Heavy Truck
The symbol indicates heavy truck
When You See This Sign
If you are driving a heavy goods vehicle (total weight over 3,500 kg) you must obey the sign: at a prohibition you may not pass. If you are driving a lighter vehicle you are normally not affected, but be alert if the sign indicates different rules for lanes, parking or exits.
Rules & Regulations
- The symbol indicates the vehicle category heavy goods vehicle, that is trucks with a total weight over 3,500 kg.
- When the symbol appears in a prohibition sign (red circle) it means No entry for heavy goods vehicles — vehicles in this category are not allowed to pass the sign.
- When the symbol is used on information or guidance signs it specifies that a certain rule (e.g. a parking rule, a holding area or a traffic lane) applies only to heavy goods vehicles.
- The regulation applies to the vehicle's total weight, not whether the truck is empty or partly loaded — if the vehicle is classified as heavy based on total weight the driver must obey the sign.
Tips for Drivers
- If you are driving a passenger car you can normally ignore the sign, but be alert if the sign indicates a lane or exit reserved for heavy goods vehicles — traffic patterns and road signs may differ.
- If you are driving a heavy goods vehicle check the total weight before entering roads where the sign shows a prohibition; plan alternative routes in good time to avoid prohibited areas.
- When the sign is used at bridges or weight restrictions it often means heavy goods vehicles are prohibited for safety reasons — reduce speed and follow any diversion instructions.
- Always read supplementary signs or additional plates (e.g. times or exemptions) because the symbol often appears with text that specifies when or for which vehicles the prohibition applies.
Common Mistakes
- Believing the sign prohibits all types of commercial vehicles, including light trucks under 3,500 kg — it only applies to heavy goods vehicles according to the weight threshold.
- Assuming the sign always means prohibition; in informational contexts the same symbol can simply indicate which vehicles a rule is aimed at (e.g. a dedicated lane).
- Not checking supplementary texts or times — many signs with the heavy goods vehicle symbol have exceptions or time restrictions that determine whether the prohibition applies at a given time.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Heavy Truck
What does this symbol show on a prohibition sign or an additional plate?
- A The symbol indicates heavy truck.
- B The symbol indicates bus.
- C The symbol indicates passenger car.
- D The symbol indicates motorcycle.
Exam Tip
On the driving theory test you may get a question testing whether the sign applies to vehicles with trailers — remember that what counts is the total weight of the vehicle/vehicle combination; if it exceeds 3,500 kg it is subject to the sign. Also pay attention to whether the symbol is inside a red circle (that indicates a prohibition).
Did You Know?
The heavy goods vehicle symbol is a standardized vehicle icon often used together with other signs in urban areas, at bridges or in port areas to reduce wear and increase safety. In many city centers it is used to restrict through traffic by heavy vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the sign apply to a passenger car with a trailer?
It depends on the total weight. If the vehicle or vehicle combination exceeds 3,500 kg and is thus classified as a heavy goods vehicle, the sign applies. If the combination is below the limit you are not affected.
What is the boundary between light and heavy truck?
The boundary is generally 3,500 kg total weight. Trucks with a total weight over 3,500 kg are considered heavy and covered by the sign.
Does the symbol always mean prohibition?
No. The symbol alone can be an informational or guidance symbol indicating which vehicles a rule applies to. If it is inside a red circle, however, it means prohibition for heavy goods vehicles.
Where is this sign most commonly seen in Sweden?
It is commonly found at entrances to city centers, at bridges with weight limits, in port areas and on signs marking special lanes or parking rules for heavy vehicles.
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