Command sign · R102
Vehicles over indicated mass only sign (R102)
The indicated route is for vehicles exceeding the displayed GVM or GCM.
What does the vehicles over indicated mass only sign mean?
The indicated route is for vehicles exceeding the displayed GVM or GCM.
What should you do?
Compare the vehicle or combination’s specified gross mass with the shown figure; use the designated route only if the command applies.
| Sign code | R102 |
|---|---|
| Sign group | Command signs |
| Applies to | All learner codes (1, 2 and 3) |
| Test section | Road signs and markings |
How to recognise the vehicles over indicated mass only sign
A blue circle with a mass figure in tonnes (the sample artwork shows 10 t).
Where you will see it
On any public road where heavier vehicles are directed onto the indicated part of the road.
What to do when you see it, step by step
- If your vehicle’s GVM or GCM exceeds the tonnes shown, use the part of the road this sign marks.
- Lighter vehicles use the part that is not marked.
The common mistake
GVM and GCM are the maximum mass the manufacturer specifies, not just today’s load. The red-bordered mass limit (R202) works the other way round.
About command signs
Command signs tell you what you must do, such as keeping left or using a minimum speed. They are blue circles with white symbols. The K53 learner's test asks you to recognise signs like the vehicles over indicated mass only sign (R102) and choose the correct response, so learn both the picture and the action.
How to answer a test question about this sign
- Look at the shape and colour first. They tell you the group: command signs for this one.
- Recall what the sign asks of you: compare the vehicle or combination’s specified gross mass with the shown figure; use the designated route only if the command applies.
- Remove the options that describe a different group of sign, then choose the response that matches the action.
Want the full explanation? Read the chapter Speed signs and mandatory directions.
Signs it is often confused with
Learners mix up signs that look or sound similar. Compare the vehicles over indicated mass only sign with these:
Minimum speed (R101)A blue circle with a white number. It looks like a speed limit but is blue, not red-bordered.
Keep left (R103)A blue circle with a white arrow slanting down to the left.
Keep right (R104)A blue circle with a white arrow slanting down to the right.Test yourself: Vehicles over indicated mass only sign questions
1 What does this sign mean?
- The indicated route is for vehicles exceeding the displayed GVM or GCM.
- The number is a minimum speed, not a maximum.
- Travel clockwise around the central island.
Show the answer
Answer A: The indicated route is for vehicles exceeding the displayed GVM or GCM.
Compare the vehicle or combination’s specified gross mass with the shown figure; use the designated route only if the command applies.
Memory tip: R102 · Vehicles over indicated mass only
All vehicle codes
2 Which response fits this sign?
- Observe the entry controls and give way as required.
- Compare the vehicle or combination’s specified gross mass with the shown figure; use the designated route only if the command applies.
- Maintain at least the indicated speed where conditions are safe. Never increase speed into danger.
Show the answer
Answer B: Compare the vehicle or combination’s specified gross mass with the shown figure; use the designated route only if the command applies.
Vehicles over indicated mass only: The indicated route is for vehicles exceeding the displayed GVM or GCM.
Memory tip: Compare the vehicle or combination’s specified gross mass with the shown figure; use the designated route only if the command applies.
All vehicle codes
Vehicles over indicated mass only sign: quick questions
What does the vehicles over indicated mass only sign (R102) mean?
The indicated route is for vehicles exceeding the displayed GVM or GCM.
What should you do at the vehicles over indicated mass only sign?
If your vehicle’s GVM or GCM exceeds the tonnes shown, use the part of the road this sign marks. Lighter vehicles use the part that is not marked.
Where will you see the vehicles over indicated mass only sign?
On any public road where heavier vehicles are directed onto the indicated part of the road.
What is the common mistake with the vehicles over indicated mass only sign?
GVM and GCM are the maximum mass the manufacturer specifies, not just today’s load. The red-bordered mass limit (R202) works the other way round.
Sign artwork: Southern African Development Community (SADC), public domain. AceK53 is an independent study aid. Always confirm test requirements with your driving licence testing centre.