RockfallPortugal
Traffic rules
Portugal
1. Rockfall
A rockfall warning indicates a road section where rocks or stones may fall from a cliff, cutting or steep slope, or where fallen material may already be present on the road. The danger may affect the full carriageway and can appear suddenly.
Drivers should reduce speed, scan the road and slopes ahead, increase their following distance and remain prepared to stop. They should avoid unnecessary stopping in the exposed section and never attempt to move unstable rocks themselves.
Where might falling rocks be a hazard on roads in Portugal?
Pay extra attention around mountain cuttings and steep roads, including on Madeira. After heavy rain, freeze–thaw cycles or work on a steep slope, the hazard may increase depending on local conditions.
🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • Portugal, Código da Estrada — articles 3, 24–28, 33–35, 38, 41, 49; RST A warnings
🔗 ansr.pt • ANSR official RST — corrected 2019 republication, sign descriptions and markings
Does a falling-rocks warning sign in Portugal impose a speed limit?
A falling-rocks sign is a hazard warning, not normally a numerical speed-limit sign. Follow any separate speed or closure signs, slow down to match visibility and conditions, and watch for material already on the road.
🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • Portugal, Código da Estrada — articles 3, 24–28, 33–35, 38, 41, 49; RST A warnings
🔗 ansr.pt • ANSR official RST — corrected 2019 republication, sign descriptions and markings
Warning for falling rocks.
English • Traffic sign A9 • Falling rocks. Warns of a location where rocks may fall.
Português • A9 • Queda de pedras. Indicação da proximidade de um local onde há perigo de ocorrência de queda de pedras.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Gigillo83 • CC BY-SA 4.0)
🔗 Diariodarepublica.pt • Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito • artigo 19.º • A9
🔗 Ansr.pt • Republicação oficial retificada • A9 • página 10
SVG source: Gigillo83 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Original revision 2015-03-17. Wikimedia original unmodified.
What should you do if rocks are blocking the road in Portugal?
Slow or stop in a safe place away from the exposed slope if possible. Do not drive over unstable debris or stop beneath a cliff unnecessarily. Follow any closure or traffic-control instructions and report a dangerous obstruction through the appropriate road authority or emergency channel.
🔗 pgdlisboa.pt • Portugal, Código da Estrada — articles 3, 24–28, 33–35, 38, 41, 49; RST A warnings
🔗 ansr.pt • ANSR official RST — corrected 2019 republication, sign descriptions and markings
