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Actual mass
Regulatory prohibition For vehicle combinations, the restriction imposed by sign 262 applies to the individual vehicle; for articulated vehicles, it applies separately to the tractor unit including the imposed load on the fifth wheel and to the actual axle loads of the semi-trailer. Explanation The sign may be integrated into a lane-transition board, lane-diversion board or lane board. In that case, the prohibition applies only to the respective lane for which the prohibition is ordered.
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When you see the Zeichen
Check whether your vehicle’s actual mass exceeds the value shown on the sign. If it does, you may not use the road or the marked lane and must choose another route.
Rules
- Zeichen 262 prohibits you from continuing if the vehicle’s actual mass exceeds the value shown on the sign.
- The decisive factor is the vehicle’s current actual mass, including the driver, passengers, load and operating fluids—not the permissible maximum mass stated in the vehicle documents.
- For vehicle combinations, each individual vehicle is generally considered separately; the masses of the towing vehicle and trailer are not simply added together to determine the total mass of the combination.
- For articulated vehicles, the actual mass of the tractor unit, including the fifth-wheel load, is relevant; for the semitrailer, its actual axle loads are decisive.
- If Zeichen 262 is integrated into a lane transition, lane diversion or lane diagram sign, the prohibition applies only to the correspondingly marked lane.
Tips
- Before setting off, take into account not only the unladen mass but also passengers, luggage and any other load.
- If you are close to the stated limit and do not know the actual mass with certainty, use a suitable vehicle weighing station or choose another route as a precaution.
- When looking at lane diagrams, pay close attention to which lane the sign is shown above or within.
- For heavily loaded vehicles, plan an alternative route early, as the prohibition often serves to protect bridges or sections of road.
Common misunderstandings
- Zeichen 262 is confused with Zeichen 253: Zeichen 262 refers to the actual mass, while Zeichen 253 generally applies to a permissible maximum mass of more than 3.5 tonnes.
- With a vehicle combination, the actual masses of the towing vehicle and trailer are often added together, even though with Zeichen 262 each individual vehicle must generally be assessed separately.
- Some learner drivers believe that a vehicle with exactly the stated value is prohibited. However, the prohibition only applies once the stated actual mass is exceeded.
Exam tip
In theory-test questions, pay particular attention to the terms “actual mass” and “permissible maximum mass”. With Zeichen 262, another common trap is adding the masses of the towing vehicle and trailer together instead of checking the individual vehicles separately.
Did you know
Zeichen 262 is used particularly where structures or sections of road have limited load-bearing capacity, for example before bridges. It can also be integrated directly into a lane diagram sign and thereby prohibit only a single lane.
Frequently asked questions
What does an indication of 5.5 t on Zeichen 262 mean?
A vehicle may not use the affected road if its actual mass is more than 5.5 tonnes. At exactly 5.5 tonnes, the limit shown on the sign has not been exceeded.
Where can I find the actual mass in the vehicle documents?
The current actual mass is not normally listed there as a permanently valid value because it changes with the occupants, load and operating fluids. It must be determined from the vehicle’s current loading condition or established by weighing it.
Are the actual masses of a passenger car and trailer added together?
No. With Zeichen 262, the restriction generally applies to each individual vehicle in the combination. The towing vehicle and trailer must therefore each comply with the stated limit separately.
Does Zeichen 262 apply only to heavy goods vehicles?
No, the sign is not limited to heavy goods vehicles. It applies to any vehicle whose actual mass exceeds the stated value.
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Other Zeichen in the same category
Prohibition for vehicles of all kinds
Prohibition for motor vehicles
Prohibition for motor vehicles over 3.5 t
Prohibition for bicycle traffic
Prohibition for motorcycles
Prohibition for pedestrians
Prohibition for motor vehicles
Prohibition for motor vehicles carrying dangerous goods and subject to marking