Prohibition of Traffic with Animal-Pulled Vehicles
The sign indicates a prohibition of traffic with vehicles pulled by animals.
When You See This Sign
When you see the sign, if you are driving an animal-drawn vehicle you must not continue past the sign and should choose another route. If you are not operating an animal-drawn vehicle you may continue, but you should check for supplementary plates that modify the prohibition or indicate distances and exceptions.
Rules & Regulations
- The sign (C12) prohibits traffic with animal-drawn vehicles — it is forbidden to drive a cart, wagon, or any other vehicle pulled by animals past the sign.
- The prohibition applies to the stretch of road and the direction where the sign is posted. The sign does not automatically apply to other road user groups unless another sign indicates so.
- Any supplementary plates beneath the sign may indicate exceptions, time restrictions, or distances. These supplementary plates must be obeyed.
- Motor vehicles, bicycles and other vehicles that are not drawn by animals are not affected by this prohibition unless another traffic sign forbids them.
Tips for Drivers
- If you are driving an animal-drawn vehicle, plan an alternative route in good time and follow road signs or local instructions.
- Look for supplementary plates beneath the sign — they may indicate that the prohibition only applies at certain times or that an exception applies for, for example, residents or service vehicles.
- If you as a driver are unsure whether your vehicle counts as 'drawn by animals', choose another route or contact the local road authority. Avoid guessing in traffic situations.
- As a motor vehicle driver: be alert at entrances and intersections near the sign — animals and wagons may be present nearby even if they are not allowed to pass that particular sign.
Common Mistakes
- Believing that the sign prohibits riding — the wording refers to vehicles drawn by animals, which normally does not include riders.
- Assuming the prohibition applies to other slow vehicles like tractors or bicycles — the sign specifically applies to animal-drawn vehicles.
- Failing to notice supplementary plates and thus missing exceptions or time restrictions.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Prohibition of Traffic with Animal-Pulled Vehicles
What should you be aware of here?
- A Vehicles drawn by draft animals (e.g. horse-drawn carriages) are prohibited.
- B Riding is prohibited.
- C Only horses are allowed to be used on the road.
- D Bicycles and mopeds are prohibited.
Exam Tip
In theory test questions, they may try to trick you by asking whether the sign prohibits riding or motor vehicles. Remember that C12 prohibits vehicles drawn by animals — also check for supplementary plates that state exceptions or time intervals.
Did You Know?
The sign is relatively uncommon in modern traffic because animal-drawn vehicles are now rare in everyday traffic. It appears more often in historic areas, tourist areas with horse-drawn carriage rides, or at particularly narrow passages where animal-drawn vehicles are not allowed. The sign's official designation in the traffic sign catalogue is C12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the sign apply to people riding horses?
The term 'vehicles drawn by animals' refers to vehicles pulled by animals, not riders. Riding is normally not covered, but there may be separate signage prohibiting riding at that specific location.
Does the prohibition apply if the horse is transported in a car or truck?
No; if the horse is transported in a motor vehicle it is not considered an animal-drawn vehicle. The prohibition is aimed at carts and wagons that are themselves pulled by animals.
Can there be exceptions to the prohibition?
Yes; supplementary plates often indicate exceptions for, e.g., residents, work, or specific times. Authorities can also issue permits in certain cases, which will be shown by additional signage.
Where are you likely to see this sign in Sweden?
You will find the sign mostly in rural areas, historic centers, areas with tourist carriage rides, or at narrow passages and bridges where animal-drawn vehicles are unsuitable. It is less common in modern urban streets.
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