Traffic signs in the Netherlands

Traffic signs in the Netherlands play a crucial role in ensuring safe and orderly traffic flow. They provide instructions, warnings, and information to drivers, enabling them to behave correctly on the road. While most road traffic signs and regulations in the Netherlands are clear and well-understood, there are some signs that can be confusing. In this article, we will discuss some common and confusing traffic signs.

Common and important road signs in the Netherlands

Let's start with some common and important road signs in the Netherlands:

Speed limit signs

These signs indicate the maximum speed allowed on a particular road or section of the road. Common speed limits include 30 km/h in residential areas, 50 km/h on urban roads, and 80 km/h or 100 km/h on rural roads, depending on the type of road.

Priority signs

Priority signs indicate which traffic has the right of way at an intersection or on a road. For example, a sign with a yellow diamond indicates that traffic on the main road has the right of way. The "yield to the right" principle is common in the Netherlands, where traffic from the right has the right of way unless otherwise indicated.

Read this article with more information about priority signs.

Stop signs

These signs indicate that drivers are required to come to a complete stop before proceeding. In the Netherlands, these traffic signs are often seen at intersections where there is no right-of-way.

Parking signs

Various parking signs inform drivers about where and when they can park their vehicles. In the Netherlands, these road signs can relate to paid parking, parking prohibitions, and time restrictions.

Traffic signs to be distinguished

End of the motorway (G2) and end of the expressway (G4)

Both signs indicate that you are leaving either a motorway or an expressway, but they pertain to different types of roads. Sign G2 applies to motorways, while Sign G4 is for expressways.

Right of way road (B1) and yield right of way (B6)

Both signs deal with right of way, but they give opposite instructions. Sign B1 indicates that you are approaching a right of way road and have priority over traffic on side roads. Sign B6 indicates that you must yield right of way to traffic on the crossing road.

No parking (E1) and no stopping (E2)

Sign E1, with its round blue shape and red border, indicates that parking is prohibited at that location, but stopping for passenger loading and unloading or for brief stops is allowed. On the other hand, Sign E2, which looks visually similar, indicates that both stopping and parking at that location are prohibited, unless it is to yield right of way or perform necessary actions.

Direction of travel (D4) and one-way traffic (C3)

Traffic sign D4 is a mandatory sign indicating that one is required to drive straight ahead. This sign is typically placed at an intersection or at the end of a street. On the other hand, traffic sign C3 is an information sign indicating that there is one-way traffic. This sign is usually placed at the beginning of a street.

Knowing traffic signs for your exam

To be successful in obtaining your driver's license, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the many different traffic signs in the Netherlands. It is mandatory to pass the theory exam before you can participate in the practical exam. During the theory exam, you must not only understand all traffic rules but also be familiar with all traffic signs. If you want to practice extensively for your theory exam, take a look at all the practice packages we offer.