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IN order to drive safely, you need to be able to understand all the signs that you will see on the road side.

So what does a weight limit traffic sign actually mean?

Weight limit signs exist to prevent vehicles that are too heavy from crashing or causing an accident
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Weight limit signs exist to prevent vehicles that are too heavy from crashing or causing an accidentCredit: Getty

What is a weight limit traffic sign?

A weight limit traffic sign lets you know how heavy your vehicle can be in order to safely go across a road or bridge.

Often, these signs are targeted at Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) such as lorries, but all drivers still need to pay attention to them.

You will often see them on bridges or overpasses, but some roads have a weight limit too.

What does a weight limit traffic sign mean?

The sign will usually show a clear weight limit, such as 7.5 tonnes.

Read more on road signs

They are red signs, which indicate that it is of the utmost importance that you pay attention to them.

If the signs are ignored, then a bridge could collapse or it could cause a build up of cars.

Can you get fined for not following the rules regarding a weight limit traffic sign?

Yes, you can get fined for not following a weight limit traffic sign.

The amount you will be fined depends on how much you are over the weight limit.

If you are 10% or less over the weight limit then you will face a £100 fine.

If you are between 10% and 15% over then you will pay a £200 fine.

Any weight above the 15% over the limit will result in a £300.

Failure to pay or extreme weights will mean that you have to make a court appearance.

You won't get points on your license for not following a weight limit traffic sign, but you might be given points if you are considered to be driving without reasonable consideration for other road users.

Both drivers and the business they work for (if they are driving an HGV) are held accountable for ignoring traffic limits.

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