Prohibition sign · R214
No overtaking sign (R214)
Overtaking other motor vehicles is prohibited for the next 500 metres.
What does the no overtaking sign mean?
Overtaking other motor vehicles is prohibited for the next 500 metres.
What should you do?
Stay behind the vehicle ahead and obey the road markings.
| Sign code | R214 |
|---|---|
| Sign group | Prohibition signs |
| Applies to | All learner codes (1, 2 and 3) |
| Test section | Road signs and markings |
How to recognise the no overtaking sign
A white disc with a red border showing two cars side by side, one red.
Where you will see it
On any public road. It warns that overtaking is prohibited for the next 500 metres.
What to do when you see it, step by step
- Do not overtake any vehicle in that distance.
- Stay at a safe following distance and be patient.
The common mistake
The heavy-vehicle version (R215) is narrower in scope. Do not mix up the two.
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 no overtaking sign (R214) 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 behind the vehicle ahead and obey the road markings.
- 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 no overtaking sign with these:
No heavy-vehicle overtaking (R215)A white disc with a red border showing a heavy vehicle overtaking another, one crossed in red.
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.Test yourself: No overtaking sign questions
1 What does this sign mean?
- Cattle may cross or be on the road ahead.
- Your road ends at a T-junction ahead.
- Overtaking other motor vehicles is prohibited for the next 500 metres.
Show the answer
Answer C: Overtaking other motor vehicles is prohibited for the next 500 metres.
Stay behind the vehicle ahead and obey the road markings.
Memory tip: R214 · No overtaking
All vehicle codes
2 Which response fits this sign?
- Reduce speed and be ready to stop for animals.
- Stay behind the vehicle ahead and obey the road markings.
- Reduce speed and prepare to turn left or right.
Show the answer
Answer B: Stay behind the vehicle ahead and obey the road markings.
No overtaking: Overtaking other motor vehicles is prohibited for the next 500 metres.
Memory tip: Stay behind the vehicle ahead and obey the road markings.
All vehicle codes
No overtaking sign: quick questions
What does the no overtaking sign (R214) mean?
Overtaking other motor vehicles is prohibited for the next 500 metres.
What should you do at the no overtaking sign?
Do not overtake any vehicle in that distance. Stay at a safe following distance and be patient.
Where will you see the no overtaking sign?
On any public road. It warns that overtaking is prohibited for the next 500 metres.
What is the common mistake with the no overtaking sign?
The heavy-vehicle version (R215) is narrower in scope. Do not mix up the two.
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.