Slippery road end sign: what does the sign with a car and diagonal lines mean?

Within the vast world of road signs, there are signs that go unnoticed by most drivers but serve an essential function in preventing accidents. One of these is the image of a car on a white background, crossed by four diagonal black lines. Although it’s not one of the most common signs, its message is crucial for those who travel on highways, freeways, and rural roads.

What does this traffic sign indicate?

The sign belongs to the group of warning signs and indicates the  end of a section where the road surface could be slippery . In other words, it marks the closure of an area where there was a risk of skidding, loss of traction, or reduced grip of the tires against the pavement.

The central image depicts a vehicle skidding, the same symbol used to announce the start of a dangerous zone. The difference lies in the diagonal lines crossing the drawing: this graphic element is universally used to indicate that a previous warning is  no longer valid .

Why a roadway can become slippery

The conditions that cause loss of adhesion can be very varied. Among the most common are:

• Presence of moisture or rain on the asphalt.
• Accumulation of mud washed in from neighboring roads.
• Loose gravel or debris on the surface.
• Deteriorated pavement, with potholes or pronounced wear.
• Fuel or oil spills in specific areas.

These situations reduce the effective contact between the tires and the road surface, increasing the likelihood that the vehicle will lose stability during braking, turning, or a sudden change of direction.