009 sections 5(4),15-18; Decree signs 112-113

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Road Traffic Act 8/2009, effective 1 October 2026

What should I check when meeting or overtaking on a slope in Slovakia?

Do not overtake towards a crest without the required view of the road ahead. Follow any priority signs at a narrow section and keep sufficient space for vehicles coming the other way.

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Act 8/2009 sections 5(4),15-18; Decree signs 112-113

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Road Traffic Act 8/2009, effective 1 October 2026

1 Slovakia 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Speed limit 5 Bike path 6 Slope 7 Bus stop 8 Roundabout 9 Railway crossing 10 Wrong-way driving 11 Traffic lights 12 Traffic mirror 13 Parking 14 Reversing 15 City limit 16 Licence plate 17 Bus 18 Police 19 Ambulance 20 European emission standard 21 Pothole 22 Path 23 Particulates 24 Air pollution 25 Rush hour 26 Road code 27 Street gutter 28 Cargo bike 29 Forestry vehicle 30 Construction vehicle 31 Semi-trailer truck 32 Trolleybus 33 Speed pedelec 34 Delivery vehicle 35 Idling 36 Tow truck 37 Four-wheel drive 38 Bicycle 39 Motorcycle equipment 40 Rail track 41 Caravan 42 Trailer 43 Tow hitch 44 Fire truck 45 Siren 46 Convoy 47 Emergency vehicle lighting 48 Agricultural machinery 49 Electric bicycle 50 Electric vehicle 51 Pedelec 52 Quadricycle 53 Microcar 54 All-terrain vehicle 55 Van 56 Recreational vehicle 57 Scooter 58 Trikke 59 Personal mobility device 60 Skateboard 61 Segway 62 Kick scooter 63 Roller skates 64 Mailman 65 Hitchhiker 66 Toddler 67 Child 68 Disability 69 Motorail 70 km/h 71 mph 72 Speedometer 73 Ride height 74 Dirt road 75 Driving 76 Start-stop system 77 Manual transmission 78 Automatic transmission 79 Throttle 80 Tachometer 81 Steering wheel 82 Power steering 83 Visual scanning 84 Mirror 85 Fuel 86 Fuel gauge 87 Petrol 88 Diesel 89 Diesel exhaust fluid 90 Car insurance 91 First aid kit 92 Fire extinguisher 93 High-visibility clothing 94 First aid 95 Concrete step barrier 96 Barriers 97 Vehicle lights 98 Street lights 99 Dipped beam 100 High beam ...