Semi-trailer truckPanama

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Panama. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


16. Semi-trailer truck

A semi-trailer truck is a combination consisting of a road tractor and a semi-trailer used primarily for transporting goods. The semi-trailer is coupled to the tractor so that a significant part of its weight is supported by the tractor rather than entirely by its own wheels.

Semi-trailer trucks are commonly used for long-distance freight transport and may carry containers, refrigerated goods, liquids, bulk materials or other cargo. Special rules can apply concerning driving licences, maximum dimensions and masses, speed limits, lane use, overtaking, loading and driving and rest periods.

Semi-trailer truck
A Mercedes semi-trailer truck. (Regensburg, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • High Contrast • CC BY
What is a semi-trailer truck?

A semi-trailer truck consists of a powered road tractor coupled to a semi-trailer primarily used to transport goods.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Technical Requirements Decree of 15 March 1968, Article 1, vehicle/machinery classifications; national example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Driving Licence Decree of 23 March 1998, Article 2, vehicle categories including G; national example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1, 13 and 30; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 124–126, vehicle-specific speeds; national guidance example

What is the difference between a semi-trailer and an ordinary trailer?

A semi-trailer is designed so that a substantial part of its own weight and load is supported by the towing vehicle. Other trailer designs support the load differently; some also impose a vertical load on the towing vehicle. Check the actual trailer and coupling ratings.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Technical Requirements Decree of 15 March 1968, Article 1, vehicle/machinery classifications; national example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Driving Licence Decree of 23 March 1998, Article 2, vehicle categories including G; national example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1, 13 and 30; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 124–126, vehicle-specific speeds; national guidance example

Do semi-trailer trucks have lower speed limits?

They often do. Many countries impose vehicle-specific maximum speeds on heavy goods vehicles, particularly on motorways and other high-speed roads.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Technical Requirements Decree of 15 March 1968, Article 1, vehicle/machinery classifications; national example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Driving Licence Decree of 23 March 1998, Article 2, vehicle categories including G; national example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 1, 13 and 30; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 124–126, vehicle-specific speeds; national guidance example

1 Panama 2 Railway crossing 3 Reversing 4 Bus 5 Police 6 Pothole 7 Path 8 Particulates 9 Air pollution 10 Rush hour 11 Road code 12 Street gutter 13 Cargo bike 14 Forestry vehicle 15 Construction vehicle 16 Semi-trailer truck 17 Trolleybus 18 Speed pedelec 19 Delivery vehicle 20 Idling 21 Tow truck 22 Four-wheel drive 23 Bicycle 24 Motorcycle equipment 25 Rail track 26 Caravan 27 Trailer 28 Tow hitch 29 Siren 30 Convoy 31 Emergency vehicle lighting 32 Agricultural machinery 33 Electric bicycle 34 Electric vehicle 35 Pedelec 36 Quadricycle 37 Microcar 38 All-terrain vehicle 39 Van 40 Recreational vehicle 41 Scooter 42 Trikke 43 Personal mobility device 44 Skateboard 45 Segway 46 Kick scooter 47 Roller skates 48 Mailman 49 Hitchhiker 50 Toddler 51 Child 52 Disability 53 Motorail 54 km/h 55 mph 56 Speedometer 57 Ride height 58 Dirt road 59 Driving 60 Start-stop system 61 Manual transmission 62 Automatic transmission 63 Throttle 64 Tachometer 65 Steering wheel 66 Power steering 67 Visual scanning 68 Mirror 69 Fuel 70 Fuel gauge 71 Petrol 72 Diesel 73 Diesel exhaust fluid 74 Car insurance 75 First aid kit 76 Fire extinguisher 77 High-visibility clothing 78 First aid 79 Concrete step barrier 80 Barriers 81 Vehicle lights 82 Street lights 83 Dipped beam 84 High beam 85 Fog lights 86 Front fog lights 87 Rear fog lights 88 Side lights 89 Turn signals 90 Hazard lights 91 Dashboard lights 92 Bicycle lighting 93 Bicycle bell 94 Headlight flashing 95 Seat belt 96 Child restraints 97 Head restraints 98 Airbag 99 ABS 100 Esp ...