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Swedish Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the C16 'Maximum Vehicle Width' traffic sign and what it means for your journey.

C16 - Maximum Vehicle Width Swedish road sign meaning

The C16 'Maximum Vehicle Width' sign is a prohibition sign indicating that vehicles exceeding the specified width are not permitted beyond this point. This sign is crucial for ensuring safe passage through narrow sections like bridges, tunnels, or areas with roadside obstructions. Always check your vehicle's width, including any load, and if it exceeds the limit shown, you must find an alternative route.

About the C16 - Maximum Vehicle Width road sign

Learn the key details of the C16 - Maximum Vehicle Width road sign, including its function, what it communicates to drivers, and how it applies in real traffic situations in Sweden. Use this overview to understand the sign clearly and recognise it confidently during the Swedish driving theory exam.

Definition of C16

This sign sets a maximum permitted vehicle width for the road section ahead. It is placed where narrow passages, bridges, roadworks, or built structures limit safe clearance. The numeric value on the sign indicates the largest width a vehicle may have to proceed. Vehicles exceeding that width must not enter and must choose an alternative route. The restriction applies from the sign location and continues as regulated for the road section.

Meaning of C16

Vehicles wider than the value shown on the sign are not allowed.

Allowed actions for C16

Reroute if your vehicle exceeds the limitProceed only if your vehicle width is within the limitCheck your load and mirrors for safe clearance

Prohibited actions for C16

Entering with a vehicle wider than the stated limitAttempting to squeeze through a narrow section over the limitIgnoring clearance restrictions with a wide load

C16 - Maximum Vehicle Width road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the C16 - Maximum Vehicle Width road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the Swedish driving theory exam in Sweden.

What does the C16 'Maximum Vehicle Width' sign mean?

The C16 sign means that any vehicle, along with its load, that is wider than the number displayed on the sign is prohibited from proceeding. You must not drive past this sign if your vehicle exceeds the stated width limit.

What should I do if my vehicle is wider than the C16 sign indicates?

If your vehicle's width, including any load, exceeds the limit shown on the C16 sign, you must not continue on that road. You need to find an alternative route that can safely accommodate your vehicle's dimensions.

Does the C16 'Maximum Vehicle Width' sign include the load?

Yes, the width restriction indicated by the C16 sign includes both the vehicle and any load it is carrying. It's vital to measure your entire vehicle and load to ensure you are within the allowed width.

Are there any exceptions to the C16 width restriction?

Generally, no. This is a strict prohibition. However, for exceptionally wide loads that might still be under the general legal limit but pose a risk at a specific point, special permits or escort vehicles might be required, but this sign indicates a hard stop for vehicles over the stated measurement.

What is a common mistake related to the C16 sign in the theory test?

A common mistake is failing to consider the total width of the vehicle and its load, or assuming that if the vehicle itself is narrow enough, the load doesn't matter. The C16 sign applies to the overall width, so always account for any protruding cargo or equipment.

C16 - Maximum Vehicle Width road sign image

A clear reference image of the C16 - Maximum Vehicle Width road sign used in Sweden.

C16 - Maximum Vehicle Width road sign

Other names for the C16 - Maximum Vehicle Width

The C16 - Maximum Vehicle Width road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Width limitMaximum widthNo vehicles over stated widthRestricted width

Prohibitory Signs (C) road sign category

The C16 - Maximum Vehicle Width road sign is part of the Prohibitory Signs (C) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

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