Prohibition sign · R205
Length restriction sign (R205)
Vehicles exceeding the displayed length may not proceed.
What does the length restriction sign mean?
Vehicles exceeding the displayed length may not proceed.
What should you do?
Check the length of the whole vehicle combination.
| Sign code | R205 |
|---|---|
| Sign group | Prohibition signs |
| Applies to | All learner codes (1, 2 and 3) |
| Test section | Road signs and markings |
How to recognise the length restriction sign
A red-bordered disc showing a length in metres between arrows.
Where you will see it
On any public road, especially in mountain areas, where sharp bends would trap long vehicles.
What to do when you see it, step by step
- If your vehicle or combination is longer than the figure, find another route.
- Count the whole combination, not only the cab.
The common mistake
Its warning counterpart is W321. The numeric sign is the rule; the warning only prepares you.
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 length restriction sign (R205) 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: check the length of the whole vehicle combination.
- 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 length restriction sign with these:
Gross mass restriction (R202)A red-bordered disc showing a mass figure in tonnes.
Axle mass restriction (R203)A red-bordered disc showing a figure for the mass on a single axle.
Height restriction (R204)A red-bordered disc showing a height in metres with arrows above and below it.Test yourself: Length restriction sign questions
1 What does this sign mean?
- Vehicles exceeding the displayed length may not proceed.
- Every approach to this junction has a stop control.
- A side road joins ahead as shown.
Show the answer
Answer A: Vehicles exceeding the displayed length may not proceed.
Check the length of the whole vehicle combination.
Memory tip: R205 · Length restriction
All vehicle codes
2 Which response fits this sign?
- Stop completely. Vehicles normally proceed in the order they stopped.
- Check the length of the whole vehicle combination.
- Watch for vehicles entering or leaving the side road.
Show the answer
Answer B: Check the length of the whole vehicle combination.
Length restriction: Vehicles exceeding the displayed length may not proceed.
Memory tip: Check the length of the whole vehicle combination.
All vehicle codes
Length restriction sign: quick questions
What does the length restriction sign (R205) mean?
Vehicles exceeding the displayed length may not proceed.
What should you do at the length restriction sign?
If your vehicle or combination is longer than the figure, find another route. Count the whole combination, not only the cab.
Where will you see the length restriction sign?
On any public road, especially in mountain areas, where sharp bends would trap long vehicles.
What is the common mistake with the length restriction sign?
Its warning counterpart is W321. The numeric sign is the rule; the warning only prepares you.
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.