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SlopeAustria

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

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Austria

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.

Steep-gradient warning sign on the Zirler Berg section of Seefelder Straße. (Tyrol, Austria)
Wikimedia.org • Ralf_Roletschek • CC BY-SA
What does a steep-slope warning mean in Austria?

Austria calls the warnings Gefährliches Gefälle and Starke Steigung, for a dangerous descent and a steep ascent. Read the gradient and any additional distance information separately from a speed restriction.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 20, 22, 50; 15–16 for overtaking

Warning for a steep ascent. Warning for a steep ascent.

English • Traffic sign StVO § 50 Z 7a • Steep ascent. The sign warns of a steep uphill road. The gradient must be shown as a percentage and refer to the steepest part of the section.

Deutsch • StVO § 50 Z 7a • STARKE STEIGUNG. Dieses Zeichen kündigt eine starke Steigung der Straße an. Die Steigung ist in Prozenten anzugeben und hat sich auf den steilsten Teil der Strecke zu beziehen.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Ris.bka.gv.at • StVO § 50 Z 7a

SVG source: Rl91 • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Warning for a steep descent. Warning for a steep descent.

English • Traffic sign StVO § 50 Z 7 • Steep descent. The sign warns of a steep downhill road. The gradient must be shown as a percentage and refer to the steepest part of the section.

Deutsch • StVO § 50 Z 7 • GEFÄHRLICHES GEFÄLLE. Dieses Zeichen kündigt ein starkes Gefälle der Straße an. Das Gefälle ist in Prozenten anzugeben und hat sich auf den steilsten Teil der Strecke zu beziehen.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Ris.bka.gv.at • StVO § 50 Z 7

SVG source: Rl91 • Public domain • Original revision 2013-06-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

How should I approach a steep descent in Austria?

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.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 20, 22, 50; 15–16 for overtaking

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

On a narrow road, follow the signed priority and the rules for meeting traffic. The gradient warning itself does not give you priority; slow early and use a safe passing place rather than forcing another driver towards the edge.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 20, 22, 50; 15–16 for overtaking

1 Austria 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Cycling street 12 Pedestrian zone 13 One-way traffic 14 Quay 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Give way to oncoming traffic 24 Railway crossing 25 Mandatory direction 26 Turn prohibition 27 School area 28 Overtaking 29 Crossing animals 30 Wrong-way driving 31 Roadworks 32 Height limit 33 Width limit 34 Weight limit 35 Priority at the next junction 36 Traffic lights 37 Pedestrian lights 38 Speed feedback 39 Driving licence 40 Location marker 41 Traffic mirror 42 Emergency telephone 43 International border 44 Cycling route 45 Parking 46 No parking 47 No stopping 48 Disabled parking 49 Reversing 50 Uncontrolled crossroad 51 Road surface 52 Provisional licence 53 Runaway truck ramp 54 City limit 55 Cyclist crossing 56 Horn 57 Licence plate 58 Charging station 59 Dangers 60 Cyclist 61 Bus 62 Police 63 Ambulance 64 Police signals 65 European emission standard 66 Pothole 67 Private property 68 Path 69 Particulates 70 Air pollution 71 Rush hour 72 Road code 73 Street gutter 74 Cargo bike 75 Forestry vehicle 76 Construction vehicle 77 Semi-trailer truck 78 Trolleybus 79 Speed pedelec 80 Delivery vehicle 81 Idling 82 Tow truck 83 Four-wheel drive 84 No vehicles 85 Bicycle 86 Motorcycle equipment 87 Tram 88 Rail track 89 Caravan 90 Trailer 91 Tow hitch 92 Fire truck 93 Siren 94 Convoy 95 Emergency vehicle lighting 96 Agricultural machinery 97 Electric bicycle 98 Electric vehicle 99 Pedelec 100 Quadricycle ...