No Overtaking by Heavy Truck
The sign indicates a prohibition against overtaking other motor vehicles, except for two-wheeled mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without sidecars, with a heavy truck.
When You See This Sign
When you pass the sign you should, if you are driving a heavy truck, refrain from overtaking other motorized vehicles (except two-wheeled mopeds and motorcycles without a sidecar). Adjust your speed and the distance behind the vehicle ahead and wait for the prohibition to end or for the road section to become safe for overtaking.
Rules & Regulations
- The sign prohibits drivers of heavy trucks (typically vehicles with a total weight over 3.5 tonnes) from overtaking other motorized vehicles, with the exception of two-wheeled mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without a sidecar.
- The prohibition applies to the vehicle including any trailer if the vehicle combination together is classified as a heavy truck.
- The prohibition applies from the sign's location and until it is explicitly lifted by an end sign or other traffic signal that changes the rule.
- The sign's prohibition is specifically aimed at heavy trucks; other road users must follow their respective overtaking rules but are not directly affected by this prohibition.
Tips for Drivers
- As a heavy truck driver: plan overtakes in advance and accept that you must remain behind slower vehicles until the prohibition ends.
- Use mirrors and signal well in advance if you intend to change lanes where overtaking is allowed after the prohibition; never attempt a partial overtake while the prohibition is in effect.
- As a motorist: expect heavy trucks not to overtake on the signed stretch — avoid pressuring them or making sudden lane changes that could create dangerous situations.
- Pay attention to supplemental plates that indicate the length of the stretch or times so you know how long the prohibition applies.
Common Mistakes
- Believing the prohibition applies to all vehicles; it applies only to heavy trucks and not to passenger cars or buses.
- Missing the exception and thinking heavy trucks are not allowed to overtake motorcycles or two-wheeled mopeds — these are exempt and may be overtaken.
- Confusing the sign with a general no-overtaking ban for all vehicles and answering theory-test questions incorrectly about which vehicles are affected.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: No Overtaking by Heavy Truck
How should you interpret this road sign?
- A Heavy trucks are not allowed to overtake other vehicles.
- B No vehicles are allowed to overtake heavy trucks.
- C Only heavy trucks are allowed to overtake.
- D Overtaking is prohibited for all vehicles during certain times.
Exam Tip
On the theory test you may get a trick question — remember that heavy trucks are allowed to overtake two-wheeled mopeds and motorcycles without a sidecar, but not other motorized vehicles.
Did You Know?
The sign is often used on narrow, winding, or hilly rural roads where overtaking by heavy trucks increases the risk of collisions and traffic queues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the sign also apply if the truck is towing a trailer?
Yes — if the vehicle combination together is classified as a heavy truck (for example with a total weight over 3.5 tonnes), it is covered by the prohibition. The classification is made for the entire combination.
May a heavy truck overtake a two-wheeled moped or motorcycle?
Yes, the exception in the sign allows heavy trucks to overtake two-wheeled mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without a sidecar, provided it is safe and no other traffic rules or signs prohibit overtaking.
Does the sign affect buses and passenger cars?
No, the sign is specifically directed at heavy trucks. Passenger cars and buses are not covered by this prohibition but must follow other overtaking rules.
How do I know when the prohibition ends?
The prohibition ends when you pass a specific end sign for the no-overtaking restriction for heavy trucks or when another traffic sign clearly changes the rule. The prohibition does not automatically end at intersections unless an end sign is present.
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