Prohibition sign · R201-30
Maximum speed 30 sign (R201-30)
You may not exceed 30 km/h.
What does the maximum speed 30 sign mean?
You may not exceed 30 km/h.
What should you do?
Stay at or below 30 km/h and drive more slowly if conditions require it.
| Sign code | R201-30 |
|---|---|
| Sign group | Prohibition signs |
| Applies to | All learner codes (1, 2 and 3) |
| Test section | Road signs and markings |
How to recognise the maximum speed 30 sign
A white disc with a red border and the number 30.
Where you will see it
Any public road, from the sign onwards. A limit this low tells you the road is expected to carry people, narrow spaces or other close hazards.
What to do when you see it, step by step
- Keep to 30 km/h or less.
- Go slower whenever conditions need it.
The common mistake
The living-street area sign (R403) carries a 30 km/h rule too, but it adds pedestrian priority and other conditions that a plain limit sign does not.
About prohibition signs
Prohibition signs show what you may not do, such as overtaking, parking or turning. They are red-ringed circles. The K53 learner's test asks you to recognise signs like the maximum speed 30 sign (R201-30) 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: prohibition signs for this one.
- Recall what the sign asks of you: stay at or below 30 km/h and drive more slowly if conditions require it.
- 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 Prohibition signs and restricted movements.
Signs it is often confused with
Learners mix up signs that look or sound similar. Compare the maximum speed 30 sign with these:
Maximum speed 100 (R201-100)A white disc with a red border and the number 100.
Maximum speed 120 (R201-120)A white disc with a red border and the number 120.
Maximum speed 40 (R201-40)A white disc with a red border and the number 40.Test yourself: Maximum speed 30 sign questions
1 What does this sign mean?
- You may not exceed 30 km/h.
- Hitch-hiking is prohibited on this road section.
- Stop for straight or right movements; left-turning traffic must yield.
Show the answer
Answer A: You may not exceed 30 km/h.
Stay at or below 30 km/h and drive more slowly if conditions require it.
Memory tip: R201-30 · Maximum speed 30
All vehicle codes
2 Which response fits this sign?
- For a left turn, yield to relevant traffic and pedestrians and proceed only when safe. For other movements, stop behind the line.
- Stay at or below 30 km/h and drive more slowly if conditions require it.
- Do not seek a lift by hitch-hiking here.
Show the answer
Answer B: Stay at or below 30 km/h and drive more slowly if conditions require it.
Maximum speed 30: You may not exceed 30 km/h.
Memory tip: Stay at or below 30 km/h and drive more slowly if conditions require it.
All vehicle codes
Maximum speed 30 sign: quick questions
What does the maximum speed 30 sign (R201-30) mean?
You may not exceed 30 km/h.
What should you do at the maximum speed 30 sign?
Keep to 30 km/h or less. Go slower whenever conditions need it.
Where will you see the maximum speed 30 sign?
Any public road, from the sign onwards. A limit this low tells you the road is expected to carry people, narrow spaces or other close hazards.
What is the common mistake with the maximum speed 30 sign?
The living-street area sign (R403) carries a 30 km/h rule too, but it adds pedestrian priority and other conditions that a plain limit sign does not.
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.