Maximum Gross Weight for Vehicles
The sign indicates a prohibition on traffic with vehicles exceeding a certain gross weight.
When You See This Sign
When you see this sign you should immediately assess whether your vehicle (and any trailer) exceeds the indicated gross weight. If the total weight is over the limit you must not proceed — seek an alternative route or follow any exceptions shown on a supplementary plate.
Rules & Regulations
- The sign indicates that vehicles with a gross weight exceeding the indicated weight are prohibited from passing the sign.
- Gross weight refers to the vehicle's total weight including cargo and, for vehicle combinations, the combined gross weight for the entire combination (vehicle + trailer).
- Any supplementary plates under the sign may indicate exceptions (for example special permits, times, or vehicle types) — these must be followed.
- Violation is a traffic offence and may lead to fines and the obligation to immediately turn around or move the vehicle if it is not possible to proceed safely.
Tips for Drivers
- Check your vehicle registration certificate before driving (it shows the vehicle's gross/total weight) if you are driving heavier vehicles or with a trailer.
- If you are unsure about the weight of a vehicle combination — add together the registered weights for the towing vehicle and the trailer or check the permitted total weight in the registration documents.
- Note additional plates under the sign that may allow exceptions (temporary works, resident parking, certain times) and follow those instructions.
- Plan your route in advance for heavy vehicles so that you avoid roads with weight restrictions, especially in older neighborhoods or on narrow bridges.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking the sign applies only to the vehicle's unladen weight and not to cargo or trailers; it usually includes them.
- Misunderstanding that the weight limit applies per axle — it does not; sign C20 indicates total gross weight, not axle load.
- Failing to notice supplementary plates that may provide important exceptions or time restrictions.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Maximum Gross Weight for Vehicles
How should you act when you see this sign?
- A Vehicles with a gross weight exceeding the specified value are prohibited (limit per vehicle).
- B The weight per axle must not exceed the specified value.
- C Applies only to vehicles with trailers (vehicle combinations).
- D Indicates the maximum load in tons for the cargo area.
Exam Tip
On the theory test you may be asked the difference between 'gross weight' and 'axle load' — learn that C20 indicates the total gross weight for the vehicle/vehicle combination, while a separate sign indicates a per-axle limitation.
Did You Know?
Weight limits are often set at older bridges, narrow country roads, or areas with weak supports and foundations to protect road and bridge structures. The sign's simple white circle with a red border is used in many countries for weight limits, but exact design and application follow Swedish traffic regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the sign also apply if I have a small trailer?
Yes — you must count the combined gross weight for the entire vehicle combination. If the combination's total weight exceeds the sign's limit it is prohibited to pass.
How do I know what my vehicle's gross weight is?
The gross weight (total weight) is listed in the vehicle registration certificate. It includes the vehicle's own weight plus the maximum load, so check the documents before driving on roads with weight limits.
May I drive if there is a supplementary plate that gives times?
If the supplementary plate indicates that the prohibition applies only at certain times, the restriction applies only during those times. Outside those times, vehicles under the allowed weight may drive as usual — always follow the supplementary plate's instructions.
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