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Prohibition for motor vehicles over 3.5 t
Regulatory prohibition Prohibition for motor vehicles with a permissible maximum mass over 3.5 t, including their trailers, and for tractors. Passenger cars and buses are exempt. 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 the vehicle documents to see whether your motor vehicle is covered by the restriction. You may not drive into the restricted area with a motor vehicle whose permissible gross mass exceeds 3.5 t or with a tractor unit; passenger cars and buses are exempt.
Rules
- The restriction applies to motor vehicles with a permissible gross mass exceeding 3.5 t, including their trailers.
- The permissible gross mass is decisive, not the current load or actual mass.
- Tractor units are also covered by the restriction.
- Passenger cars and buses are exempt regardless of their permissible gross mass.
- If Zeichen 253 is integrated into a lane transition, lane diversion or lane-direction sign, the restriction applies only to the indicated lane.
Tips
- For an unfamiliar vehicle, check the registration certificate Part I instead of estimating its mass.
- If you are driving a vehicle affected by the restriction, plan an indicated diversion in good time.
- At roadworks, pay particular attention to whether the sign is displayed only above or within a specific lane.
- Do not confuse this sign with Zeichen 262: With Zeichen 253, the permissible gross mass is generally decisive, whereas with Zeichen 262, the actual mass is decisive.
Common misunderstandings
- Many learner drivers take the sign to mean a ban on all motor vehicles. However, light motor vehicles up to 3.5 t are not excluded by Zeichen 253 alone.
- It is often assumed that an empty heavy lorry may pass. However, the decisive factor is the permissible gross mass, not the current weight.
- A large or heavy passenger car is often mistakenly considered prohibited. Passenger cars are expressly exempt.
Exam tip
In exam questions, the typical trap is the difference between permissible and actual mass: With Zeichen 253, a low current weight does not help if the permissible gross mass exceeds 3.5 t. Also check whether the vehicle described is an expressly exempt passenger car or bus.
Did you know
Zeichen 253 is often used to relieve built-up areas, sensitive bridges or individual roadwork lanes of heavy motor-vehicle traffic. On lane-direction signs, it can be used to close just one specific lane.
Frequently asked questions
May I continue driving a passenger car with a permissible gross mass exceeding 3.5 t?
Yes. Passenger cars are expressly exempt from the restriction under Zeichen 253, even if their permissible gross mass exceeds 3.5 t.
May an empty lorry with a permissible gross mass of 7.5 t pass?
No. The permissible gross mass is decisive, not the actual load or current weight.
What is the difference between Zeichen 253 and Zeichen 262?
Zeichen 253 prohibits certain motor vehicles based on their permissible gross mass and exempts passenger cars and buses. Zeichen 262, on the other hand, limits the actual mass to the value indicated on the sign.
Does the restriction always apply to the entire carriageway?
No. If Zeichen 253 is integrated into a lane-direction, lane transition or lane diversion sign, it applies only to the lane indicated there.
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