The C20 sign indicates that vehicles with an axle load exceeding the posted limit are prohibited from entering. This sign is crucial for protecting road infrastructure like bridges and pavements from damage caused by excessively heavy vehicles. When you encounter this sign, you must ensure your vehicle's axle load does not exceed the specified weight; if it does, you will need to find an alternative route. Pay attention to this sign, especially if you drive a larger vehicle or transport heavy goods, as it's a key part of road safety and infrastructure management.
Learn the key details of the C20 - Closed to Vehicles with Axle Load Over… road sign, including its function, what it communicates to drivers, and how it applies in real traffic situations in the Netherlands. Use this overview to understand the sign clearly and recognise it confidently during the Dutch driving theory exam.
C20 is a circular prohibition sign that restricts access based on maximum axle load. The limit refers to the heaviest axle of the vehicle or combination, including the effect of the current cargo. It is often used on weak bridges, older pavements, or roads with poor subsoil to prevent cracking, deformation, and structural failure. Heavy transport operators must plan compliant routes and use weighing information.
This sign prohibits entry for vehicles whose axle load exceeds the value shown, taking into account the heaviest loaded axle. It protects roads, bridges, and structures that cannot safely carry very high concentrated loads. Drivers of heavy vehicles must know their axle loads and avoid this route if any axle is too heavy.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the C20 - Closed to Vehicles with Axle Load Over… road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the Dutch driving theory exam in the Netherlands.
The C20 sign means that vehicles whose axle load exceeds the weight indicated on the sign are not allowed to proceed. It's a prohibition sign designed to prevent damage to road structures, particularly bridges and pavements, from excessive weight on any single axle.
Axle load refers to the weight distributed onto the road surface by a single axle (or a group of axles close together). Total vehicle weight is the entire mass of the vehicle and its load. The C20 sign specifically limits the load on each axle, which is often less than the total allowed weight of the vehicle.
If you're driving a larger vehicle or carrying a heavy load, and you're unsure if your axle load exceeds the limit shown on the C20 sign, it's best to err on the side of caution. Look for alternative routes or consult your vehicle's specifications and load distribution plans. You might be asked to stop for a weighing check, so compliance is essential.
While the C20 sign is generally a strict prohibition, always check for any accompanying signs that might indicate seasonal limits or specific times of day. The sign's primary purpose is structural protection, so understanding the posted limit is key. If you see this sign, consider if you can redistribute your cargo to lower the axle load, if legally permissible and safe to do so.
A common exam trap is confusing axle load with total vehicle weight. Learners might incorrectly assume that if their vehicle's total weight is below a certain limit, they are allowed to pass. It's vital to remember that the C20 sign refers to the weight on each axle, which can be a much lower limit than the vehicle's gross weight.
A clear reference image of the C20 - Closed to Vehicles with Axle Load Over… road sign used in the Netherlands.
The C20 - Closed to Vehicles with Axle Load Over… road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The C20 - Closed to Vehicles with Axle Load Over… road sign is part of the Closure & One-Way Signs (C) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.