“Carteles”
Traffic signs along the road have an important function; they warn, inform or tell you whether you must do something (commandment) or not (prohibition).
It is important that the traffic sign is recognizable and clearly visible.
11 categories of road signs
In total, we have more than 300 different traffic signs in the Netherlands. These can be divided into 11 categories.
A. Speed
Dutch: snelheid
These signs tell you what speed limit applies, or mark the end of an applicable speed limit. Signs with an advisory speed also fall into this category.
B. Priority
Dutch: Voorrang
Who has priority? These signs tell you whether you have or should give priority.
C. Prohibition
Dutch: geslotenverklaring
Also translated as restriction or closing declaration.
These signs indicate which road users are not allowed to use the road. Mandatory signs that indicate the direction of travel also fall into this category.
D. Direction of travel
Dutch: rijrichting
Signs in category D indicate the mandatory direction of travel.
E. Parking and standing still
Where are you allowed to stop and/or park? This is what the signs in category E tell you.
F. Other Commands and Prohibitions
This category encompasses various commands and prohibitions. It includes signs for no U-turns, no overtaking, lanes or paths designated for specific groups of drivers, and the sign that revokes all previously indicated prohibitions.
G. Traffic Rules
These signs announce the start or end of a certain type of road.
H. Built-up area
With only two signs, this category is the most clear: you enter or leave the built-up area.
J. Warning
Please note: you are approaching a roundabout, dangerous intersection, level crossing, etc. Signs in this category warn you of potentially dangerous situations.
K. Signage
Wayfinding signs inform you about routes you can follow to find your way to a city, village, neighborhood or other destination.
L. Information
Signs in this category inform you, among other things, about the course of a road and the options for sorting or diverting.
Other traffic signs
Underplates
Dutch: onderboarden
A bottom sign is an addition to a traffic sign or traffic light. It tells:
- to whom the traffic sign does or does not apply;
- (time) when the sign does or does not apply.
This prohibition sign only applies to trucks:
Zone signs
If the word ’zone’ appears above a traffic sign, the traffic sign applies throughout the entire designated area.
In combination with a zone sign, there are signs that indicate the end of the zone.
#question do zones end somewhere on their own? (Eg. on a crossing or a different type of road?)
