This road sign:

Explanation

It permits movement only at 50 km/h or above.

The blue field and round shape place this sign in the family of mandatory signs; that is, a sign that tells you what to do, not what not to do. The figure 50 on a round blue field means the minimum permitted speed; on that section of road you must not travel more slowly than 50 km/h.

Memorise the distinction between these three signs once and for all: a white circle with a red border and a figure means maximum speed and going above it is prohibited; a blue circle with a figure means minimum speed and going below it is prohibited; a blue square with a figure means a recommended speed, which is not binding. All three carry a figure, and that very similarity is where mistakes happen in the exam; make your decision from shape and colour, not from the number.

The safety reason for a minimum speed limit matters too: a very slow vehicle on a fast route becomes an obstacle itself. Drivers behind are forced into sudden braking and repeated overtaking, and a large speed difference between vehicles is a well-known crash factor. If your vehicle cannot maintain this speed for technical reasons or because of the weather, that route is not the place for it.

• This is the definition of the maximum speed sign, which is round and white with a red border; the blue field reverses the meaning of the sign. • A recommended speed appears on a blue square sign and is not binding, whereas this round blue sign is a duty.

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