Prohibition sign · R208
Unauthorised vehicles prohibited sign (R208)
Only authorised vehicles may enter.
What does the unauthorised vehicles prohibited sign mean?
Only authorised vehicles may enter.
What should you do?
Do not enter unless your vehicle has the required authorisation.
| Sign code | R208 |
|---|---|
| Sign group | Prohibition signs |
| Applies to | All learner codes (1, 2 and 3) |
| Test section | Road signs and markings |
How to recognise the unauthorised vehicles prohibited sign
A white disc with a red border and a vehicle symbol, closing the road to general traffic.
Where you will see it
Roads that must be closed to everyone except authorised vehicles, commonly at roadworks.
What to do when you see it, step by step
- Do not enter unless you have special permission.
- Look for the detour signs and follow them.
The common mistake
A temporary yellow version appears at roadworks. The yellow background means the closure is not permanent.
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 unauthorised vehicles prohibited sign (R208) 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: do not enter unless your vehicle has the required authorisation.
- 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 unauthorised vehicles prohibited 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 30 (R201-30)A white disc with a red border and the number 30.Test yourself: Unauthorised vehicles prohibited sign questions
1 What does this sign mean?
- Pedestrians crossing here have priority.
- Side-road junctions are staggered ahead.
- Only authorised vehicles may enter.
Show the answer
Answer C: Only authorised vehicles may enter.
Do not enter unless your vehicle has the required authorisation.
Memory tip: R208 · Unauthorised vehicles prohibited
All vehicle codes
2 Which response fits this sign?
- Watch for traffic entering from both side roads.
- Slow down and give pedestrians time to cross safely.
- Do not enter unless your vehicle has the required authorisation.
Show the answer
Answer C: Do not enter unless your vehicle has the required authorisation.
Unauthorised vehicles prohibited: Only authorised vehicles may enter.
Memory tip: Do not enter unless your vehicle has the required authorisation.
All vehicle codes
Unauthorised vehicles prohibited sign: quick questions
What does the unauthorised vehicles prohibited sign (R208) mean?
Only authorised vehicles may enter.
What should you do at the unauthorised vehicles prohibited sign?
Do not enter unless you have special permission. Look for the detour signs and follow them.
Where will you see the unauthorised vehicles prohibited sign?
Roads that must be closed to everyone except authorised vehicles, commonly at roadworks.
What is the common mistake with the unauthorised vehicles prohibited sign?
A temporary yellow version appears at roadworks. The yellow background means the closure is not permanent.
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.