Teorio
Actual length
Regulatory prohibition For vehicle combinations, the prohibition applies to the total length.
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When you see the Zeichen
Check whether the actual total length of your vehicle, including its load, exceeds the length shown on the sign. For a vehicle combination, the length of the entire combination counts; if it is longer than indicated, you may not use the route and must choose an alternative.
Rules
- The sign prohibits entry for vehicles and vehicle combinations whose actual length, including their load, exceeds the stated value.
- For vehicle combinations, the total length includes the towing vehicle, coupling device and trailer, including any overhanging load.
- What matters is not the type of vehicle or its permissible maximum mass, but its actual length in its current loading condition.
- If the actual length exactly matches the stated limit, it does not exceed it; entry is generally permitted.
- A Zusatzzeichen may define the scope of the restriction in more detail or exempt certain types of traffic from the prohibition.
Tips
- Before setting off, find out the total length of the vehicle or vehicle combination and take any overhanging load into account.
- If you are travelling with a long caravan or trailer combination, plan an alternative route early instead of waiting until you reach the sign to turn around.
- Pay particular attention to the sign before tight bends, narrow roads through built-up areas and roadworks, because long vehicles often cannot manoeuvre safely there.
- If the dimensions are close to the limit, do not rely on an estimate alone; check the vehicle data and the length of the load.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is confused with Zeichen 253. Zeichen 266 limits the actual length, not the permissible maximum mass.
- With a vehicle combination, people mistakenly consider only the length of the towing vehicle or the trailer; what matters is the entire vehicle combination.
- Overhanging load is forgotten when calculating the length, even though it counts towards the actual length.
Exam tip
Exam questions often show a car with a trailer or caravan. Do not simply add the vehicle lengths from the documents; consider the total length of the combination, including the coupling device and any overhanging load.
Did you know
Zeichen 266 is often placed before sections of road where long vehicles cannot continue safely because of tight bends, narrow carriageways or limited space for manoeuvring. The metre value shown on the sign is set according to the local conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Does Zeichen 266 also apply to a car with a trailer?
Yes. For the vehicle combination, its actual total length, including the load, is what matters.
If the sign indicates 10 m, may I enter with a vehicle combination that is exactly 10 m long?
Generally, yes, because the prohibition applies to vehicles and combinations that exceed the stated value. However, if the length is uncertain or only estimated, you should not use the route.
Does a bicycle rack or overhanging load count towards the length?
Yes, if it makes the actual external length of the vehicle or combination greater. What matters is the length in its current driving condition, including the load.
Is Zeichen 266 a weight restriction for long lorries?
No. It applies regardless of weight and is based solely on actual length; weight restrictions are imposed by other traffic signs.
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Other Zeichen in the same category
Prohibition for vehicles of all kinds
Prohibition for motor vehicles
Prohibition for motor vehicles over 3.5 t
Prohibition for bicycle traffic
Prohibition for motorcycles
Prohibition for pedestrians
Prohibition for motor vehicles
Prohibition for motor vehicles carrying dangerous goods and subject to marking