SlopeFlanders
15. 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 • Astro • CC0
Which Belgian signs warn of a steep slope?
Traffic sign A3 warns of a dangerous descent, while traffic sign A5 warns of a steep ascent.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 10, 17.2, 24(6) and 66.4 (A3/A5)
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 10, 17.2, 24(6) and 66.4 (A3/A5)
Warning for a steep descent.
English • Traffic sign A3 • Dangerous descent.
Français • Signal routier A3 • Descente dangereuse.
Nederlands • Verkeersbord A3 • Gevaarlijke daling.
Sources
SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org
Vascer • Public domain. Original SVG unmodified.
🔗 Wegcode.be • Artikel 66. Gevaarsborden (NL)
🔗 Codedelaroute.be • Article 66. Signaux de danger (FR)
Warning for a steep ascent.
English • Traffic sign A5 • Steep ascent.
Français • Signal routier A5 • Montée à forte inclinaison.
Nederlands • Verkeersbord A5 • Steile helling.
Sources
SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org
Vascer • Public domain. Original SVG unmodified.
🔗 Wegcode.be • Artikel 66. Gevaarsborden (NL)
🔗 Codedelaroute.be • Article 66. Signaux de danger (FR)
Does a Belgian steep-slope warning sign impose a speed limit?
No. They are warning signs. Drivers must respect the applicable maximum speed and reduce their speed sufficiently for the gradient, visibility, traffic and road conditions.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 10, 17.2, 24(6) and 66.4 (A3/A5)
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 10, 17.2, 24(6) and 66.4 (A3/A5)
How should you drive down a steep Belgian road?
Reduce speed before the descent, select a suitable gear and keep the vehicle under control. Drivers must always be able to stop before a foreseeable obstruction.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 10, 17.2, 24(6) and 66.4 (A3/A5)
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 10, 17.2, 24(6) and 66.4 (A3/A5)
Should you descend in neutral?
No. Keep the transmission engaged so that engine braking helps control the vehicle. Coasting can allow the vehicle to gain speed and places more demand on the brakes.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 10, 17.2, 24(6) and 66.4 (A3/A5)
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 10, 17.2, 24(6) and 66.4 (A3/A5)
May you stop or park near the crest of a slope?
No, when visibility is insufficient. Stopping and parking on the carriageway near the top of a slope are prohibited where the vehicle would be difficult for approaching road users to see.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 10, 17.2, 24(6) and 66.4 (A3/A5)
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 10, 17.2, 24(6) and 66.4 (A3/A5)

Traffic rules
Flanders