Driving Theory
French Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand and obey France's Prohibitory Road Signs

France Prohibitory Signs

This section covers France's prohibitory road signs, often indicated by a red circle and a white or black background. These signs are crucial as they tell you what is absolutely forbidden, from entering certain areas to specific vehicle types, speeds, or actions like overtaking and stopping. Mastering these signs is essential for passing your theory test and, more importantly, for ensuring your safety and the safety of others on the road by adhering to traffic regulations.

prohibitory signsfrance road signstraffic regulationsdriving theoryexam prepno entryno overtakingspeed limitparking restrictionsroad safetydriving rules

How France Prohibitory Signs road signs are used in France

An explanation of how France Prohibitory Signs road signs apply in real traffic situations in France. Learn where these signs are typically placed, what drivers are expected to do when they appear, and how correct reactions help you stay safe, avoid fines, and succeed in your French driving theory exam.

Prohibitory signs, often marked with a red circle and a diagonal bar or a red border, are placed at the point where the restriction begins. You'll encounter them frequently in urban areas, on specific road sections, near construction sites, or at border crossings to manage traffic flow and safety. For example, a 'No Entry' sign (B1) will block off one-way streets from the wrong direction, while 'No Overtaking' (B3) applies to specific stretches of road, often where visibility is poor. Signs like 'No Parking' (B6a) and 'No Stopping' (B6d) are common in busy town centres, near junctions, or on narrow roads. You'll also see signs restricting specific vehicle types (e.g., B8 'No Lorries', B9f 'No Buses') or those carrying dangerous goods (B18c). It's vital to read not only the main sign but also any supplementary plates below it, which might specify times, vehicle categories, or exceptions. Failure to comply can lead to immediate fines, points on your licence, or dangerous situations.

What you will learn about France Prohibitory Signs road signs

An overview of the key learning outcomes when studying the France Prohibitory Signs road sign category. Understand the main concepts, sign meanings, and traffic situations covered here so you can recognise patterns, answer theory questions more confidently, and build a solid foundation for safe driving in France.

Identify and understand the meaning of common prohibitory signs in France, such as 'No Entry', 'No Overtaking', and 'Speed Limit'.Recognise signs that restrict specific vehicle types or actions like turning, stopping, and parking.Understand the implications of dimension, weight, and dangerous goods restrictions indicated by prohibitory signs.Interpret supplementary plates that may provide exceptions or specific conditions to prohibitory signs.Apply the rules indicated by these signs correctly in various real-world driving scenarios to ensure safety and compliance.

Master France's Prohibitory Road Signs

Master the meaning and application of France's prohibitory road signs, crucial for your theory test. These signs, often circular with red borders, dictate what drivers must not do, such as no entry or parking restrictions. Understanding their specific context and any supplementary plates is vital for safe driving and passing your exam.

B9g - No mopeds road sign

No mopeds

The B9g 'No Mopeds' sign prohibits moped access, ensuring specific routes are clear.

France Prohibitory SignsB9g
B1 - No entry road sign

No entry

What does the B1 'No Entry' prohibitory sign mean for French drivers?

France Prohibitory SignsB1
B0 - No vehicles road sign

No vehicles

B0 'No Vehicles' Sign: Understanding This Important Prohibition

France Prohibitory SignsB0
B3 - No overtaking road sign

No overtaking

Understand the 'No Overtaking' (B3) Prohibitory Sign in France

France Prohibitory SignsB3
B3a - No overtaking by lorries road sign

No overtaking by lorries

Understand the B3a 'No Overtaking by Lorries' Prohibitory Sign in France

France Prohibitory SignsB3a
B10a - Length limit road sign

Length limit

France's B10a 'Length Limit' Sign Prohibits Certain Vehicle Movements

France Prohibitory SignsB10a
B17 - No traffic allowed without indicated minimum distance between vehicles road sign

No traffic allowed without indicated minimum distance between vehicles

French B17 Road Sign: Maintain Minimum Distance Between Vehicles

France Prohibitory SignsB17
B14 - Speed limit road sign

Speed limit

The B14 'Speed Limit' Sign: Understanding and Obeying Prohibitory Restrictions

France Prohibitory SignsB14
B2a - No left turn road sign

No left turn

Understand the B2a 'No Left Turn' Prohibitory Sign in France

France Prohibitory SignsB2a
B2b - No right turn road sign

No right turn

Understand the 'No Right Turn' (B2b) Prohibitory Road Sign in France

France Prohibitory SignsB2b
B2c - No U-turns road sign

No U-turns

The B2c 'No U-turns' Sign: What You Must Know

France Prohibitory SignsB2c
B4 - Stop - customs road sign

Stop - customs

B4 Stop - Customs: You must stop at this prohibitory sign.

France Prohibitory SignsB4
B5a - Stop - gendarmerie road sign

Stop - gendarmerie

Understand the B5a 'Stop - Gendarmerie' Prohibitory Sign in France

France Prohibitory SignsB5a
B5b - Stop - police road sign

Stop - police

Understand the B5b 'Stop - Police' Prohibitory Road Sign

France Prohibitory SignsB5b
B5c - Stop - toll road sign

Stop - toll

Understand the 'Stop - Toll' (B5c) Prohibitory Sign in France

France Prohibitory SignsB5c
B6a - No parking road sign

No parking

Obey the B6a 'No Parking' prohibitory sign in France.

France Prohibitory SignsB6a
B6a - Parking restrictions road sign

Parking restrictions

The B6a 'Parking Restrictions' sign means a specific action is prohibited.

France Prohibitory SignsB6a
B6a - Parking restrictions road sign

Parking restrictions

The B6a Road Sign: Understanding and Respecting Parking Restrictions in France

France Prohibitory SignsB6a
B6d - No stopping road sign

No stopping

What does the 'No Stopping' (B6d) road sign mean in France?

France Prohibitory SignsB6d
B7a - No motor vehicles except mopeds road sign

No motor vehicles except mopeds

Understand the B7a 'No Motor Vehicles Except Mopeds' Prohibitory Road Sign in France

France Prohibitory SignsB7a
B7b - No motor vehicles including mopeds road sign

No motor vehicles including mopeds

B7b: Understand the 'No Motor Vehicles Including Mopeds' Prohibitory Sign in France

France Prohibitory SignsB7b
B8 - No lorries road sign

No lorries

B8: No Entry for Lorries Sign in France

France Prohibitory SignsB8
B9a - No pedestrians road sign

No pedestrians

The B9a 'No Pedestrians' sign prohibits pedestrian access to a specific area or road.

France Prohibitory SignsB9a
B9b - No cycling road sign

No cycling

The B9b 'No Cycling' sign means cycling is prohibited in this area.

France Prohibitory SignsB9b
B9c - No horse-drawn vehicles road sign

No horse-drawn vehicles

Understand the 'No Horse-Drawn Vehicles' (B9c) Prohibitory Sign in France

France Prohibitory SignsB9c
B9d - No tractors road sign

No tractors

What does the B9d 'No Tractors' prohibitory sign mean?

France Prohibitory SignsB9d
B9e - No handcarts road sign

No handcarts

The B9e 'No Handcarts' Sign Prohibits Specific Movements or Vehicles

France Prohibitory SignsB9e
B9f - No buses road sign

No buses

B9f 'No Buses' sign: Understand what this prohibitory traffic sign means for your journey in France.

France Prohibitory SignsB9f
B9h - No motorcycles road sign

No motorcycles

Understand the 'No Motorcycles' (B9h) prohibitory road sign in France.

France Prohibitory SignsB9h
B9i - No vehicles towing caravans road sign

No vehicles towing caravans

Understand the French B9i Road Sign: No Vehicles Towing Caravans

France Prohibitory SignsB9i
B11 - Width limit road sign

Width limit

Observe the B11 Width Limit sign to avoid restricted zones.

France Prohibitory SignsB11
B12 - Height limit road sign

Height limit

B12 Height Limit: Know Your Vehicle's Clearance and Avoid Restrictions

France Prohibitory SignsB12
B13 - Weight limit road sign

Weight limit

The B13 Weight Limit sign restricts vehicles exceeding a specified weight.

France Prohibitory SignsB13
B13a - Axle weight limit road sign

Axle weight limit

B13a: Understand the Axle Weight Limit Prohibitory Sign

France Prohibitory SignsB13a
B15 - Give priority to oncoming vehicles road sign

Give priority to oncoming vehicles

Master the B15 Sign: You Must Give Priority to Oncoming Traffic

France Prohibitory SignsB15
B16 - No sounding of horns road sign

No sounding of horns

The B16 'No Sounding Horns' Sign: When and Why Not to Honk

France Prohibitory SignsB16
B18a - No vehicles carrying explosives road sign

No vehicles carrying explosives

The B18a sign prohibits vehicles carrying explosives, ensuring safety in hazardous areas.

France Prohibitory SignsB18a
B18b - No vehicles carrying water pollutants road sign

No vehicles carrying water pollutants

B18b Sign: Prohibiting Vehicles Carrying Water Pollutants

France Prohibitory SignsB18b
B18c - No vehicles carrying dangerous goods road sign

No vehicles carrying dangerous goods

B18c: What the 'No Vehicles Carrying Dangerous Goods' Sign Means in France

France Prohibitory SignsB18c
B19 - Other restrictions road sign

Other restrictions

What does the B19 'Other Restrictions' sign mean in France?

France Prohibitory SignsB19

France Prohibitory Signs road sign category frequently asked questions

Clear answers to common questions about the France Prohibitory Signs road sign category. Use this FAQ to review tricky rules, understand how these signs appear in exam scenarios, and remove confusion that often leads to mistakes in the French driving theory exam in France.

What is the main purpose of prohibitory signs?

The main purpose of prohibitory signs is to inform drivers of actions or vehicle types that are not allowed in a specific area or on a particular road. They are designed to regulate traffic, prevent dangerous situations, and ensure smooth traffic flow by clearly stating restrictions.

How do I know where the restriction from a prohibitory sign begins?

Most prohibitory signs apply from the point where they are displayed. However, some signs, like 'No Overtaking', may have a supplementary plate indicating the end of the restriction, or they might apply until the next junction or a sign indicating the end of the restriction. Always look for supplementary plates and be aware of your surroundings.

What's the difference between 'No Parking' and 'No Stopping' signs?

A 'No Parking' sign (B6a) prohibits you from leaving your vehicle unattended or stopping for an extended period. You might still be able to stop briefly to pick up or drop off passengers. A 'No Stopping' sign (B6d) is more stringent; it forbids any stopping, even for a short time, except when forced to do so by traffic conditions. It's a complete ban on stopping your vehicle.

Are there exceptions to prohibitory signs?

Yes, exceptions are often indicated by supplementary plates. These plates can specify time limits, certain vehicle categories that are exempt, or other conditions under which the prohibition does not apply. For instance, a 'No Entry' sign might have a supplementary plate allowing access for local residents or specific services. Always check for these plates below the main sign.

What should I do if I see multiple prohibitory signs together?

When multiple prohibitory signs are displayed together, it means all the indicated restrictions apply simultaneously. For example, you might see a 'No Entry' sign combined with a 'No Overtaking' sign. You must respect every single restriction presented. Read each sign carefully and ensure your vehicle and planned actions comply with all of them before proceeding.

Start Exploring French Road Sign Categories

Ready to deepen your understanding of French road signs? Dive into our comprehensive overview of official sign categories and groups. This structured approach will help you learn Code de la route classifications more effectively, preparing you thoroughly for your Permis de Conduire theory exam.

Explore Sign Categories
CTA Decorative Squares

Dive into French road sign knowledge

French HGV Theory courseB1 No entry French road signB9g No mopeds French road signFrench Motorcycle Theory courseFrench Category B Theory courseFrench D Category Theory courseB0 No vehicles French road signCategory AM French Theory courseB14 Speed limit French road signB3 No overtaking French road signB2a No left turn French road signB10a Length limit French road signB2b No right turn French road signB3a No overtaking by lorries French road signFrance Warning Signs French road sign categoryFrance Service Signs French road sign categoryFrance Extent Plates French road sign categoryFrance Priority Signs French road sign categoryFrance Location Signs French road sign categoryFrance Parking Plates French road sign categoryFrance Mandatory Signs French road sign categoryFrance Distance Plates French road sign categoryFrance Direction Plates French road sign categoryFrance Prohibitory Signs French road sign categoryFrance Information Signs French road sign categoryFrance Stop Ahead Plates French road sign categoryFrance Indication Plates French road sign categoryFrance Road Number Plates French road sign categoryFrance Lane Section Plates French road sign categoryFrance Priority Route Plates French road sign categoryFrance Railway Crossing Signs French road sign categoryFrance Temporary Warning Signs French road sign categoryFrance Vehicle Category Plates French road sign categoryFrance Bicycle-Specific Plates French road sign categoryFrance End of Restriction Signs French road sign categoryFrance Zonal Prescription Signs French road sign categoryFrance Other Restriction Plates French road sign categoryFrance Temporary Information Signs French road sign categoryFrance Temporary Additional Plates French road sign categoryB17 No traffic allowed without indicated minimum distance between vehicles French road sign