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Slippery When Wet sign

Warns of unexpectedly slippery pavement, especially when wet; plaques may give the reason (ICE, WHEN WET, STEEL DECK, EXCESS OIL).

What to do

In wet weather slow down, increase following distance and avoid sudden braking or steering.

When the road is wet or icy, slow down, increase your following distance and brake and steer gently.

Where it's used

Section 2C.30 allows the Slippery When Wet (W8-5) sign to warn of unexpectedly slippery pavement. It is a black-on-yellow diamond showing a car with skid marks. Plaques such as ICE, WHEN WET, STEEL DECK or EXCESS OIL may explain the cause, and surface condition signs should be placed before the affected section and repeated along it.

Don't confuse it with

  • Bridge Ices Before Road: BRIDGE ICES BEFORE ROAD is a word sign about bridges freezing in winter, while this symbol sign warns of slippery pavement in general.
  • Loose Gravel: LOOSE GRAVEL warns of loose stones on the surface rather than slick pavement.
Slippery When Wet sign
Type
Warning signs
Shape
Diamond
Colors
yellow, black
MUTCD code
W8-5
MUTCD section
2C.30

On state permit tests

Our questions for 17 states ask about this sign, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida and Georgia.

Test yourself

A diamond-shaped sign shows a car with wavy skid marks behind it. It means: (California practice test)

  • Winding road
  • Do not pass
  • Gravel road ends
  • Slippery when wet
Show answer

Slippery when wet. This warning sign means the road is slippery when wet. Slow down in wet weather.

What should you do when you see a SLIPPERY WHEN WET sign and the road is wet? (Connecticut practice test)

  • Use cruise control
  • Brake hard
  • Reduce speed, avoid hard braking or sudden turns, and increase following distance
  • Pass slower vehicles
Show answer

Reduce speed, avoid hard braking or sudden turns, and increase following distance. On wet pavement reduce speed, don't brake hard or change direction suddenly, and increase your distance from the car ahead.

More warning signs

Road signs testAll road signs

From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th edition, section 2C.30. Sign image: public domain, source.