Steep Downgrade Sign

Updated July 9, 2026

Steep Downgrade · MUTCD W7-1 · Warning sign

What the Steep Downgrade sign means

This yellow diamond shows a truck on a downhill slope, warning of a steep grade ahead where you will be descending a long or sharp hill. Shift to a lower gear before starting down so the engine helps control your speed, and avoid riding the brakes, which can overheat and fade them. It is posted at the top of steep hills, especially on mountain roads and truck routes. Watch for runaway-truck ramps and posted advisory speeds, and keep extra following distance since stopping takes longer downhill.

What to do when you see it

Shift to a lower gear before descending and use engine braking; do not ride the brakes down the hill.

On the CA permit test

The truck-on-a-slope diamond warns of a steep downgrade — downshift and avoid overheating your brakes.

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