SteinschlagVereinigte Staaten

It warns that rocks or stones may fall onto the road or may already be lying on the carriageway.

It is commonly a triangular warning sign showing rocks falling from a steep slope. The exact colour and design vary between countries.

No. It indicates an increased risk. The road may be clear, contain stones from an earlier fall or become dangerous without additional warning.

Not necessarily. It may also warn about loose or fallen stones already present on the road.

Rockfalls may be caused by erosion, heavy rain, frost and thawing, storms, ground movement, vegetation loss, roadworks or natural instability.

The risk may increase during or after heavy rain, freezing weather, rapid thawing, strong winds, earthquakes or work on a nearby slope.

No. It normally warns of danger rather than setting a numerical limit. Drivers must reduce speed when necessary to react safely.

No. Traffic lights, priority signs and the ordinary priority rules remain applicable.

Reduce speed smoothly, increase your following distance and watch the road surface, slope, barriers and vehicles ahead for signs of falling or fallen material.

No. Leave additional distance so you can see stones on the road and react if the vehicle ahead brakes or changes direction suddenly.

Avoid unnecessary stopping in the exposed section. Stop only when required by traffic, an obstruction or an emergency, and choose the safest available location.

The warning sign does not necessarily prohibit overtaking, but drivers should avoid overtaking when visibility, road width, loose stones or the risk of falling material makes it unsafe.

Avoid doing so. Even where parking is not expressly prohibited, remaining beneath an unstable cliff or slope may expose the vehicle and its occupants to unnecessary danger.

Reduce speed without harsh steering or braking. Pass only when there is enough clear space and visibility; otherwise, stop at a safe distance and report the obstruction.

Avoid a sudden uncontrolled swerve. Brake while maintaining control and steer around the obstruction only when the adjacent space is clearly safe.

Stop at a safe distance, activate the hazard warning lights when appropriate and contact the police, road authority or emergency services. Do not attempt to drive over unstable debris.

Do not enter the affected section. Stop well before the danger where possible and move away only when this can be done safely without reversing blindly or entering another hazard.

Do not stand near the unstable slope or falling material. Leave the vehicle only when remaining inside creates a greater immediate danger and a protected escape route is available.

Normally not. A stone may be too heavy, unstable or followed by additional falling material. Keep a safe distance and allow trained services to clear the road.

Even small stones can cause a rider to lose balance or damage a tyre. Riders should reduce speed, avoid sudden steering and keep a greater distance from other traffic.

No. Nets, barriers and retaining structures reduce the risk but cannot guarantee that every stone will be contained.

It may indicate how far ahead the danger begins. Another panel may indicate the length of the hazardous road section.

Keep control of the vehicle, stop at a safe location and activate the hazard warning lights. Check the tyres, wheels and underside only when it is safe and report any dangerous debris.

No. Drivers must remain attentive wherever roads run beside cliffs, cuttings or steep slopes, even when no warning sign is displayed.