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Prohibited for the transport of dangerous goods
The prohibition applies to vehicles transporting dangerous goods for which marking with orange plates in accordance with section 5.3.2 of ADR is required for the transport unit. Where the prohibition applies to road tunnels, the prohibition includes the vehicles specified in section 1.9.5.3.6 of ADR.
When you see the sign
Check whether the vehicle is carrying dangerous goods in a quantity or in a manner that requires the transport unit to be marked with orange plates under ADR. If such marking is required, do not pass the sign; choose a permitted route instead. At road tunnels, you must also check the tunnel restrictions applicable to the load under ADR.
Rules
- The prohibition applies to vehicles carrying dangerous goods where the transport unit must be marked with orange plates under ADR section 5.3.2.
- What matters is whether ADR requires orange marking, not whether the driver has actually put up the plates.
- At road tunnels, the prohibition applies to the vehicles specified in ADR section 1.9.5.3.6.
- Ordinary passenger cars carrying small quantities of dangerous goods for private use are normally not covered, provided the transport is not subject to the ADR requirement for orange marking.
Tips
- Plan your route in advance if you are carrying dangerous goods, especially when the route goes through tunnels.
- Check the transport documents and any tunnel restriction code before entering a signed section of road.
- Do not assume that the prohibition applies only to tankers; other vehicles may also be covered when the load requires orange marking.
- Find an alternative route before reaching the sign if the transport is covered by the prohibition.
Common misconceptions
- Believing that the sign prohibits all lorries or tractor units, even when they are not carrying dangerous goods.
- Believing that all transport of petrol, gas or other dangerous substances is prohibited, including small quantities that do not require orange marking.
- Believing that the prohibition does not apply if the required orange plates have not been put up by mistake.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign mean?
- AIt prohibits vehicles transporting dangerous goods that require orange marking under ADR.
- BIt prohibits all motor vehicles, except small electric motor vehicles.
- CIt prohibits all lorries and tractor units, regardless of the load they transport.
- DIt prohibits all vehicles, regardless of vehicle type and the load they transport.
Medium
You are driving a lorry loaded only with furniture and encounter this sign. What should you do?
- AYou must choose another road because the sign applies to all lorries.
- BYou may continue driving only if the lorry has no trailer.
- CYou must stop before the sign because the sign applies to all vehicles.
- DYou may continue driving if no other signs or rules prevent it.
Hard
You are transporting dangerous goods in a quantity that requires orange marking under ADR, but the marking has accidentally not been displayed. What should you do at this sign?
- AYou may continue driving once the orange plates have been displayed on the transport unit.
- BYou may continue driving if the vehicle is not a lorry or tractor unit.
- CYou must choose another road because the requirement for orange marking is decisive.
- DYou may continue driving because the orange plates have not actually been displayed.
Theory test tip
Look for the distinction between vehicle type and load: The sign does not prohibit all lorries, but applies to the transport of dangerous goods covered by the relevant ADR rules. A common trap is to choose the option "prohibited for lorries and tractor units".
Did you know
At tunnels, ADR's system of tunnel restrictions is used. Which transports may pass can therefore depend on both the tunnel's category and the tunnel restriction code for the dangerous goods.
Frequently asked questions
Does the prohibition apply to an ordinary passenger car carrying a spare petrol can?
Normally not, because such a small private transport operation usually does not require the transport unit to be marked with orange plates. The requirements for safe packaging and proper securing still apply.
Does the sign apply only to tankers?
No. Vehicles carrying packaged goods and other transport units may also be covered if the transport requires orange marking under ADR.
Can the vehicle pass if the orange plates have been removed?
Not if the transport should have been marked with orange plates under ADR. It is the contents of the transport and the marking requirements that determine this, not whether the plates are actually fitted.
What is special when the sign is placed before a tunnel?
The transport must then be assessed under ADR's special rules for tunnel transport. The load's tunnel restriction code and the tunnel's restrictions may determine whether passage is permitted.
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