The C21 traffic sign indicates that entry is prohibited for vehicles whose total mass, or sum of axle loads, exceeds the posted limit. This prohibition is often used to protect sensitive structures or specific areas from damage caused by heavy vehicles. Pay close attention to the displayed weight limit and consider alternative routes or ways to reduce your vehicle's load before entering.
Learn the key details of the C21 - Closed to Vehicles Over Total Weight… 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.
C21 is a circular prohibition sign indicating a maximum allowed gross weight for vehicles and combinations. The limit refers to the total mass of the vehicle including cargo, passengers, and fuel, or to the sum of axle loads. It is commonly placed before weak bridges, narrow streets, residential areas, or historic districts to reduce damage, noise, and vibration from heavy vehicles. Freight traffic must divert to suitable routes.
This sign prohibits entry for vehicles or combinations whose total mass exceeds the value shown. It limits heavy traffic in areas where roads, bridges, or neighbourhoods cannot safely handle very high weights. Drivers must check the registered maximum mass of their vehicle and load and choose another route if they exceed the limit.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the C21 - Closed to Vehicles Over Total Weight… 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 C21 sign means that you cannot enter the road or area if your vehicle's total weight exceeds the number shown on the sign. This includes the combined weight of the vehicle and its load, or sometimes the sum of the weights on its axles.
This sign is usually placed to restrict heavy vehicles from areas where they might cause damage, such as on older bridges, in residential neighbourhoods with weak infrastructure, or in environmentally sensitive zones. It's often seen in conjunction with the C20 sign, meaning both restrictions apply.
A common mistake is not checking the vehicle's total mass, especially when carrying a load. Drivers might also assume the restriction only applies to trucks, forgetting that some heavier passenger cars or combinations can also exceed the limit. Always know your vehicle's gross weight.
If your vehicle's total mass exceeds the limit posted on the C21 sign, you must not enter. You should look for alternative routes, such as designated freight corridors or ring roads. If possible, you may also consider lightening your load before attempting to pass the sign.
Yes, the sign can refer to either the total permissible mass of the vehicle or the sum of the loads on all its axles. The exact interpretation should be clear from context or supplementary signs, but always be aware of both possibilities to comply with Dutch traffic rules.
A clear reference image of the C21 - Closed to Vehicles Over Total Weight… road sign used in the Netherlands.
The C21 - Closed to Vehicles Over Total Weight… road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The C21 - Closed to Vehicles Over Total Weight… road sign is part of the Closure & One-Way Signs (C) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.