Prohibition signs

What do prohibition signs look like?

Prohibition signs are round with a white background, red border and black symbols. There are exceptions to this rule of thumb. Prohibition signs forbid traffic of certain vehicles or specific manners of driving. The signs typically apply from the sign until the next intersection.

Length limit

The prohibition applies to vehicles or vehicle combinations, including their load, that are longer than indicated.

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Is the length limit sign important for the theory test and the practical driving test?

The length limit sign is relevant for the theory test and the practical driving test, especially for those who will drive larger vehicles. It is important to understand the meaning and the consequences of ignoring the sign.

What does the length limit sign mean?

The length limit sign means that vehicles or vehicle combinations that are longer than what is stated on the sign are not allowed to drive on the road. This applies to both the vehicle and what you are transporting, that is, the load or cargo. The sign is round, white with a red border, and the length is stated in meters in the middle, for example "10 m". If your vehicle or vehicle combination, including the load, is longer than what is stated on the sign, you must find another route.

What is a vehicle combination?

A vehicle combination is a vehicle that has one or more trailers attached to it.

Where do you find the length limit sign?

This sign is often used in places where long vehicles can have trouble maneuvering, for example:

Curvy or narrow roads – where long vehicles can block or damage the road.
Urban areas with narrow streets – to avoid traffic standstills or dangerous situations.
Ferries and bridges – where there is limited space for longer vehicles.

Picture of a 12-meter length limit sign for through traffic in Åsgårdstrand

What happens if you drive past the length limit sign with a vehicle combination that is too long?

If you drive a vehicle or vehicle combination with a load longer than what is allowed, you can create dangerous situations. It can be difficult to steer the vehicle, and you may have poor visibility. You can also get stuck, damage things like roads, tunnels or bridges, or stop traffic for others.

The difference between the length limit, width limit, and height limit signs is:

The length limit sign shows how long a vehicle or vehicle combination (including load) can be in order to be allowed to continue driving.
The width limit sign shows how wide a vehicle (including load) can be in order to drive on the road.
The height limit sign shows how tall a vehicle (including load) can be in order to pass, for example under a bridge or through a tunnel.

Why is this sign important?

The length limit sign is important to avoid dangerous situations and ensure that traffic flows as it should. Long vehicles, such as vehicle combinations with loads, can have trouble maneuvering on narrow or curvy roads, in tight urban areas, or in places with limited space, such as bridges and ferries. The sign helps prevent such vehicles from getting stuck, damaging the road or infrastructure, or blocking traffic for others. It contributes to both safety and accessibility on the roads.