SlopeChile
3. 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 • Falk2 • CC BY-SA
What does a steep-slope warning mean in Chile?
Chile’s official driver handbook explains the need to select a suitable gear on a descent and avoid coasting. A gradient warning does not replace a mandatory speed restriction.
Warning for a steep ascent.
English • Traffic sign CONASET · annex 1 • Steep ascent. Adjust gear and speed to the gradient.
Español • CONASET · anexo 1 • Pendiente fuerte en subida. Advierte una pendiente ascendente pronunciada. Adapta la marcha y la velocidad a la subida.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Mejoresconductores.conaset.cl • CONASET: Libro para la conducción en Chile, anexo 1, página 153
SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Government of Chile – National Traffic Safety Commission • Public domain • Original revision 2024-02-28. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork reviewed against the Chilean CONASET Libro para la conducción en Chile, Annex 1 (February 2026): Mejoresconductores.conaset.cl • Pendiente fuerte en subida., PDF page 153. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.
Warning for a steep descent.
English • Traffic sign CONASET · annex 1 • Steep descent. Reduce speed and control the descent.
Español • CONASET · anexo 1 • Pendiente fuerte en bajada. Advierte una pendiente descendente pronunciada. Reduce la velocidad y controla el descenso.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Mejoresconductores.conaset.cl • CONASET: Libro para la conducción en Chile, anexo 1, página 153
SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Government of Chile – National Traffic Safety Commission • Public domain • Original revision 2024-02-28. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork reviewed against the Chilean CONASET Libro para la conducción en Chile, Annex 1 (February 2026): Mejoresconductores.conaset.cl • Pendiente fuerte en bajada., PDF page 153. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.
How should I approach a steep descent in Chile?
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.
What should I check when meeting or overtaking on a slope in Chile?
Avoid overtaking close to a crest or bend when the road ahead is not sufficiently visible. Allow for oncoming traffic and use the actual signs and passing space on a narrow road.

Traffic rules
Chile