Warning sign · MUTCD W8-5
Slippery When Wet
The road surface ahead becomes unusually slippery in wet weather. Your tires may lose grip when braking, accelerating or turning.
- Shape
- Diamond
- Color
- Yellow background, black car with skid marks
What to do
Slow down before you reach the slippery section, especially in rain or when the road is just starting to get wet. Avoid hard braking, sudden steering and fast acceleration. Leave more distance to the vehicle ahead.
Where you see it
Before bridges, curves, polished pavement and other stretches that get slick when wet.
Test trap
The wavy lines are skid marks, not a 'winding road' — the winding road sign shows a single S-shaped arrow with no car. Also remember the road is most slippery in the first minutes of rain, when oil and dust float up.
Memory tip: A car with wiggly tracks is skidding — slow down when it's wet.
Practice question
A yellow diamond sign showing a car with wavy skid marks behind it means:
- Winding road
- Slippery when wet
- Car wash ahead
- Drifting is allowed
Answer: B. The road surface becomes slippery when wet. Slow down and avoid sudden braking or turns.
NY Driver's Manual: Road Signs You Must Know