Dutch traffic signs and their meaning
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The Dutch traffic signs are in annex 1 of the RVV 1990. They are divided into groups with a letter: A speed, B priority, C closed to traffic, D direction, E parking and stopping (parkeren en stilstaan), F other commands and prohibitions, G traffic rules, H built-up area, J warning, K signposting and L information. Below you find, by topic, the signs you need to know for the theory exam, with their meaning.
All topics
- Speed signsThe speed signs (group A): speed limit, end of speed limit, 30 zone, the speed on a matrix sign and the advisory speed, with their meaning.
- Priority signsThe priority signs (group B and F5, F6): priority road, priority junction, give way, stop and who goes first at a narrowing.
- Prohibition signsThe prohibition signs: closed roads (group C), one-way streets, no overtaking, maximum sizes and weights and the low-emission zone, with their meaning.
- Compulsory direction signsThe round blue signs of group D: the roundabout, compulsory ahead or turn, and on which side you must pass a sign.
- Signs for parking and stoppingThe group E signs: no parking, no stopping, parking place, disabled parking, loading and unloading only and the parking disc zone.
- Signs for types of roadThe blue signs of groups G and H: motorway, expressway, home zone, footpath, cycle path, bridle path, built-up area, bus and tram lane and the peak-hour lane.
- Warning signsThe warning signs of group J: bends, junctions, level crossings, narrowings, children, pedestrians, cyclists, wild animals and cattle, with their meaning.
- Information signsThe information signs of group L: zebra crossing, bus stop, getting in lane, end of lane, dead end, tunnel, emergency lay-by and emergency phone.
- Signs that look alikeNo parking or no stopping, motorway or expressway, 30 zone or home zone: 8 pairs of signs that are often mixed up, with the difference in one sentence.
How to recognise a sign by shape and colour
- Round with a red edge: a prohibition or a limit, such as a speed limit or a closed road.
- Round and blue: a command, such as a compulsory direction.
- Triangle with a red edge, point upwards: a warning.
- Rectangular and blue: a traffic rule or information, such as a motorway (autosnelweg), a home zone (erf) or a parking place.
- Exceptions with their own shape: the triangle pointing down (B6), the octagonal stop sign (B7) and the yellow diamond of the priority road (B1).
Sub-plates
A sub-plate (onderbord) can hang under a sign, for example with a time, a distance or an exception for a type of vehicle. The sub-plate limits or explains the sign above it: always read it too.
Frequently asked questions
How many traffic signs do you need to know for the theory exam?
The CBR does not give a number. This page has the 176 signs we use in the app, divided over 8 topics.
What is the difference between a round red and a round blue sign?
A round sign with a red edge forbids something or sets a limit. A round blue sign commands something: you must do it.
Do traffic lights go above signs?
Yes, above the signs that regulate priority. And a traffic controller's instructions go above traffic lights and signs.
Sources
- wetten.overheid.nl RVV 1990
- cbr.nl theorie examenplan auto
- cbr.nl onderwerpen in het theorie examen