Warning of Descending Gradient
The sign indicates a steep descent. The number indicates the gradient in percent and is adapted to the conditions at the location.
When You See This Sign
When you see this sign you should immediately adjust your speed and shift down if necessary so you can use engine braking. Keep a greater distance to the vehicle ahead and avoid prolonged, heavy braking that can overheat the brakes.
Rules & Regulations
- The sign warns of a steep downhill and the number indicates the gradient as a percentage, adapted to local conditions.
- Adjust your speed before starting the descent and use a lower gear for engine braking when necessary.
- Avoid prolonged heavy braking that can overheat the brakes — especially important when carrying a heavy load or towing a trailer.
- The warning sign does not change right-of-way rules or automatically prohibit overtaking; follow the normal traffic rules and any supplementary signs.
Tips for Drivers
- Shift down to an appropriate lower gear before the hill so engine braking helps maintain speed.
- Keep extra distance to the vehicle ahead because you may need to brake more than usual.
- Use short, controlled braking (intermittent braking) instead of keeping your foot hard on the brake the whole way.
- If you are driving with a heavy load or trailer, plan your braking well in advance and watch for signs indicating emergency stopping areas or runaway truck ramps.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking the percentage number indicates degrees rather than percent.
- Braking hard at the start of the descent instead of shifting down and using engine braking.
- Incorrectly assuming the sign automatically bans overtaking or changes who has right of way.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Warning of Descending Gradient
How should you act when you see this sign?
- A Prepare for a steep downhill — adjust your speed and use engine braking/a lower gear if necessary. The percentage shows the gradient.
- B You are approaching a steep uphill — use a higher gear to maintain speed.
- C This warns of a roundabout ahead.
- D It means the road is closed to heavy vehicles.
Exam Tip
On the theory test you may be asked what the percentage figure means or what you should do when you see the sign. A common trap is to think the sign changes right-of-way rules or requires a ban on overtaking — the correct answer is that you should adjust your speed and use engine braking, but basic right-of-way rules still apply.
Did You Know?
The sign's code in the Swedish road sign catalogue is A3 and the number (the percentage) corresponds to the actual local gradient. You often see this sign on mountain roads and on roads used by heavy traffic and long downhill stretches — sometimes accompanied by emergency escape lane or runaway truck ramp signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the percentage figure on the sign mean?
The percentage figure shows how steep the downhill is in percent, i.e., the height loss per one hundred meters. The number helps you assess which gear and speed are appropriate.
Do I have to shift down when I see the sign?
It is recommended to shift down before the descent so you can use engine braking. In short and not very steep hills light braking may suffice, but on steep or long descents you should shift down.
Does the sign apply to the whole road or only a short stretch?
The sign warns that a steep downhill begins, but it doesn't always indicate the length of the slope. Sometimes there is a supplementary sign showing how long the descent is or indicating special lanes for emergency stops.
Am I allowed to overtake on a downhill where this sign is posted?
The sign itself does not prohibit overtaking, but overtaking on steep downhills is often dangerous because of speed differences, reduced visibility, and the risk of overheated brakes. Avoid overtaking unless you are completely sure it is safe.
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