Height Limit
The sign indicates a prohibition on traffic with vehicles exceeding a certain height if the clearance height is less than 4.5 meters.
When You See This Sign
When you see the sign you should immediately assess your vehicle height including cargo. If your height exceeds the indicated number you must not continue but choose another route or turn at a suitable place; if you are under the limit you may pass but do so with caution.
Rules & Regulations
- The sign prohibits traffic with vehicles that are higher than the indicated height — you must not drive past if your vehicle height exceeds the number on the sign.
- Vehicle height is measured from the road surface to the vehicle's highest point including cargo, roof boxes, antennas and other fixed or loose accessories.
- The prohibition applies to all vehicle types (car with roof load, truck, bus, towing vehicle with trailer) if they exceed the specified height, unless a special permit has been issued.
- The sign is used where the clear height is lower than 4.5 meters — therefore you often see it at tunnels, underpasses, garage entrances and old bridges.
Tips for Drivers
- Check the vehicle's actual height before approaching the location — don't forget roof loads, spare wheels and antennas.
- If you are unsure about the height: stop in a safe place, measure or check the vehicle documents and choose an alternative route if you exceed the limit.
- Look for supplementary signs (e.g. distance to obstacle or times when the restriction applies) and follow those instructions.
- As a truck or bus driver, plan in advance using height warnings in GPS or transport planning systems to avoid risky turns.
Common Mistakes
- Believing the sign only applies to trucks and not to cars with roof boxes or loads.
- Measuring or estimating the height without counting cargo and loose items on the roof.
- Assuming a small margin is safe — even a few centimeters too much can cause serious damage or getting stuck.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Height Limit
What applies at this road sign?
- A Vehicles taller than the specified measurement may not pass.
- B Vehicles wider than the specified measurement may not pass.
- C You must keep at least the indicated distance.
- D Vehicles longer than the specified measurement may not pass.
Exam Tip
On the theory test you may be tricked into answering that the sign only applies to the vehicle body — remember the question concerns the vehicle's highest point including cargo, roof boxes and antennas. A common test trick is also to confuse height limits with width limits.
Did You Know?
Restricted vehicle height is often used on older city streets, industrial passages and garage entrances where structures do not meet modern standard heights; the sign is red and white with the height measurement in meters and is placed when the clear height is under 4.5 meters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure the vehicle's height in practice?
Measure from the road surface to the vehicle's highest point including cargo and fixed accessories. If uncertain, measure or check the vehicle registration documents where the height is often stated.
Does the sign also apply to trailers?
Yes. The prohibition applies to the entire vehicle combination — measure the highest point of the whole combination (towing vehicle plus trailer) including cargo.
Can emergency vehicles go through even if they are too tall?
In practice, rescue services may act in emergencies, but legally the prohibition applies to all vehicles. Exceptions normally require special authority or permission.
What do I do if I already get stuck under an obstacle?
Stop the engine immediately, warn other road users and contact authorities or roadside assistance. Forcing onward can cause greater damage and personal risk.
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