New road signs often pop up, and drivers worldwide face the challenge of understanding them. Recently, a specific new traffic sign, the S-991f, has caused quite a stir. It’s making drivers scratch their heads, wondering what it actually means for their daily commute.
This sign is part of a new batch of traffic rules that started on July 1, 2025. The DGT, which manages traffic, even tried to clear things up about it on social media. They put out an explanation on X (formerly Twitter). But despite their efforts, many drivers are still very confused.
Decoding the S-991f Sign
The S-991 series of signs usually points out where automatic control devices are on the road. Think of them as radar systems. For the specific S-991f sign, the DGT shared a detailed explanation. It’s meant to warn you about something very particular.
The new S-991f sign shows there’s a device checking the minimum distance between vehicles. This happens on a highway or expressway, either at a certain spot or across a section. Extra signs might appear above or below it with more details.
Here’s the catch. Drivers are struggling to figure out what that “minimum distance” actually is. The DGT mentioned a 70-meter distance in its updates. But trying to accurately measure 70 meters while you’re driving is practically impossible. The general traffic rules just say to leave enough space to stop safely. They ask you to think about your speed and road conditions. This broad guideline clashes with the new, very specific enforcement.
The Price of Driving Too Close
The DGT warns drivers about the penalties. If a radar catches you not keeping enough distance from the car in front, there are serious consequences. You could face a 200 euro fine. Plus, you might lose 4 points from your driving license. Traffic authorities see this as a severe violation. It highlights the push for drivers to be more aware of spacing, even if the exact measurement is tricky.