When you see this road sign, what is the situation in which you must keep a minimum distance of 70 metres from the vehicle in front?

This road sign indicates a mandatory minimum distance of 70 meters that must be kept between certain types of vehicles. According to German traffic rules, this minimum distance applies specifically when:

1. You are driving a lorry (truck) with a permissible total weight over 3.5 tons behind another lorry with the same weight class.
2. You are driving a tractor unit (the front part of a truck) behind a lorry with a permissible total weight over 3.5 tons.

The rule is designed to enhance safety by reducing the risk of rear-end collisions between large vehicles that require longer stopping distances.

It does NOT apply when a lorry with over 3.5 tons follows a car with a trailer; in this case, the 70-meter minimum distance does not need to be maintained.

Always remember, these minimum distance rules are specific and must be observed strictly by heavy vehicles to ensure road safety.