Which vehicles are prohibited from using a road sign-posted like this?

The sign indicates a weight restriction for vehicles, specifically that vehicles with a permissible axle weight exceeding 2 tons are prohibited from using the road.

In German traffic law, the distinction between "actual axle weight" and "permissible axle weight" is important. Here, the prohibition applies to vehicles that have a permissible axle weight exceeding 2 tons, which includes not only those that currently weigh more but also those that were designed to carry more than this limit.

The correct answer includes both options regarding permissible axle weight because it encompasses all vehicles that may exceed the stated limit when loaded. Understanding this distinction is crucial for ensuring road safety and compliance with traffic regulations. This helps prevent road damage and enhances traffic flow by restricting heavier vehicles from specific roadways not built to support them.