No Overtaking
The sign indicates a prohibition against overtaking other motor vehicles except for two-wheeled mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without sidecars.
When You See This Sign
When you see No overtaking (C27) you must refrain from overtaking other motorized vehicles and remain behind them until the prohibition ends. However, you may overtake two-wheeled mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without a sidecar if it is safe to do so.
Rules & Regulations
- The sign prohibits overtaking of other motorized vehicles on the stretch of road where the sign is posted (e.g., passenger cars, trucks, buses and tractors).
- Exceptions: two-wheeled mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without a sidecar may be overtaken even when the sign is in effect.
- The prohibition applies from the sign until it is lifted by an end-of-overtaking-prohibition sign or other road signage that explicitly changes the rule.
- The road sign takes precedence over road markings; even if road markings appear to allow overtaking you must obey the prohibition sign.
Tips for Drivers
- Slowly adjust your distance to the vehicle in front and plan to remain behind it until the prohibition ends. This reduces stress and the risk of illegal maneuvers.
- Be attentive to two-wheeled mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without a sidecar which you are allowed to overtake, but do so cautiously and safely because they are smaller and easier to miss.
- Look for the sign that indicates the end of the prohibition before starting an overtaking maneuver. A common exam trick is to show a short stretch without an end sign — the prohibition still applies if no end sign is visible.
- Do not ignore the sign just because road markings or oncoming traffic look calm; follow the prohibition and wait until it officially ends.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking that the sign forbids overtaking in both directions or that it always applies to all vehicles regardless of direction.
- Assuming that two-wheeled motorcycles and mopeds are covered by the prohibition; they are explicitly exempt.
- Neglecting the sign because the road marking appears to allow overtaking — many learners think markings always take precedence, which is not the case here.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: No Overtaking
What does this road sign indicate?
- A Overtaking is prohibited for all vehicles.
- B Only trucks are not allowed to overtake.
- C Overtaking is only prohibited for two-wheeled vehicles.
- D The overtaking ban applies only in bad weather.
Exam Tip
On the theory test you are often tested on exactly which vehicles are exempt from the prohibition. Learn the wording by heart: 'two-wheeled mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without a sidecar' — it is a common trap to state motorcycles with a sidecar or three-wheeled mopeds as exempt.
Did You Know?
C27 typically shows two cars (one black and one red) in a circle with a red border and is often used on narrow country roads, hill crests and stretches with poor visibility to reduce the risk of dangerous meeting-overtakes. The sign was introduced to improve road safety on sections where overtaking has historically caused accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the prohibition also apply to bicycles and pedestrians?
No, the sign specifically applies to overtaking of other motorized vehicles. Bicycles and pedestrians are not motorized vehicles, but you must still exercise care and adapt your driving to the situation.
Does the sign prevent someone else from overtaking me?
No, the sign prohibits you from overtaking other vehicles in your direction. It says nothing about other road users overtaking you; they may be subject to a different sign that regulates their ability to overtake.
Can I overtake a two-wheeled motorcycle when the sign is posted?
Yes, two-wheeled motorcycles without a sidecar and two-wheeled mopeds are explicitly exempt and may be overtaken. However, do so only if visibility and space are sufficient for a safe overtaking.
When does the overtaking prohibition end?
The prohibition ends when you pass a specific end-of-overtaking-prohibition sign or when other road signage clearly changes the rule. It does not end automatically at a junction or bend unless an end sign is shown.
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