Many Drivers Do Not Know the Meaning of this Common Road Sign

The Spanish catalogue of road signs contains hundreds of signs and their meanings, and within that catalogue there are many that soe drivers will never come across in their lives, and there are others that are so common they become second nature.

However, there are some road signs which are common that many drivers do not know the meaning of, and one in particular can land you in a lot of trouble if you don’t obey.

We are, on this occasion, referring to road sign R-200, which is called, “Prohibido pasar sin detenerse”. In English, the definition is, “you must not pass without stopping”, and that is why, if you ignore the sign, you can easily find yourself with a fine.

The sign itself is an obligatory sign, circular with a red border, and contains a thick, horizontal black line, with rounded edges, in the centre. It is sometimes confused with a similar looking sign, no entry, but the definition is completely different.

The reason many drivers are perhaps unaware of how common the sign is, is that it is often accompanied by words above and below the central bar.

It is the sign you see at toll roads, or police checkpoints, for example, with the appropriate wording for the purpose of forcing you to stop.

However, the main purpose of the sign should now make sense, as you would be expected to stop at a toll booth, and carry out the appropriate procedure, before proceeding.

When it comes to a police or Guardia Civil checkpoint, the same applies. You must not pass without stopping. The only exception here is that if you are waved through by the officers then you do not have to stop, as their instructions overrule that of the sign.