Logo
German Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Supplementary Sign 1040-37: Understanding Weight Restrictions for Vehicles

1040-37 - Supplementary sign "motor vehicles with zulässigen Gesamtmasse über 3,5 t, einschließlich ihrer Anhänger, Zugmaschinen, ausgenommen passenger cars buses angegebenen Zeitraum exempt" German road sign meaning

German road sign 1040-37 is a supplementary sign that modifies the main traffic sign above it. This specific supplementary plate exempts motor vehicles exceeding a permissible total mass of 3.5 tonnes, including their trailers, and tractors, but *not* passenger cars or buses, from the restriction indicated by the primary sign, often within a specified time period. Drivers must always read the main sign and this supplementary plate together to understand the exact applicable rule for their vehicle. It's crucial to identify if your vehicle falls under the exemption or the restriction to ensure compliance and safe driving.

Interpreting Supplementary Sign 1040-37

Master the specific meaning of German road sign 1040-37, which details exceptions for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. This detailed explanation is crucial for your theory test revision and understanding German traffic rules.

Definition of 1040-37

German road sign 1040-37, officially designated "Zusatzzeichen „Kraftfahrzeuge mit einer zulässigen Gesamtmasse über 3,5 t, einschließlich ihrer Anhänger, und Zugmaschinen, ausgenommen Personenkraftwagen und Kraftomnibusse im angegebenen Zeitraum frei“", belongs to the supplementary signs group. It changes how the sign above is applied by adding a distance, direction, time period, vehicle class, exception, condition, or parking detail. You may see it in below a main traffic sign, where it limits, extends, explains, or creates an exception to the rule shown above it, depending on how the road authority has arranged the location. The practical meaning is not just the symbol itself, but the driving decision it triggers: adjust speed, position, priority, route choice, stopping behaviour, or attention before the situation becomes urgent. For learners, the key skill is reading the entire sign stack from top to bottom before deciding whether the rule applies to your vehicle. Always combine the sign with road markings, traffic lights, police instructions, and any supplementary plates at the same location.

Meaning of 1040-37

German road sign 1040-37 means "Supplementary sign "motor vehicles with zulässigen Gesamtmasse über 3,5 t, einschließlich ihrer Anhänger, Zugmaschinen, ausgenommen passenger cars buses angegebenen Zeitraum exempt"" and is officially listed as "Zusatzzeichen „Kraftfahrzeuge mit einer zulässigen Gesamtmasse über 3,5 t, einschließlich ihrer Anhänger, und Zugmaschinen, ausgenommen Personenkraftwagen und Kraftomnibusse im angegebenen Zeitraum frei“". In practice, it tells drivers to recognise the situation early, adapt before reaching the controlled area, and check whether markings or supplementary plates change how the rule applies.

Allowed actions for 1040-37

Read the main sign first, then read this plate to understand the exact scope of the rule.Apply the rule only to the vehicle types, directions, times, distances, or conditions shown.Use the plate to confirm whether you are included, exempt, limited, or being warned about a specific local condition.Look for additional plates in the same sign stack because several conditions can apply together.When uncertain, choose the safer interpretation and follow the stricter applicable rule until the sign combination is clear.

Prohibited actions for 1040-37

Do not apply the plate separately from the main sign above it.Do not ignore the vehicle class, time period, distance, direction, weather condition, or exception shown on the plate.Do not assume that an exemption for one vehicle type also applies to your vehicle.Do not continue under the main sign without checking whether the supplementary plate changes where, when, or to whom it applies.

1040-37 - Supplementary sign "motor vehicles with zulässigen Gesamtmasse über 3,5 t, einschließlich ihrer Anhänger, Zugmaschinen, ausgenommen passenger cars buses angegebenen Zeitraum exempt" road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 1040-37 - Supplementary sign "motor vehicles with zulässigen Gesamtmasse über 3,5 t, einschließlich ihrer Anhänger, Zugmaschinen, ausgenommen passenger cars buses angegebenen Zeitraum exempt" 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 German driving theory exam in Germany.

What does the German road sign 1040-37 mean in practice?

Sign 1040-37 acts as a supplementary plate. It exempts specific vehicles, namely motor vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, their trailers, and tractors (but not cars or buses), from the rule displayed on the sign directly above it, often during a stated time. You must always assess if the main sign's rule applies to your vehicle based on this supplementary information.

How should I react when I see sign 1040-37 below another sign?

You must first read the main sign to understand the general rule. Then, read sign 1040-37 to see if your vehicle is exempt. If you are driving a passenger car or a bus, the exemption does not apply, and you must follow the main sign's instruction. If you are driving a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes (and not a car or bus), you are exempt from the main sign's rule.

What are common exam traps related to supplementary signs like 1040-37?

A common trap is failing to read the entire sign stack. Learners might only notice the main sign and forget to check the supplementary plate. Another trap is assuming an exemption applies to all large vehicles; 1040-37 specifically excludes passenger cars and buses from its exemption, even if they are large. Always verify your vehicle's category and weight.

Does sign 1040-37 only apply to speed limits or can it affect other rules?

This supplementary sign can modify various main signs, not just speed limits. For example, it could exempt heavier vehicles from a 'no entry' sign, a 'no overtaking' zone, or a specific parking restriction. Its purpose is always to refine the application of the primary sign based on vehicle type and weight, so the context of the main sign is vital.

What if there are other supplementary plates below sign 1040-37?

You must read all signs in the stack from top to bottom. If there are multiple supplementary plates, they can combine to create a more complex rule. For instance, sign 1040-37 might exempt vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, but another plate below it might restrict them to certain times or directions. Always interpret the complete set of signs.

1040-37 - Supplementary sign "motor vehicles with zulässigen Gesamtmasse über 3,5 t, einschließlich ihrer Anhänger, Zugmaschinen, ausgenommen passenger cars buses angegebenen Zeitraum exempt" road sign image

A clear reference image of the 1040-37 - Supplementary sign "motor vehicles with zulässigen Gesamtmasse über 3,5 t, einschließlich ihrer Anhänger, Zugmaschinen, ausgenommen passenger cars buses angegebenen Zeitraum exempt" road sign used in Germany.

1040-37 - Supplementary sign "motor vehicles with zulässigen Gesamtmasse über 3,5 t, einschließlich ihrer Anhänger, Zugmaschinen, ausgenommen passenger cars buses angegebenen Zeitraum exempt" road sign

Other names for the 1040-37 - Supplementary sign "motor vehicles with zulässigen Gesamtmasse über 3,5 t, einschließlich ihrer Anhänger, Zugmaschinen, ausgenommen passenger cars buses angegebenen Zeitraum exempt"

The 1040-37 - Supplementary sign "motor vehicles with zulässigen Gesamtmasse über 3,5 t, einschließlich ihrer Anhänger, Zugmaschinen, ausgenommen passenger cars buses angegebenen Zeitraum exempt" road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

German road sign 1040-37German traffic sign 1040-37StVO sign 1040-37Supplementary sign "motor vehicles with zulässigen Gesamtmasse über 3,5 t, einschließlich ihrer Anhänger, Zugmaschinen, ausgenommen passenger cars buses angegebenen Zeitraum exempt" signZusatzzeichen „Kraftfahrzeuge mit einer zulässigen Gesamtmasse über 3,5 t, einschließlich ihrer Anhänger, und Zugmaschinen, ausgenommen Personenkraftwagen und Kraftomnibusse im angegebenen Zeitraum frei“supplementary signs 1040-37

German Supplementary Signs road sign category

The 1040-37 - Supplementary sign "motor vehicles with zulässigen Gesamtmasse über 3,5 t, einschließlich ihrer Anhänger, Zugmaschinen, ausgenommen passenger cars buses angegebenen Zeitraum exempt" road sign is part of the German Supplementary Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Road Sign Knowledge

Comparing related road signs like the 'motor vehicles over 3.5t' supplementary sign helps solidify your understanding and reduces errors. Sharpen your traffic sign comparison skills for effective theory test revision.

1000-10 - Direction, pointing left road sign

Direction, pointing left

Understand German Sign 1000-10: Direction, Pointing Left Supplementary Sign

German Supplementary Signs1000-10
1000-11 - Advance notice, pointing left road sign

Advance notice, pointing left

German Road Sign 1000-11: Advance Notice, Pointing Left

German Supplementary Signs1000-11
1000-12 - Pedestrians Sidewalk gegenüber benutzen, pointing left road sign

Pedestrians Sidewalk gegenüber benutzen, pointing left

Understand German Supplementary Sign 1000-12: Pedestrians Use Sidewalk Opposite, Pointing Left

German Supplementary Signs1000-12
1000-13 - Umleitungsbeschilderung Dreiviertelkreis road sign

Umleitungsbeschilderung Dreiviertelkreis

Understand the 'Umleitungsbeschilderung Dreiviertelkreis' Supplementary Sign (1000-13)

German Supplementary Signs1000-13
1000-23 - Umleitungsbeschilderung Viertelkreis road sign

Umleitungsbeschilderung Viertelkreis

Understand the 'Umleitungsbeschilderung Viertelkreis' Supplementary Sign

German Supplementary Signs1000-23
1000-30 - Beide directionen, zwei gegengerichtete waagerechte Pfeile road sign

Beide directionen, zwei gegengerichtete waagerechte Pfeile

Understand German Supplementary Sign 1000-30: Opposing Directional Arrows

German Supplementary Signs1000-30
1000-31 - Beide directionen, zwei gegengerichtete senkrechte Pfeile road sign

Beide directionen, zwei gegengerichtete senkrechte Pfeile

This Supplementary Sign Explains How to Apply the Main Sign Above it.

German Supplementary Signs1000-31
1000-32 - Cycle traffic kreuzt left right cycle traffic ist in the opposite direction zugelassen road sign

Cycle traffic kreuzt left right cycle traffic ist in the opposite direction zugelassen

Understand When Cycle Traffic Crosses or Travels Opposite with Sign 1000-32

German Supplementary Signs1000-32

Ready to Master German Road Signs? Start Your Focused Revision

Deepen your understanding of specific road sign categories or test your knowledge with practice questions. Explore our themed sign groups for targeted study or jump into quizzes to reinforce your recognition skills for the official German theory exam.

All German Road Signs List
CTA Decorative Squares

Dive into German road sign knowledge

German Driving Theory B course1007-31 Rauch German road signGerman Driving Theory AM courseGerman HGV Theory - C/CE course1007-30 Ölspur German road signGerman Motorcycle Theory A course1007-32 Rollsplitt German road signGerman Bus & Coach Theory (D) course1007-34 Straßenschä German road sign1006-31 Unfallgefahr German road sign1004-32 Stop in 100 m German road sign1007-33 Baustellenausfahrt German road sign1007-35 Verschmutzte Fahrbahn German road signGerman Regulatory Signs German road sign category1000-10 Direction, pointing left German road signGerman Supplementary Signs German road sign categoryGerman Danger Warning Signs German road sign category1000-11 Advance notice, pointing left German road signGerman Traffic Control Boards German road sign category1000-34 Umleitungsbeschilderung Halbkreis German road signGerman Guide and Information Signs German road sign category1000-23 Umleitungsbeschilderung Viertelkreis German road sign1006-32 Supplementary sign "Unfallgefahr truck" German road sign1000-13 Umleitungsbeschilderung Dreiviertelkreis German road signGerman Traffic Facilities and Road Markings German road sign category1000-12 Pedestrians Sidewalk gegenüber benutzen, pointing left German road sign1002-10 Verlauf Priority road an Kreuzungen - unten to the left German road sign1000-31 Beide directionen, zwei gegengerichtete senkrechte Pfeile German road sign1000-30 Beide directionen, zwei gegengerichtete waagerechte Pfeile German road sign1001-30 ...m (zweiter Teil Unternummer steht jeweils for Zahlenwert) German road sign1001-32 Noch...m (zweiter Teil Unternummer steht jeweils for Zahlenwert) German road sign1001-33 Noch...km (zweiter Teil Unternummer steht jeweils for Zahlenwert) German road sign1001-34 ...m (verbal, zweiter Teil Unternummer steht jeweils for Zahlenwert) German road sign1001-35 ...km (verbal, zweiter Teil Unternummer steht jeweils for Zahlenwert) German road sign1002-12 Verlauf Priority road an Einmündungen - unten to the left, Einmündung oben German road sign1004-30 Entfernungsangabe in m (zweiter Teil Unternummer steht jeweils for Zahlenwert) German road sign1004-31 Entfernungsangabe in km (zweiter Teil Unternummer steht jeweils for Zahlenwert) German road sign1005-30 Reißverschluss erst in... m (zweiter Teil Unternummer steht jeweils for Zahlenwert) German road sign1000-32 Cycle traffic kreuzt left right cycle traffic ist in the opposite direction zugelassen German road sign1006-30 Schleudergefahr for Wohnwagengespanne an Descentstrecken with starkem Crosswind Autobahnen German road sign