Supplementary plates: times, distances and exceptions beneath signs

A supplementary plate completes the main sign by defining its distance, duration, times, vehicle categories or exceptions. Its meaning comes from the combination of both elements.

Read the sign and plate as one instruction

A supplementary plate beneath a vertical road sign clarifies what the rule or warning applies to. It may show the distance to the relevant point, the length of a section, time periods, a vehicle category or an exception. Looking only at the plate leaves out the main rule; ignoring the plate risks applying the sign too broadly or too narrowly.

For example, a prohibition sign with a time plate may apply only at certain times; a category symbol may exclude some vehicles; a distance may indicate that the hazard is further ahead. Read from top to bottom and consider the road section, lane and direction. Where there are several plates, each may add a separate condition.

• Identify the main sign first.
• Add the information about times, distance, extent or vehicle category.
• Check where the stated restriction begins and ends.

Examples and unclear cases

Arrow plates may mark the limits of a prohibition or show where it begins and ends; plates showing days and times specify when it applies. The words “except” and symbols for permitted categories may change who is affected. A plate showing a distance does not move the sign: it warns that the hazard or restriction lies further ahead. Stay alert throughout the whole section.

Temporary signs may use plates to describe diversions, roadworks lengths or working periods. At roadworks, follow the conditions on site and officers’ instructions carefully. If a local restriction is unclear, do not assume you are exempt: ask the road authority or local police.

Practise reading combinations

A plate may contain several details at once, such as days of the week and a time period. Before stopping or continuing, check every element, including arrows and category symbols. Signs marking the start and end of a section may be repeated along the road. If a sign is obscured or damaged, do not guess the restriction: choose the cautious option and report the problem to the council or road authority.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale lets you revise plates and signs through study chapters, timed quizzes and review of incorrect answers.