Warning for Stone Chips
The sign indicates a risk of stone chips. The sign is not used on gravel roads or similar roads where stone chips are commonly encountered.
When You See This Sign
When you see the sign you should immediately adjust your driving: reduce speed, increase the distance to the vehicle ahead and avoid unnecessary lane changes or overtaking. Be especially alert for stone chips that can shatter the windshield or damage other vehicles and unprotected road users.
Rules & Regulations
- The sign is a warning sign (A11) that indicates a risk of stone chips on the upcoming road section and means you should be cautious.
- The sign's purpose is to warn about loose stones or the risk of stones being thrown up by vehicles, for example after roadworks or when loose gravel is on the asphalt surface.
- The sign is not used on gravel roads or similar roads where stone chipping is normally common — it is not posted there.
- The sign may be supplemented with a supplementary panel that indicates distance or the length of the section; follow the information on any supplementary panel.
Tips for Drivers
- Slow down in good time to reduce the risk of stones being thrown up and damaging your windshield or other vehicles.
- Increase the distance to the vehicle in front so you are not hit by stones kicked up from their tires.
- If possible, avoid driving close to larger vehicles or overtaking through the affected section because heavy vehicles more easily throw up stones.
- Be attentive to cyclists and motorcyclists who are particularly vulnerable to stone chips and should be protected by increased distance and more careful driving.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking the sign means a mandatory stop or that there is a speed limit; it is a warning and requires caution, not necessarily a stop or a new speed limit.
- Assuming the sign is always posted on gravel roads — it is not used where stone chipping is normally common.
- Overestimating the sign's range and failing to notice any supplementary panel that shows the exact distance or length of the section.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Warning for Stone Chips
What does this sign mean?
- A Risk of stones being thrown up — stones can be flung up by passing vehicles.
- B Warning of rockfall with falling stones on the road.
- C Road becomes slippery due to ice.
- D Loading and unloading for heavy vehicles.
Exam Tip
In the theory test you may be asked about the difference between being warned about stone chips and the sign prohibiting something — the correct answer is that it is a warning sign that requires caution (reduce speed and increase distance), not a prohibition or speed limit. Also remember that the sign is not used on gravel roads.
Did You Know?
The sign is often used after road maintenance or newly laid asphalt where loose stones may remain on the surface; the intention is to reduce the number of stone-chip-related damages to vehicles and safety risks for road users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to stop when I see the stone chip sign?
No, the sign does not mean you must stop. It urges you to drive cautiously: reduce speed, keep a greater distance and avoid unnecessary lane changes or overtaking.
Does the warning apply to all vehicle types?
Yes, the warning applies to all road users who can be affected by stone chips. Motorcyclists and cyclists are particularly vulnerable, so show extra consideration and increase margins when they are nearby.
Can the sign have a supplementary panel and what does it mean?
Yes, the sign can be complemented with a supplementary panel that indicates the distance to or the length of the affected stretch (for example "500 m"). Follow the information on the supplementary panel to know how long the risk remains.
Why isn't the sign posted on gravel roads?
On gravel roads stone chipping is a normal and common occurrence, therefore the sign is not used there. The sign is instead used on roads where the risk is unexpected or temporary, for example after roadworks or newly laid asphalt.
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