SlopeNorway

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


7. 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.

Slope
Warning sign for a 9% gradient on road 50. (Norway)
Wikimedia.org • Jun Kwang Han • CC BY-SA
What does a steep-slope warning mean in Norway?

Norwegian steep-gradient signs warn of a descent or ascent. Read the warning together with the surface, visibility, snow or ice and any separate restrictions.

🔗 lovdata.no • Norway, Traffic Rules — Road Traffic Act 3, 6; Traffic Rules 7, 9, 12–13; signing regulations 3–4

🔗 lovdata.no • Norwegian signing regulation — current sign catalogue, markings and signals

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

English • Traffic sign 104.1 • Steep hill.

Norsk bokmål • Skilt 104.1 • Bratt bakke.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Lovdata.no • Skiltforskriften § 4

SVG source: Peter J. Acklam converted the original EPS file to PDF with Ghostscript and the PDF file to SVG with Inkscape. • Public domain • Original revision 2013-07-20. Wikimedia original unmodified.

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

English • Traffic sign 104.2 • Steep hill.

Norsk bokmål • Skilt 104.2 • Bratt bakke.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Lovdata.no • Skiltforskriften § 4

SVG source: Peter J. Acklam converted the original EPS file to PDF with Ghostscript and the PDF file to SVG with Inkscape. • Public domain • Original revision 2013-07-20. Wikimedia original unmodified.

How should I approach a steep descent in Norway?

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.

🔗 lovdata.no • Norway, Traffic Rules — Road Traffic Act 3, 6; Traffic Rules 7, 9, 12–13; signing regulations 3–4

🔗 lovdata.no • Norwegian signing regulation — current sign catalogue, markings and signals

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

Do not overtake where a crest or bend leaves inadequate sight distance. On a narrow road, use a suitable passing place and follow the actual priority controls rather than relying on the gradient warning.

🔗 lovdata.no • Norway, Traffic Rules — Road Traffic Act 3, 6; Traffic Rules 7, 9, 12–13; signing regulations 3–4

🔗 lovdata.no • Norwegian signing regulation — current sign catalogue, markings and signals

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