Limited Vehicle Width
The sign indicates a prohibition on traffic with vehicles exceeding a certain width. The maximum allowed width is specified on the sign.
When You See This Sign
When you see the sign you should immediately assess whether your vehicle, including cargo and any trailer, is narrower than the indicated number. If you are wider you must not pass and must stop or choose an alternative route. If you are close to the limit, reduce your speed and carefully check whether the passage is safe before continuing.
Rules & Regulations
- The sign prohibits vehicles that are wider than the number shown on the sign.
- The prohibition applies to the vehicle's widest part in the current driving situation, which includes cargo and any trailers or towed vehicles.
- The prohibition applies from the point where the sign is posted and continues until it is lifted by a specific end sign or another road sign that changes the restriction.
- Applies to all road users; passing through despite the vehicle exceeding the indicated width can create a traffic hazard, liability for damages, and fines.
Tips for Drivers
- Check your vehicle width including cargo and any trailer before passing the sign; know the maximum width for your current configuration.
- If in doubt, stop in a safe position before the sign and assess whether passage is possible or if you need to choose an alternative route.
- Be especially cautious at bridges, tunnels, and narrow city streets where the sign often appears and where space for evasive maneuvers is limited.
- If you are towing a trailer, check the combined width of the car and trailer so that it does not exceed the indicated number.
Common Mistakes
- Believing the sign only applies to heavy vehicles or lorries — it applies to all vehicles that are wider than the specified measurement.
- Confusing a width restriction with a height or length restriction and reacting incorrectly.
- Assuming that small protruding parts or temporary cargo do not count — always assess the actual width in the driving situation.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Limited Vehicle Width
What should you consider here?
- A Vehicles wider than the specified measurement may not pass.
- B Vehicles taller than the specified measurement may not pass.
- C Vehicles longer than the specified measurement may not pass.
- D Maximum speed applies.
Exam Tip
A common exam trap is the question about whether trailers or cargo count — the correct answer is that you must take into account the vehicle's actual width in the current situation including cargo and trailers. Also remember that the prohibition applies from the sign's location until it is explicitly lifted.
Did You Know?
Restricted vehicle width (C16) is often used at old bridges, narrow tunnels and tight city streets where space is limited. The number on the sign is normally given in meters with one decimal (e.g., 2.6) and the sign is part of the European road sign catalogue that has also influenced local signage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the permitted width measured — does it include cargo and trailers?
Yes. The sign refers to the vehicle's actual width in the current driving situation which includes cargo and any attached vehicles. If your combined width exceeds the number, you may not pass.
Does the sign apply to wing mirrors and other protruding parts?
You must assess the vehicle's widest part in the driving situation, which means protruding parts can affect whether you may pass. For detailed measurement methodology, refer to the Swedish Transport Agency's regulations.
What happens if I accidentally drive through and my car is too wide?
This can lead to damage to your vehicle and the road infrastructure as well as liability for costs and possible fines. Additionally it creates a traffic hazard and may cause you to block or obstruct other traffic.
Are there exceptions, for example for emergency vehicles or local deliveries?
In practice emergency vehicles may need to override rules during emergencies, but as a general rule the prohibition applies to ordinary road users. For the theory test you should treat the sign as a binding prohibition that must be followed by regular drivers.
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