Width limitWorldwide

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Worldwide. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


51. Width limit

A width limit prohibits vehicles or vehicle combinations whose total width exceeds the value shown from entering or passing a road section, bridge, tunnel, gateway or other narrow passage. The width includes the vehicle’s load and any equipment or objects extending from its sides.

Drivers must know the maximum travelling width of their vehicle and load, observe advance warnings and use an alternative route when necessary. They should never enter when sufficient lateral clearance is uncertain.

Width limit of 1.8 metres over 450 metres. (Haute-Savoie, France)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What does a width-limit sign mean?

It prohibits vehicles or vehicle combinations whose total width exceeds the displayed value from continuing beyond the sign.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section C II.1(e), dimensions, laden mass and axle mass; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13 and 30; international framework subject to national law

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • US FHWA, MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), sections 2B.64–2B.65, weight limits and weigh stations; US example

Vehicles wider than indicated prohibited. Vehicles wider than indicated prohibited.

How can you recognise a width-limit sign?

It is commonly a circular regulatory sign showing a width in metres, feet or another local unit between horizontal arrowheads.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section C II.1(e), dimensions, laden mass and axle mass; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13 and 30; international framework subject to national law

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • US FHWA, MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), sections 2B.64–2B.65, weight limits and weigh stations; US example

What is included in the vehicle’s total width?

Check the local measurement rules for the restriction. Allow for the vehicle, its load and any projecting equipment, and do not assume that the body width shown in a brochure is the relevant overall width. Whether particular fittings are counted can depend on national law and the sign concerned.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section C II.1(e), dimensions, laden mass and axle mass; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13 and 30; international framework subject to national law

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • US FHWA, MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), sections 2B.64–2B.65, weight limits and weigh stations; US example

Does the sign change priority?

No. Traffic lights, priority signs and the ordinary priority rules remain applicable.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section C II.1(e), dimensions, laden mass and axle mass; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13 and 30; international framework subject to national law

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • US FHWA, MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), sections 2B.64–2B.65, weight limits and weigh stations; US example

What should you do when your vehicle is too wide?

Do not continue. Stop where safe and use the signed diversion or another suitable route.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section C II.1(e), dimensions, laden mass and axle mass; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13 and 30; international framework subject to national law

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • US FHWA, MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), sections 2B.64–2B.65, weight limits and weigh stations; US example

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