Does the value given on this sign refer to the gross vehicle weight of the vehicle?
Show the correct answer
Correct answer
YES
Explanation
In the photo, before the entrance to a bridge, there is a round sign with a red border and the text "15t" - this is sign B-18 "no entry for vehicles with an actual total mass over 15 t". The value on this sign refers to the actual total mass of the vehicle - the answer is YES.
The Regulation on road signs and signals states that sign B-18 prohibits the movement of vehicles whose actual total mass is greater than the value shown on the sign, and in the case of a vehicle combination the prohibition applies to their combined mass. The actual total mass is the mass of the vehicle together with the load and the people who are in it at that moment - and not the maximum permissible mass from the vehicle registration certificate. A lorry with a maximum permissible mass of 18 t that is travelling empty and weighs 10 t may therefore drive onto this bridge, but the same lorry loaded up to 16 t may not. Do not confuse this sign with B-19, which limits the axle load.
Legal basis: § 20 para. 4 of the Regulation on road signs and signals; Art. 2 point 55 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym)