Gross Weight
The sign indicates the gross weight
When You See This Sign
When you see this supplementary sign together with a main sign you should immediately determine whether your vehicle (including cargo and trailer) exceeds the indicated total weight. If you exceed the limit you may not continue and must choose another route or adjust the load.
Rules & Regulations
- The supplementary sign indicates the total weight (in tons) to which the main sign's prohibition or restriction applies, and is read together with the main sign above.
- The prohibition applies if your vehicle or a vehicle with a trailer has a total weight that exceeds the specified number — you may not continue on that road.
- The total weight refers to the vehicle’s current weight including cargo and any trailer; check the vehicle’s details in the registration certificate or redistribute/remove cargo so you do not exceed the limit.
- The sign shows the weight in tons (for example 3.5 = 3.5 tons); it must be obeyed even if the road still feels solid — weight limits often exist for traffic safety or load-bearing reasons.
Tips for Drivers
- Know your car's and any trailer's total weight by checking the registration certificate or the national transport authority's vehicle information before planning your route.
- If you are unsure whether you exceed the limit: stop and reconsider — remove cargo or choose another road without a weight restriction.
- Look for signs in combination: the T5 plate is always a supplementary sign placed under the main sign indicating the prohibition, so read both signs carefully.
- Plan deliveries and heavy loads in advance so you avoid roads with weight restrictions (especially in built-up areas and on bridges).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing total weight with axle load or the vehicle's unladen weight — the sign refers to the total weight of the entire vehicle (and any trailer, if present).
- Believing the sign is merely a recommendation — it indicates a valid restriction that must be followed.
- Misreading the figure: interpreting 3.5 as 35 or as kilograms instead of 3.5 tons.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Gross Weight
Which rule for vehicles applies according to this sign?
- A The sign indicates gross vehicle weight (maximum permitted total weight for the vehicle).
- B The sign indicates the maximum permitted vehicle length.
- C The sign indicates the maximum permitted axle load.
- D The sign indicates recommended load distribution.
Exam Tip
On the theory test, a question may try to trick you into thinking the sign refers to axle load or recommended maximum weight; the correct answer is that T5 specifies the total weight to which the prohibition applies and that it is always read together with the main sign above.
Did You Know?
T5 is a supplementary sign and is often used in combination with prohibition signs on narrow roads, older bridges, or in areas with low load-bearing capacity — the sign has been included in the national road sign catalog to provide an exact weight limit without changing the main sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the sign apply if I have a trailer?
Yes — if the total weight of the combination or the vehicle including the trailer exceeds the specified limit, the prohibition applies. Count the entire vehicle combination's weight when assessing whether you may proceed.
How do I know what my car's total weight is?
You find the vehicle's total weight in the registration certificate or via the national transport authority's vehicle information online. It is important to know both the car's and the trailer's details when assessing weight restrictions.
What happens if I drive past the sign even though I am heavier than specified?
It is a traffic offense that can lead to a fine or other penalty, and you also risk causing damage to the road or bridge as well as civil liability for any damage. Police can stop you and weigh the vehicle if suspected.
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