SlopePortugal
Traffic rules
Portugal
1. 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.
What does a steep-slope warning mean in Portugal?
Portuguese gradient warnings identify a dangerous descent or steep ascent. The driver’s choice of speed must reflect the slope, road condition, visibility and traffic.
🔗 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 a steep ascent.
English • Traffic sign A3b • Steep ascent. Indicates a steep uphill section; the gradient is shown as a percentage.
Português • A3b • Subida de inclinação acentuada. Indicação de subida com inclinação acentuada; em inscrição é indicada a inclinação da subida, em percentagem.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Gigillo83 • CC BY-SA 4.0)
🔗 Diariodarepublica.pt • Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito • artigo 19.º • A3b
🔗 Ansr.pt • Republicação oficial retificada • A3b • página 10
SVG source: Gigillo83 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Original revision 2020-08-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Warning for a steep descent.
English • Traffic sign A3a • Dangerous descent. Indicates a descent that is steep or otherwise dangerous for traffic; the gradient is shown as a percentage.
Português • A3a • Descida perigosa. Indicação de descida de inclinação acentuada ou que, por quaisquer outras circunstâncias, constitui perigo para o trânsito; em inscrição é indicada a inclinação da descida, em percentagem.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Gigillo83 • CC BY-SA 4.0)
🔗 Diariodarepublica.pt • Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito • artigo 19.º • A3a
🔗 Ansr.pt • Republicação oficial retificada • A3a • página 10
SVG source: Gigillo83 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Original revision 2020-08-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.
How should I approach a steep descent in Portugal?
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.
🔗 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
What should I check when meeting or overtaking on a slope in Portugal?
Where meeting on a steep narrow road is impossible, the descending driver normally yields. Use the Road Code’s provisions for the nearer passing place and vehicle classes when reversing is necessary.
🔗 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
