Heavy Truck with Attached Trailer
The symbol indicates a heavy truck with a trailer.
When You See This Sign
If you are driving a heavy truck with an attached trailer you must immediately follow the rule or prohibition indicated by the sign — for example, refrain from entering, parking or using a particular lane. If you are not driving such a combination you are generally not affected, but read the entire sign carefully to avoid misunderstandings.
Rules & Regulations
- The symbol shows which vehicle type a subsequent rule or prohibition applies to — in this case heavy trucks with an attached trailer.
- By 'heavy truck' is normally meant in road traffic contexts a motor vehicle with a total weight over 3.5 tonnes; the symbol refers to the entire vehicle combination including the trailer.
- When this symbol is placed on a prohibition sign, a parking sign or a supplementary plate, drivers of heavy truck-and-trailer combinations must comply with the prohibition or instruction even if the trailer is empty.
- The symbol itself does not change other traffic rules — it only specifies which vehicles are affected by the adjacent sign or text.
Tips for Drivers
- Check whether your vehicle combination (the vehicle plus trailer) exceeds 3.5 tonnes before assuming the sign applies to you.
- Plan alternative routes in good time if the sign prohibits passage or parking for heavy truck-and-trailer combinations — such prohibitions are often found at bridges, narrow streets and in city centres.
- Be aware that the symbol can appear as a supplement under a main sign; read the entire sign carefully so you know whether the prohibition is directed at your vehicle category.
- Consider length and turning radius when choosing lanes and performing maneuvers if you are driving a truck with a trailer — the rules that apply to this combination can affect lane choice.
Common Mistakes
- Believing the symbol applies only to the trailer and not to the whole vehicle combination.
- Thinking the prohibition does not apply if the trailer is empty or lightly loaded — in fact it applies to the vehicle type regardless of load.
- Overlooking that the symbol is often an addition under a main sign and reading only the main symbol without noting which vehicles it specifies.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Heavy Truck with Attached Trailer
Which vehicles does this refer to?
- A Heavy truck with attached trailer
- B Passenger car
- C Bus
- D Motorcycle
Exam Tip
On the theory test the question may be posed so that you must decide whether the sign applies to your vehicle combination — always check whether the motor vehicle's total weight plus the trailer's total weight means you are classified as a 'heavy truck with an attached trailer'.
Did You Know?
The S2 symbol appears in the national transport administration's sign catalogue and is mainly used as a vehicle-specifying supplement on prohibition and mandatory signs; it often shows up at bridges, narrow city streets and entrances where vehicles with trailers can cause significant damage or danger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the sign apply even if the trailer is empty?
Yes. The symbol indicates a vehicle category and applies regardless of whether the trailer is loaded or empty. The assessment is based on the vehicle's or vehicle combination's total weight and construction.
Is the symbol a standalone sign that prohibits something?
Usually this symbol is used as a supplement on a main sign to specify which vehicles are covered. It is seldom used independently as a single prohibition sign.
When is a vehicle considered a 'heavy truck'?
In practice motor vehicles are regarded as heavy trucks when the total weight exceeds 3.5 tonnes. For this symbol the entire vehicle combination (motor vehicle plus attached trailer) is assessed.
Can the sign occur in urban environments?
Yes, the sign frequently appears in urban areas where large vehicles with trailers can cause accessibility problems or hazards, for example on narrow streets, in city centres or at bridge crossings. It is used to protect infrastructure and improve traffic safety.
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