Traffic signsNetherlands

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Traffic signs

A traffic sign is a standardised visual symbol placed along roads to guide, warn, or regulate drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These signs provide essential information about road conditions, rules, directions, and potential hazards, helping to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. They come in various shapes and colours—such as triangular warning signs, circular prohibitory or mandatory signs, and rectangular information signs—each designed for quick recognition and clear understanding.

101. Mandatory path for cyclists and mopeds

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for cyclists and mopeds. Cyclists and the moped categories covered by the sign must use the designated path. Other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

102. End of mandatory path for cyclists and mopeds

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory path for cyclists and mopeds. The requirement associated with the designated path ends at this point. Cyclists and mopeds must continue according to the road layout, other traffic signs and applicable local rules.

103. Mandatory lane for buses and trams

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory lane for buses and trams. Buses and trams must use the designated lane or track where the sign applies. Other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

104. End of mandatory bus and tram lane

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory lane for buses and trams. The requirement associated with the designated lane or track ends at this point. Follow the subsequent lane markings, traffic signs and applicable local rules.

105. Mandatory lane for buses and trucks

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory lane for buses and trucks. Buses and trucks must use the designated lane where the sign applies. Other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

106. End of mandatory bus and truck lane

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory lane for buses and trucks. The requirement associated with the designated lane ends at this point. Buses and trucks must continue according to the lane markings, traffic signs and applicable local rules.

107. Start of a priority road

This traffic sign indicates the start of a priority road. Drivers on the priority road normally have priority over traffic entering from side roads until the priority road ends, unless traffic lights, other signs or applicable traffic rules indicate otherwise.

108. End of the priority road

This traffic sign indicates the end of the priority road. The road no longer has continuing priority at subsequent intersections. Follow the applicable traffic lights, priority signs and default priority rules.

109. Start of a built-up area

This traffic sign indicates the start of a built-up area. From this point, the traffic rules that apply to built-up areas take effect according to the applicable local regulations.

110. End of the built-up area

This traffic sign indicates the end of the built-up area. The traffic rules specifically associated with the built-up area cease to apply from this point according to the applicable local regulations.

111. Start of a motorway

This traffic sign indicates the start of a motorway. From this point, special motorway rules apply, including restrictions on which road users may enter and on stopping, reversing and other manoeuvres. Follow the applicable speed limits, lane rules and local motorway regulations.

112. End of the motorway

This traffic sign indicates the end of the motorway. The special motorway rules end at this point. Follow the speed limits, access rules and other traffic signs that apply to the road ahead.

113. Start of an expressway

This traffic sign indicates the start of an expressway. From this point, the traffic rules and access conditions that apply to expressways take effect according to the applicable local regulations.

114. End of the expressway

This traffic sign indicates the end of the expressway. The special traffic rules associated with the expressway end at this point. Follow the rules and traffic signs that apply to the road ahead.

115. Start of a residential area

This traffic sign indicates the start of a residential area. Special traffic rules apply within the area according to the applicable signs and local regulations. These rules may affect speed, parking and how different road users use the road.

116. End of the residential area

This traffic sign indicates the end of the residential area. The special traffic rules associated with the residential area end at this point. Follow the traffic signs and rules that apply beyond the area.

117. National speed limits

This traffic sign indicates the national speed limits. The applicable default maximum speeds depend on the road type, vehicle category and local traffic rules when no different speed limit is indicated.

118. Advisory speed limit

This traffic sign indicates an advisory speed. The displayed value recommends an appropriate speed for the road or conditions ahead. Its legal effect depends on the applicable local rules.

119. End of the advisory speed limit

This traffic sign indicates the end of the advisory speed. The preceding speed recommendation ends at this point. Continue according to the applicable speed limits and road conditions.

120. Start of a tunnel with indicated length

This traffic sign indicates the start of a tunnel and shows its length. The displayed value indicates the length of the tunnel. Follow the traffic rules and any special requirements that apply within it.

121. Road with two-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a road with two-way traffic. Traffic may travel in both directions, so vehicles travelling in the opposite direction may be encountered.

122. Crossing for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates a crossing for pedestrians. It marks a designated place where pedestrians cross the road. Priority and crossing rules depend on the applicable traffic signs, signals and local regulations.

123. Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way

This traffic sign indicates a road narrowing where oncoming drivers have to give way.

124. Dead end street

This traffic sign indicates a dead end street. The road has no through route for vehicles, although access to properties or other destinations along the road may still be possible.

125. Road with one-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a road with one-way traffic. Vehicular traffic may travel only in the permitted direction, subject to any exceptions indicated by traffic signs or local rules.

126. Road with one-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a road with one-way traffic. Drivers may travel only in the permitted direction.

127. Information about the next exit

This traffic sign gives information about the next exit. It may show the exit number, destination, direction or distance to the exit.

128. Maximum width of a lane

This traffic sign indicates the maximum permitted vehicle width for the indicated lane. Vehicles wider than the displayed limit may not use that lane.

129. Junction layout, directions and destinations

This traffic sign shows the junction layout, directions and destinations. The diagram shows how the roads are arranged and which direction leads to each indicated destination or route.

130. Parking allowed

This traffic sign indicates that parking is allowed. Vehicles may be parked in the area covered by the sign subject to any indicated conditions, restrictions or local parking rules.