Teorio
Movable bridge
The sign warns of a movable bridge.
When you see the sign
Slow down and be prepared for the bridge to be open or in the process of opening. Look out for traffic lights, barriers and queues, and stop if the signal or barrier requires you to.
Rules
- The sign warns of a bridge that can open or move, interrupting the roadway.
- The sign does not in itself require you to stop completely, but you must adjust your speed so that you can stop before a barrier, signal or break in the roadway.
- You must stop at a red traffic light and must never pass a barrier that is down or moving.
- You must follow instructions from the police, traffic controllers or other personnel directing traffic at the bridge.
Tips
- Release the accelerator early and assess whether vehicles ahead are already braking or waiting in a queue.
- Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front so that you can stop safely if the bridge opens.
- Watch for flashing signals, barriers and audible warnings, even if the bridge deck appears to be down.
- Stop with sufficient distance from the barrier and wait until the signal permits you to proceed and the barrier is fully raised.
Common misconceptions
- Some people think the symbol warns of a steep hill, but it shows a bridge that can open or move.
- Some assume that you must always stop at the sign. Stopping is necessary when the signal, barrier, queue or the situation otherwise requires it.
- Some start driving as soon as the bridge deck is down, even though the traffic light is still red or the barrier is not fully raised.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign warn about?
- AThat the road leads into a steep hill with a sharp uphill gradient
- BThat a bridge may open or move so that the carriageway is interrupted
- CThat there is a dangerous bend in the road immediately ahead of you
- DThat the road becomes narrower on both sides ahead of you
Medium
You pass this sign. The barrier is up, the signal is unlit and the carriageway is open. What do you do?
- AI adapt my speed and continue if it is safe.
- BI increase my speed to get across as quickly as possible.
- CI always turn around because the carriageway may be interrupted.
- DI always come to a complete stop before continuing across.
Hard
The carriageway over the bridge is back in place, but the light signal is still red and the barrier is not fully open. What do you do?
- AI continue if there is no oncoming traffic.
- BI continue because the carriageway is continuous again.
- CI pass carefully if the barrier has stopped moving.
- DI wait until the signal permits driving and the barrier is open.
Theory test tip
Pay attention to the bridge deck itself in the symbol. A common trap is to confuse its sloping shape with the sign for a steep hill, but this sign warns that the roadway may be physically interrupted when the bridge opens.
Did you know
Moveable bridges are used especially where road traffic crosses waterways used by boats. The bridge may be a bascule bridge, swing bridge or lift bridge, among other types, but the same warning sign is used regardless of the type of opening.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to stop when I see the sign?
No. The sign is a warning sign and does not automatically require you to stop completely. However, you must reduce your speed and stop if a red signal, barrier, queue or the situation requires it.
Can I drive when the bridge is down but the light is still red?
No. You must wait until the signal permits you to proceed, the barrier is fully raised and it is clear that you can cross safely.
What is the difference between this sign and the sign for a steep hill?
This sign shows a movable bridge deck and warns of a bridge that can open. The sign for a steep hill warns of a steep ascent or descent and may include a percentage indication.
Why do I need to keep extra distance before the bridge?
Traffic may come to a sudden stop when the signals are activated or the barriers are lowered. Extra distance gives you more time and space to brake in a controlled manner.
Practise for the theory test
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