Steep Hill Upward Sign
The steep hill upward sign warns of a significant uphill grade ahead. Slow vehicles may lose speed significantly on the grade, and drivers should choose an appropriate gear and be prepared for changing traffic conditions.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
The steep uphill sign alerts drivers that the road rises sharply. Vehicles carrying heavy loads may slow significantly or even stall on steep grades. Some steep inclines have a climbing lane on the right for slow-moving vehicles. Drivers in fast vehicles should use the left lane to pass slow traffic and not follow closely behind slow vehicles on the grade.
Quick Facts
Type
Warning Sign
Shape
Diamond
Colours
Yellow background with black truck-on-upward-slope symbol
In this guide
What does the Steep Hill Upward Sign mean?
The steep uphill sign alerts drivers that the road rises sharply. Vehicles carrying heavy loads may slow significantly or even stall on steep grades. Some steep inclines have a climbing lane on the right for slow-moving vehicles. Drivers in fast vehicles should use the left lane to pass slow traffic and not follow closely behind slow vehicles on the grade.
What to do when you see it
Downshift to a gear that allows your engine to maintain adequate speed without straining. Do not tailgate slow vehicles on the grade. If your vehicle is slow, use the climbing or slow vehicle lane on the right side. Maintain enough distance behind vehicles ahead to allow for sudden stops on steep grades.
Where you'll see it in Ontario
Steep hill upward signs appear at the base of significant road grades. In Ontario, they are found on the Niagara Escarpment, roads climbing out of river valleys, and on some highway approaches to elevated terrain north of Toronto.
G1 test relevance
G1 test questions on uphill driving often address following distance, which should be increased on steep grades because vehicles stop more slowly downhill and stopping distances increase. Questions may also address climbing lanes and the obligation to use them if driving a slow vehicle.
Common mistakes drivers make
Tailgating on steep uphills is a common and dangerous mistake. If the vehicle ahead stalls or stops suddenly, the following distance needed to stop is much greater on a grade. Another error is failing to maintain speed in a lane and blocking faster traffic without pulling right.
Related Signs
Steep Hill Downward Sign
The steep hill downward sign warns of a significant downgrade ahead. Drivers must select an appropriate gear before descending to avoid brake fade, especially in heavy vehicles.
Learn moreLane Use Control Sign
Lane use control signs use arrows to show which manoeuvres are permitted from each lane at an intersection. Drivers must follow the arrow in the lane they occupy.
Learn moreSpeed Limit Sign
The speed limit sign is a white rectangular sign showing the maximum legal speed in kilometres per hour for that section of road. Drivers must not exceed the posted number under normal conditions.
Learn moreNo Passing Zone Sign
The no passing zone sign is a yellow pennant-shaped sign that marks the beginning of a section where overtaking other vehicles is prohibited. It always appears on the left side of the road facing the driver.
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