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Swiss Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the 'Black Ice or Slippery Snow' Supplementary Road Sign (5.13)

5.13 - Black ice on road (or slippery snow on road) Swiss road sign meaning

This supplementary panel, code 5.13, is always found with another main traffic sign and warns of potential black ice or slippery snow conditions. It doesn't stand alone; it modifies the main sign's instruction by specifying distance, direction, a particular vehicle category, an exception, or the weather condition. Always interpret it in conjunction with the primary sign to understand the complete message for safe driving, especially during winter.

Understanding the Black Ice Warning Sign

This supplementary panel, catalogue code 5.13, warns of hazardous road conditions like black ice or slippery snow, crucially impacting how you interpret the primary sign it accompanies. Mastering this sign's meaning is vital for your theory test revision, especially on Swiss mountain roads.

Definition of 5.13

This supplementary panel modifies the main sign it accompanies. It can define distance, length, direction, vehicle category, exception, weather condition, time, or the start and end of a rule. Ignoring the panel can make the main sign too broad or too narrow, so theory explanations should describe the complete sign assembly rather than the panel alone. Official catalogue code: 5.13.

Meaning of 5.13

The "Black ice on road (or slippery snow on road)" panel adds official scope information to the main sign, such as distance, direction, category, exception, or condition. It is not read alone. Catalogue code 5.13.

Allowed actions for 5.13

Apply the panel only together with the main sign it modifies.Use it to determine distance, length, direction, time, vehicle category, exception, or condition.

Prohibited actions for 5.13

Do not read the panel as a standalone rule.Do not ignore the panel when it narrows, extends, starts, ends, or exempts the main sign.

5.13 - Black ice on road (or slippery snow on road) road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 5.13 - Black ice on road (or slippery snow on road) road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the Swiss driving theory exam in Switzerland.

What does the 5.13 supplementary panel mean?

The 5.13 panel indicates that the main traffic sign it's attached to applies specifically under conditions of black ice or slippery snow. It's crucial to remember that this panel modifies the primary sign and doesn't impose a rule on its own. It helps drivers anticipate hazardous road conditions indicated by the main sign.

How should I react when I see sign 5.13 with another sign?

When you see the 5.13 panel, you must adjust your driving according to the main sign it accompanies, while being extra cautious due to the potential for black ice or slippery snow. This might mean reducing your speed, increasing your following distance, or preparing for specific actions like stopping or yielding, depending on the main sign's instruction and the current road conditions.

Can I ignore the 5.13 panel if the main sign is more important?

No, you must never ignore the 5.13 supplementary panel. Its purpose is to define the exact scope or applicability of the main sign. Ignoring it could lead you to misunderstand or misapply the main sign's rule, potentially causing a hazard. For example, if a speed limit sign is accompanied by the 5.13 panel, the speed limit might only apply when ice or slippery snow is present.

What are common mistakes learners make with supplementary panels like 5.13?

A common mistake is treating the supplementary panel as a standalone sign or neglecting its importance in defining the main sign's context. Learners might also fail to consider how the mentioned conditions (black ice/slippery snow) impact the primary sign's instruction. Always look at the whole sign assembly, including panels, before deciding on your action.

Does sign 5.13 mean the road is always slippery?

Sign 5.13 indicates a warning about potential black ice or slippery snow. It means that conditions that cause such slipperiness might be present or are expected, and the main sign's instruction is particularly relevant under these specific circumstances. It's a warning to be prepared for reduced grip.

5.13 - Black ice on road (or slippery snow on road) road sign image

A clear reference image of the 5.13 - Black ice on road (or slippery snow on road) road sign used in Switzerland.

5.13 - Black ice on road (or slippery snow on road) road sign

Other names for the 5.13 - Black ice on road (or slippery snow on road)

The 5.13 - Black ice on road (or slippery snow on road) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Black ice on road (or slippery snow on road)Black ice on road5.13 supplementary panel5.13 Swiss supplementary panelsupplementary panels

Swiss Supplementary Panels road sign category

The 5.13 - Black ice on road (or slippery snow on road) road sign is part of the Swiss Supplementary Panels category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Road Sign Knowledge

Comparing related road signs, like different warning panels, helps cement your understanding for the Swiss theory test. Effective traffic sign comparison and focused sign recognition practice reduce confusion and prevent mistakes during your exam preparation.

5.01 - Distance (to which the meaning of a sign applies) road sign

Distance (to which the meaning of a sign applies)

The 5.01 'Distance' Panel: Modifying Main Signs for Clarity

Swiss Supplementary Panels5.01
5.02 - Distance and direction road sign

Distance and direction

Decipher supplementary panels like the 'Distance and Direction' sign (5.02) with clarity

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5.03 - Range of validity (the range for which a danger, regulation, restriction, or an indication is valid) road sign

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Swiss Supplementary Panels5.04
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Understand the Swiss 5.05 Start Panel: Signalling the Beginning of a Traffic Regulation

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The 5.06 End Panel: Signalling the End of a Static Traffic Regulation

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The 5.07 Direction Indicator Panel: Adding Context to Road Signs

Swiss Supplementary Panels5.07
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Understand Sign 5.09: The Routing of a Principal Road

Swiss Supplementary Panels5.09

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