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Driving safety guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
No Trucks, Weight Limit and Truck Route Signs
Some roads, bridges and ramps limit which trucks may use them, and others are marked as routes for trucks. Here is what the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) says the No Trucks, weight limit, truck route, weigh station and hazardous material signs mean and where they go.
R5-2the MUTCD designation for the No Trucks sign
R12-1the WEIGHT LIMIT sign for a road or structure with a weight restriction
R14-1the TRUCK ROUTE sign for a route designated to allow truck traffic
White and blackthe colors the MUTCD color code assigns to regulation
The short answer
A No Trucks (R5-2) sign gives notice that a State or local law or ordinance keeps trucks off that roadway or facility; NO THRU TRUCKS (R5-2b) may be used to prohibit through traffic on that roadway or facility. A WEIGHT LIMIT sign marks a section of highway or a structure with a vehicle weight restriction, and another weight limit sign is placed in advance so prohibited vehicles can detour or turn around. A TRUCK ROUTE (R14-1) sign marks a route designated to allow truck traffic.
Regulatory sign basics
What they are: regulatory signs give notice of traffic laws or regulations. No Trucks, weight limit, truck route and hazardous material signs are all regulatory signs in the MUTCD.
Shape and color: regulatory signs shall be rectangular unless the MUTCD specifically designates otherwise. In the MUTCD color code, black and white mean regulation, and red means stop or prohibition.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 1D.05, 2A.03 and 2B.02, read November 4, 2026.
No Trucks and NO THRU TRUCKS
Selective Exclusion signs: the No Trucks (R5-2) sign is one of the Selective Exclusion signs, which may be used to give notice that State or local statutes or ordinances exclude designated types of traffic from using particular roadways or facilities. They shall clearly indicate the type of traffic that is excluded. Other examples include NO COMMERCIAL VEHICLES (R5-4) and NO THRU TRAFFIC (R5-12).
NO THRU TRUCKS (R5-2b): this sign may be used to prohibit through traffic from using a particular roadway or facility. The EXCEPT LOCAL DELIVERY (R5-2aP) plaque may be mounted below the R5-2 or R5-2b sign.
Where it goes: the MUTCD says a Selective Exclusion sign should be placed on the right-hand side of the roadway at an appropriate distance from the intersection, so it is clearly visible to all road users turning into the roadway that has the exclusion.
Weight-based limits: if an exclusion is governed by vehicle weight, the MUTCD says a Weight Limit sign should be used instead of a Selective Exclusion sign.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2B.45, read November 4, 2026.
Weight limit signs
Weight limit signs shall be used to indicate a section of highway or structure that has a vehicle weight restriction. The MUTCD describes these versions:
| Sign | What the MUTCD says |
|---|---|
| WEIGHT LIMIT (R12-1) | Indicates a section of highway or structure with a vehicle weight restriction. The units should be consistent within a State or region (pounds or tons). |
| AXLE WEIGHT LIMIT (R12-2) | May be used where the restriction applies to axle weight rather than gross load, as XX TONS or XX LBS. |
| WEIGHT LIMIT XX TONS PER AXLE, XX TONS GROSS (R12-4) | May be used where both axle weight and gross vehicle weight limits apply, combining the messages on one sign. |
| Weight Limit symbol sign (R12-5) | May show up to three truck symbols with the weight limit to the right of each as XX T. The symbols apply to all trucks of that configuration (single-unit, single-trailer or multi-trailer), regardless of vehicle shape. |
| Weight Limit for specialized hauling vehicles (R12-6) | May be used for single unit trucks with multiple closely spaced axles, such as dump trucks, construction vehicles and solid waste trucks. |
| EMERGENCY VEHICLE WEIGHT LIMIT (R12-7) | May be used to indicate weight restrictions for emergency vehicles, with single axle, tandem and gross limits. |
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2B.64, read November 4, 2026. A weight limit sign shall be located at the restricted section of highway or structure, and an additional weight limit sign with an advisory distance or directional legend shall be located in advance of it so that prohibited vehicles can detour or turn around before the limit zone. The facility type, such as BRIDGE, may be added to the legend.
Truck routes, weigh stations and hazmat
Other truck-related regulatory signs in the MUTCD:
| Sign | What the MUTCD says |
|---|---|
| TRUCK ROUTE (R14-1) | Should be used to mark a route that has been designated to allow truck traffic. |
| Weigh Station (R13-1) | A sign reading TRUCKS OVER XX TONS MUST ENTER WEIGH STATION NEXT RIGHT should be used to direct appropriate traffic into an inspection station. |
| Hazardous Material Route (R14-2) | May be used to identify routes designated by proper authority for vehicles transporting hazardous material. |
| Hazardous Material Prohibition (R14-3) | May be used on routes where transporting hazardous material is prohibited; if used, it should be installed where those vehicles have the opportunity to take an alternate route. |
| National Network (R14-4) and National Network Prohibition (R14-5) | Signing National Network truck routes is optional; when one is signed, the R14-4 sign shall be used. The R14-5 sign may mark routes, portions of routes and ramps where trucks are prohibited, or the ends of designated routes. |
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 2B.65 to 2B.68, read November 4, 2026.
Sign sizes
Minimum sizes in inches from Table 2B-1 of the MUTCD (a dash means no size is listed):
| Sign | Single lane conventional | Multi-lane conventional | Expressway | Freeway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Trucks (R5-2) | 24 x 24 | 24 x 24 | 30 x 30 | 36 x 36 |
| No Thru Trucks (R5-2b) | 24 x 30 | 24 x 30 | 30 x 36 | 36 x 48 |
| Weight Limit (R12-1, R12-2) | 24 x 30 | 24 x 30 | 36 x 48 | - |
| Weight Limit symbol sign (R12-5) | 24 x 36 | 24 x 36 | 36 x 48 | 48 x 60 |
| Truck Route (R14-1) | 24 x 18 | 24 x 18 | - | - |
| Hazardous Material (R14-2, R14-3) | 24 x 24 | 24 x 24 | 30 x 30 | 36 x 36 |
| Weigh Station (R13-1) | 72 x 54 | 72 x 54 | 96 x 72 | 132 x 90 |
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Table 2B-1 and Section 2B.03, read November 4, 2026. Except as provided in Section 2A.07, these are minimum sizes for regulatory signs.
Keep your brakes, tires and battery ready
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 4, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
No trucks and weight limit sign FAQ
What does a No Trucks sign mean?
The No Trucks (R5-2) sign is one of the MUTCD Selective Exclusion signs. These signs may be used to give notice that State or local statutes or ordinances exclude designated types of traffic from using a particular roadway or facility, and they shall clearly indicate the type of traffic that is excluded.
What does NO THRU TRUCKS mean?
The MUTCD says the NO THRU TRUCKS (R5-2b) sign may be used to prohibit through traffic from using a particular roadway or facility. An EXCEPT LOCAL DELIVERY (R5-2aP) plaque may be mounted below the R5-2 or R5-2b sign.
What does a WEIGHT LIMIT sign mean?
Weight limit signs shall be used to indicate a section of highway or structure that has a vehicle weight restriction. Where the restriction applies to axle weight rather than gross load, the legend may read AXLE WEIGHT LIMIT XX TONS or XX LBS (R12-2).
Why is there a weight limit sign before the restricted road?
The MUTCD requires an additional weight limit sign, with an advisory distance or directional legend, in advance of the restricted section of highway or structure, so that prohibited vehicles can detour or turn around before the limit zone.
Why use a weight limit sign instead of a No Trucks sign?
The MUTCD says that if an exclusion is governed by vehicle weight, a Weight Limit sign should be used instead of a Selective Exclusion sign such as No Trucks.
What does a TRUCK ROUTE sign mean?
The TRUCK ROUTE (R14-1) sign should be used to mark a route that has been designated to allow truck traffic.
What are hazardous material route signs?
The Hazardous Material Route (R14-2) sign may be used to identify routes designated by proper authority for vehicles transporting hazardous material. On routes where transporting hazardous material is prohibited, the Hazardous Material Prohibition (R14-3) sign may be used and, if used, should be installed where those vehicles have the opportunity to take an alternate route.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a brake inspection, tire rotation and pressure check, and battery test, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Sign descriptions are from the Federal Highway Administration's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition with Revision 1 (Revision 1 dated December 2025), read November 4, 2026. This page is a plain-language summary of national standards, not legal advice; state law sets the rules of the road where you drive. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1 (Sections 1D.05, 2A.03, 2B.02, 2B.03, 2B.45 and 2B.64 to 2B.68; Table 2B-1), Federal Highway Administration, Revision 1 dated December 2025 (PDF updated February 12, 2026), read November 4, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 4, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 4, 2026