Slippery When Wet Sign
Road surface is slippery in wet conditions
What to do
Reduce speed in rain. Increase following distance.
Tips
First rain after dry period is most dangerous - oil rises to surface.
Test yourself
You see this sign while driving. What do you have to do?
Show the answer
Reduce speed in rain. Increase following distance.
Common mistake
Not reducing speed enough in wet conditions
About warning signs
Warning signs are diamond-shaped and yellow with black symbols. They alert you to hazards ahead — curves, intersections, crossings — so you have time to slow down. On the DMV written test, expect several questions asking what a specific warning sign means and what action it calls for.
Practice questions about this sign
This sign showing a skidding car warns that:
- A. Studded tires are required on this road
- B. The road is closed during rain
- C. An icy bridge is ahead year-round
- D. The road surface becomes slippery in wet conditions
Show answer
D. The road surface becomes slippery in wet conditions — This sign warns that the pavement loses traction when wet, so drivers should slow down and increase their following distance in rain.
Universal rule · checked against MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 2 — Signs (General) — Traffic Signs — General · verified 2026-08-01
Frequently asked questions
What does the Slippery When Wet Sign mean?
Road surface is slippery in wet conditions
What should you do at a Slippery When Wet Sign?
Reduce speed in rain. Increase following distance.
Reference standard: Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices ↗. State and local agencies may add rules or operating times, so follow the complete posted sign where you drive. How DMV Prep sources content.
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