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Prohibition for motor vehicles carrying dangerous goods and subject to marking
Regulatory prohibition Prohibition for motor vehicles carrying dangerous goods and subject to marking
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When you see the Zeichen
If you are driving a motor vehicle that is required to display dangerous-goods markings, you may not drive on the road beyond this sign. Follow a signposted detour or choose a permitted alternative route in good time; as a rule, you may continue driving if your vehicle is not required to display such markings.
Rules
- The prohibition applies exclusively to motor vehicles carrying dangerous goods that are required to display the relevant markings.
- What matters is the requirement to display markings under the dangerous-goods regulations, not merely the vehicle type, size or permissible gross vehicle weight.
- Dangerous-goods transports that are not required to display markings due to exemptions or small quantities are generally not covered by Zeichen 261.
- Zusatzzeichen may specify the prohibition in terms of time or other conditions, or permit exceptions.
- A vehicle required to display the relevant markings may not enter the restricted road section and must use a permitted alternative route.
Tips
- When transporting dangerous goods, check before setting off whether your planned route is closed by Zeichen 261.
- Look out early for advance direction signs and signposted dangerous-goods detours so that you can turn off safely before reaching the sign.
- Assess the prohibition based on whether the load is actually required to display dangerous-goods markings, not merely on the presence of orange plates, which may be closed or covered.
- Read any Zusatzzeichen carefully, as they may specify, for example, time restrictions or exceptions.
Common misunderstandings
- Zeichen 261 is confused with Zeichen 253. Zeichen 253 generally applies based on the vehicle type and permissible gross vehicle weight, whereas Zeichen 261 applies based on the requirement to display dangerous-goods markings.
- Some learner drivers believe that transporting any dangerous substance is prohibited. However, the sign applies only to motor vehicles that are required to display markings under the dangerous-goods regulations.
- The sign is mistakenly understood as a general truck prohibition. An ordinary truck carrying no dangerous goods that require markings may generally use the road.
Exam tip
In exam questions, a heavy truck or a dangerous-goods transport carrying a limited quantity is often shown. Do not first ask yourself how heavy the vehicle is; ask whether it is required to display markings because of the dangerous goods it is carrying. Only then does Zeichen 261 apply.
Did you know
Zeichen 261 is used especially in places where an accident involving dangerous goods could have serious consequences, such as tunnels, bridges or densely built-up areas. What matters is the dangerous-goods marking requirement that must be visibly displayed on the outside of the vehicle or transport unit.
Frequently asked questions
May a normal truck drive past Zeichen 261?
Yes, provided it is not carrying dangerous goods that require markings and no other traffic sign prohibits it from passing. The vehicle's weight alone is not decisive for Zeichen 261.
Does the prohibition also apply to a passenger car carrying a small quantity of dangerous goods?
Only if the motor vehicle is required to display markings because of the goods being carried. Small quantities may qualify for exemptions under the dangerous-goods regulations, in which case Zeichen 261 generally does not apply.
Is Zeichen 261 the same as a prohibition for motor vehicles over 3.5 tonnes?
No. Zeichen 253 concerns certain motor vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, whereas Zeichen 261 applies independently of weight and is based on the requirement to display markings because of dangerous goods.
What must I do if my planned route is closed by Zeichen 261?
You must choose another permitted route before reaching the restricted section. Advance direction signs or detour signs often indicate a suitable dangerous-goods route in good time.
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