Slippery roadUnited Kingdom

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United Kingdom. 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

United Kingdom

27. Slippery road

A slippery road has reduced tyre grip and can make steering, braking and acceleration less effective. Roads may become slippery because of rain, ice, snow, mud, oil, loose material or other substances on the surface. Drivers should reduce speed, increase their following distance and avoid sudden steering, braking or acceleration. Extra caution is needed in bends, on bridges and wherever the road surface changes unexpectedly.

Articulated tipper truck beside a slippery-road warning sign at the Port of Teignmouth. (Devon, United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • Barry Lewis • CC BY

What can make roads slippery in the United Kingdom?

Be prepared for rain, wet leaves, snow and ice. A surface can become slippery even if it looks clear, and different parts of the road may have very different grip.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 226–237; Rules 119,125–126

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: warning signs (Great Britain)

How should you drive on a slippery road in the United Kingdom?

Reduce speed early, increase the gap to the vehicle ahead and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Do not rely on the posted maximum as a safe target when grip is poor.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 226–237; Rules 119,125–126

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: warning signs (Great Britain)

Does a slippery-road warning sign in the United Kingdom automatically impose a lower number?

The warning sign highlights a reduced-grip risk; it normally does not itself prescribe a new numerical speed limit. A separate speed-limit sign, temporary restriction or local condition may still apply. Travel below the legal maximum when necessary for safety.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 226–237; Rules 119,125–126

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: warning signs (Great Britain)

Warning for a slippery road surface.

English • GB diagram 557 • Slippery road. The road ahead may be slippery. Avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs

SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2014-07-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Crossing animals

Rockfall

1 United Kingdom 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Bike path 5 Pedestrian warning 6 Bridge 7 Speed bump 8 Toll road 9 One-way traffic 10 Quay 11 Slope 12 Bus lane 13 Bus stop 14 Dead end 15 Stop sign 16 Give way 17 Roundabout 18 Road narrowing 19 Priority over oncoming traffic 20 Give way to oncoming traffic 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Crossing animals 27 Slippery road 28 Rockfall 29 Aircraft 30 Curve 31 Chevron 32 Wrong-way driving 33 Roadworks 34 Height limit 35 Radar speed sign 36 Selective barriers 37 Low-emission zone 38 Priority at the next junction 39 Traffic lights 40 Traffic lights warning 41 Road markings 42 Climbing lane 43 Bike box 44 Left-hand traffic 45 Speed feedback 46 Driving licence 47 Cycling route 48 Parking 49 No parking 50 Park and ride 51 Disabled parking 52 Reversing 53 Detour 54 Road surface 55 Verge 56 Traffic calming 57 Horse riding 58 Emergency exit 59 City limit 60 Tourist attraction 61 Licence plate 62 Charging station 63 Dangers 64 Dip 65 Tram lane 66 Cyclist 67 Bus 68 Police 69 Ambulance 70 Roadway 71 Street 72 Pothole 73 Private road 74 Path 75 Particulates 76 Air pollution 77 Rush hour 78 Road code 79 Two-way traffic 80 Tram stop 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 Passenger 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Public transport 98 Caravan 99 Trailer 100 Tow hitch ...