This C14a road sign, officially known in Portugal as 'Proibição de ultrapassar', is a prohibitory sign that clearly indicates a restriction on overtaking. It means you must not overtake most other vehicles in the section where this sign is displayed, except for specific types like cyclists or two-wheeled mopeds/motorcycles without sidecars. Always interpret this sign alongside road markings and be aware of signs that indicate the end of this prohibition.
Master the C14a 'No Overtaking' sign, a crucial Portuguese road rule that dictates when overtaking is forbidden. Essential for your theory test revision, understanding its meaning ensures safe driving decisions and compliance with traffic legislation.
C14a - no overtaking (Proibição de ultrapassar) belongs to the Portuguese prohibitory signs category in the Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito. It normally uses the red-bordered regulatory style associated with restrictions, limits, bans, or cancellation of a previous restriction. The official wording is: proibição de ultrapassar: indicação de que é proibida a ultrapassagem de outros veículos que não sejam velocípedes, ciclomotores de duas rodas ou motociclos de duas rodas sem carro lateral. It creates a binding restriction from the point where it applies and normally continues until it is ended, replaced, or limited. For theory preparation, connect the sign to a concrete driving decision: where to look, when to slow, whether to stop or yield, which route or lane to choose, and whether any panel changes the scope of the rule. On the road, interpret it together with markings, traffic lights, police directions, temporary works signs, and any additional panel placed with it. A strong exam answer explains both recognition and behaviour: not only what the sign is called, but what a safe and lawful driver must do next.
C14a - no overtaking (Proibição de ultrapassar) means that the driver must understand and apply this official Portuguese instruction: proibição de ultrapassar: indicação de que é proibida a ultrapassagem de outros veículos que não sejam velocípedes, ciclomotores de duas rodas ou motociclos de duas rodas sem carro lateral. In practical terms, you should not overtake the affected vehicle class or in the affected section, and wait until the prohibition ends and the manoeuvre is safe.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the C14a - C14a - no overtaking (Proibição de ultrapassar) 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 Portuguese driving theory exam in Portugal.
The C14a 'Proibição de ultrapassar' sign means it is forbidden to overtake most other vehicles. This prohibition generally applies to all vehicles except for certain slower ones like bicycles, mopeds, or two-wheeled motorcycles without sidecars. You must not perform an overtaking manoeuvre until you pass a sign that cancels this restriction or the restricted section ends.
The C14a sign specifically allows you to overtake vehicles that are not explicitly covered by the prohibition. This typically includes cyclists, two-wheeled mopeds, and two-wheeled motorcycles without sidecars. You should still ensure the manoeuvre is safe and that you have a clear view ahead before proceeding.
A common mistake is assuming the prohibition applies to all vehicles without exception. Learners might forget that cyclists and certain smaller two-wheeled vehicles are often excluded from the overtaking ban. Another trap is failing to recognise that this sign creates a mandatory restriction, not a suggestion, and that ignoring it can lead to dangerous situations and exam failure.
The restriction imposed by the C14a sign typically remains in effect until you encounter a sign that explicitly cancels the prohibition, such as the 'End of Prohibition' sign. It may also end at the end of a specific zone or intersection, but always look for a definitive sign indicating the restriction has been lifted or is no longer applicable.
The C14a sign directly prohibits overtaking specific vehicles; it doesn't inherently require you to slow down or stop unless doing so is necessary to avoid overtaking illegally or to wait for a safe opportunity to proceed after the restriction ends. However, you should always be prepared to adjust your speed and be more cautious in areas where overtaking is restricted.
A clear reference image of the C14a - C14a - no overtaking (Proibição de ultrapassar) road sign used in Portugal.
The C14a - C14a - no overtaking (Proibição de ultrapassar) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The C14a - C14a - no overtaking (Proibição de ultrapassar) road sign is part of the Prohibitory Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Master Portuguese traffic rules by reviewing similar road signs. Comparing signs like 'C14a - no overtaking' with related ones enhances sign recognition and boosts your theory test revision for fewer exam mistakes.
Understand the C1 'Sentido Proibido' (No Entry) Road Sign
C10: Maintain Minimum Distance from Vehicle Ahead
No Right Turn Ahead: Understanding Portugal's C11a Prohibition Sign
Understand the C11b 'No Left Turn' Road Sign in Portugal
C12 Sign: No U-Turns Allowed Ahead
Obey the Maximum Speed Limit Indicated by the C13 Sign
Learn the C14b Road Sign: No Overtaking for Heavy Vehicles
C14c Sign: No Overtaking for Motorcycles and Mopeds
After reviewing the full list, explore signs by specific categories such as warning, regulatory, or informational to deepen your understanding. Practise recognizing signs in context and prepare effectively for your Portuguese driving licence theory test.
All Portuguese Road Signs List