Cameroon Heavy-Vehicle Theory cheat sheet

Red octagon: STOP. Come to a complete halt at the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the intersecting roadway; yield to all cross traffic and pedestrians.

Red inverted triangle: YIELD (Cédez le passage). Slow down and stop only if necessary to let traffic on the priority road pass.

Circular signs with red border: prohibitions (speed limit, no overtaking, no entry). Circular signs with blue background: mandatory instructions (direction, minimum speed, vehicle class).

Triangular signs with red border: warnings (curve, junction, pedestrian crossing, steep hill, slippery road). In Cameroon, warning signs are placed about 50 m before the hazard in urban areas and 150 m on rural roads.

Rectangular blue or green signs: information and direction. Green typically indicates major routes; blue indicates local services or mandatory lanes.

Solid white line: no crossing or straddling. Broken white line: may cross when safe. Double solid lines: absolute prohibition on crossing for both directions.

Yellow markings in Cameroon generally separate opposing traffic or mark the edge of the carriageway; a continuous yellow line means no overtaking.

Traffic light sequence: red → red+amber (get ready) → green → amber (stop unless unsafe to do so) → red. Flashing amber means proceed with caution.

A police officer's signals override traffic lights and signs. Arm raised vertically = stop for all traffic facing the officer; arm extended horizontally = proceed in the direction indicated.

At an uncontrolled intersection, yield to the vehicle approaching from the right (priorité à droite).

When entering a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating unless signs or markings indicate otherwise.

A vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right. A vehicle turning right must yield to pedestrians crossing the road it is entering.

Overtaking is prohibited on solid lines, at pedestrian crossings, on blind curves, at hill crests, and at railway crossings. Overtake on the left; passing on the right is allowed only when the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is room.

Safety distance: maintain at least a 2-second gap in good conditions; increase to 4 seconds or more in rain, dust, or poor visibility. For heavy vehicles, add 1 second for every 3 m of vehicle length.

Emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights have priority; pull over to the right and stop if necessary.

Pedestrians on a marked crossing have absolute right-of-way. Approach at a speed that allows you to stop.

At a railway crossing, stop if the barrier is down, lights are flashing, or a train is approaching. Never attempt to cross when the barrier is moving.

Pre-trip inspection checklist (ABC): Air (pressure build-up, leaks), Brakes (including parking brake and slack adjusters), Coupling (fifth wheel, safety latch, air lines, electrical cord), and tyres/wheels.

Air brake system: pressure should build from 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds at fast idle. Static leak test: with engine off and brakes released, pressure loss should not exceed 2 psi in 1 minute; with brakes applied, not more than 3 psi in 1 minute.

Low-air warning must activate before pressure drops below 60 psi. The spring brakes (emergency/parking) should apply automatically when pressure falls to 20–45 psi.

Tyre checks: minimum tread depth for heavy vehicles is 1.6 mm on steering axles and 1 mm on other axles (verify local regulation). Check for cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and correct pressure when cold.

Fifth wheel: check that the jaws are locked around the kingpin, the safety latch is closed, and the release handle is secured. Tug test: after coupling, pull forward gently with the trailer brake applied to confirm the lock.

Engine oil: check level with engine off and vehicle level; level should be between MIN and MAX marks. Coolant: check when cold, never open a hot radiator cap.

Lights: verify headlights (low/high), turn signals, brake lights, reversing lights, hazard lights, and side markers. A failed brake light is a defect that must be corrected before departure.

Steering: check for excessive free play (more than about 10–15 degrees at the rim for heavy vehicles) and listen for power-steering whine or leaks.

Cameroon maximum authorised mass for a rigid heavy vehicle is generally 26 tonnes; for an articulated combination (tractor + semi-trailer) it is 40 tonnes. Verify current decree, as limits may vary by axle configuration.

Maximum authorised dimensions: width 2.55 m (refrigerated vehicles 2.60 m), height 4.00 m, length 12 m for a rigid vehicle and 16.5 m for an articulated combination.

Axle load limits: steering axle typically 6–7 tonnes; drive axle(s) up to 11.5 tonnes; trailer axles up to 11.5 tonnes. Overloading any axle is an offence even if total mass is within limits.

Load must be evenly distributed and secured so it cannot shift, fall, or protrude dangerously. Use straps, chains, or tarpaulins rated for the load.

Loads projecting more than 1 m beyond the rear must be marked with a red flag or reflective panel by day and a red light at night.

Never exceed the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) stated on the manufacturer's plate.

Before loading, know the tare mass and payload capacity. After loading, re-check tyre pressure and axle loads if possible.

Overloading increases stopping distance, damages roads, and is subject to fines and possible immobilisation of the vehicle.

Defensive driving system: Scan (look far ahead and around), Identify hazards, Predict what may happen, Decide on an action, Execute smoothly (SIPDE).

Following distance for heavy vehicles: at least 4 seconds in good conditions, 6 seconds in rain or poor visibility, and more on gravel or downhill grades.

Blind spots: heavy vehicles have large blind areas to the front, sides, and rear. Before changing lanes, check mirrors, signal early, and confirm with a shoulder check if possible.

Speed management on downgrades: select a lower gear before descending, use engine braking, and avoid continuous service brake application to prevent brake fade.

Hazard perception: look for pedestrians stepping out, motorcycles filtering, animals on rural roads, and poorly maintained vehicles. Reduce speed in villages, markets, and school zones.

Night driving: reduce speed so you can stop within the distance lit by headlights; use low beams when following or meeting traffic; watch for unlit pedestrians and vehicles.

Rain and dust: increase following distance, turn on headlights, avoid sudden braking, and be aware of reduced traction and visibility.

Escape routes: always identify a safe path if the primary path is blocked (e.g., hard shoulder, open field).

At an accident: stop, switch on hazard lights, place warning triangle(s) at least 30 m behind the vehicle (150 m on motorways), and call emergency services.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger (fire, oncoming traffic). Suspect spinal injury after any high-impact crash.

First aid priorities: check responsiveness and breathing, control severe bleeding with direct pressure, treat for shock (keep warm, lie flat), and monitor airway.

Recovery position: for an unconscious but breathing casualty, place on the side to keep the airway open. Do not use if spinal injury is suspected.

Report the accident to the police within 24 hours if there are injuries or significant damage. Exchange names, addresses, insurance details, and vehicle registration numbers.

Warning triangle placement: on a straight road at least 30 m behind the vehicle; on a curve, place it before the curve so it is visible to approaching traffic.

Fire: switch off the engine, evacuate occupants, move at least 50 m away, and do not open the bonnet if the fire is in the engine compartment.

First aid kit and fire extinguisher are mandatory equipment in heavy vehicles; check their presence and expiry dates during pre-trip inspection.

Heavy vehicle categories in Cameroon: Category C for rigid goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes; Category D for passenger vehicles over 8 seats; Category E for trailers (articulated combinations).

Minimum age for a heavy vehicle licence is generally 21 years, with a valid medical certificate and a clean driving record for the preceding period.

Documents to carry: valid driving licence, vehicle registration certificate (carte grise), insurance certificate, technical inspection (contrôle technique) certificate, and transport permit if applicable.

Technical inspection is required periodically (typically every 6 months for heavy vehicles) and must be valid at the time of driving.

Insurance: third-party liability is mandatory. Proof of insurance must be produced on demand by police.

Driver's hours and rest: heavy vehicle drivers must respect daily driving limits and take mandatory breaks; tachograph or logbook records may be required.

Penalties: driving without a licence, without insurance, or with an expired technical inspection can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, and licence suspension.

Licence renewal: medical fitness must be re-certified at intervals; certain medical conditions (epilepsy, severe vision loss) disqualify a driver from holding a heavy vehicle licence.

Alcohol limit in Cameroon: blood alcohol concentration (BAC) must not exceed 0.05% (0.5 g/L) for general drivers; lower limits may apply to professional drivers. Any alcohol impairs judgement.

Fatigue signs: yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting between lanes, missing signs, and difficulty concentrating. Stop at a safe place and rest for at least 15–20 minutes; a short nap is more effective than caffeine.

Driving hours: take a 15-minute break every 2 hours; daily driving should not exceed 9 hours (may be extended to 10 hours twice a week under some regulations).

Alcohol is eliminated at about 0.015% BAC per hour; coffee, cold showers, or fresh air do not speed this up.

Drugs (including cannabis, cocaine, and some medicines) impair reaction time and judgement. Driving under the influence is a criminal offence.

Medical fitness: report conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, sleep apnoea, and heart disease to the licensing authority; some require periodic review.

Prescription medicines: check labels for drowsiness warnings; antihistamines and some painkillers can impair driving.

Peer intervention: if a colleague is unfit to drive, arrange alternative transport and report to the supervisor.

Fuel-efficient driving: accelerate smoothly, maintain steady speed, use the highest practical gear, and anticipate traffic to avoid unnecessary braking.

Idling for more than 1 minute wastes fuel and increases emissions; switch off the engine when parked or waiting for long periods.

Tyre pressure: under-inflation increases rolling resistance and fuel consumption by up to 3% per 10 psi drop; check pressures weekly when cold.

Regular maintenance (air filters, oil changes, injector cleaning) keeps the engine efficient and reduces black smoke.

Route planning: avoid congested areas and unnecessary detours; use GPS or local knowledge to find the most direct safe route.

Load management: remove unnecessary weight and roof racks when not needed; aerodynamic drag increases fuel use at higher speeds.

Emission control: heavy vehicles must meet applicable emission standards; visible black smoke indicates poor combustion and should be investigated.

Eco-driving can reduce fuel consumption by 5–15% and lowers maintenance costs.