Slippery roadSlovakia

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

Slovakia

1. 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.

What can make roads slippery in Slovakia?

Snow, ice, water and other material can reduce grip. The skid-risk warning can identify a hazard even on a dry road; a separate warning identifies compacted or icy snow and ice. Adjust speed and following distance to the actual surface and visibility.

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Decree signs 120-121; Act sections 16-17

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Road Traffic Act 8/2009, effective 1 October 2026

How should you drive on a slippery road in Slovakia?

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.

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Decree signs 120-121; Act sections 16-17

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Road Traffic Act 8/2009, effective 1 October 2026

Does a slippery-road warning sign in Slovakia 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.

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Decree signs 120-121; Act sections 16-17

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Road Traffic Act 8/2009, effective 1 October 2026

Warning for a slippery road surface.

English • Traffic sign 120 • Risk of skidding. The sign warns of an increased risk of vehicles skidding even on a dry road.

Slovenčina • Dopravná značka 120 • Nebezpečenstvo šmyku. Značka upozorňuje na zvýšené riziko vzniku šmyku vozidla aj na suchej ceste.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Static.slov-lex.sk • Vyhláška č. 30/2020 Z. z. • značka 120 • znenie účinné od 31. 3. 2024

SVG source: Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic • Public domain • Original revision 2010-08-24. Wikimedia original unmodified.