Subsign and additional information

What are supplementary signs?

Supplementary signs are small rectangular signs mounted under a main sign. They clarify or limit the scope of the main sign. Without a supplementary sign, the main sign applies generally.

Common types of supplementary signs

Common exam traps

• Time periods that limit a no-parking rule to weekdays mean that you can park on weekends.
• A warning sign with a distance supplementary sign means that the danger starts at the stated distance, not that the danger is where you are standing.
• Supplementary signs with vehicle type mean that the prohibition applies only to that type, not all vehicles.
• The combination of main sign and supplementary sign must be read together to understand the rule.

Interaction with main signs

Supplementary signs never change the basic meaning of the main sign, but they can narrow or expand the scope of the rule. You can find supplementary signs under all sign groups:

• Under warning signs , they indicate the distance to the danger.
• Under prohibition signs , they limit time or vehicle type.
• Under speed limit signs , they indicate length of section or zone.

Further reading

• See speed zones and zone signs to understand how zones override individual signs.
• Read about signs and road markings for the overall signage system.
• Practice with question types in the theory test .