  We analyze the Rice-Ruina state and rate dependent friction model. The system
consists of one or two blocks driven by springs with constant velocity on a
dry, rough surface. Our discussion is limited to the creep-like motion, when
the driving velocity is small. Two regimes of motion are observed: stick-slip
and steady sliding. The stability of the steady sliding depends on the model
parameters. Numerical and analytical results show a transition between two
regimes: the system passes directly from uniform to stick-slip motion. The
calculations are performed also for two driven blocks. Then, the transition has
the same character and it appears at the same point.
