Speed signs
A round sign with a red edge and a number is a speed limit: you may not drive faster there. A blue square sign with a number is an advisory speed: not a limit, but a warning. After the end of speed limit sign the normal limit for that type of road applies again.
The signs
A1 · Maximum speed 30 km/hBinding until an end sign or a new limit.
A1 · Maximum speed 50 km/hThe default inside the built-up area, though many streets are signed 30.
A1 · Maximum speed 80 km/hThe default on ordinary roads outside the built-up area.
A1 · Maximum speed 100 km/hAll day on an expressway (autoweg), and on most motorways (autosnelweg) between 06:00 and 19:00 (the signs then show it).
A1 · Maximum speed 130 km/hThe general motorway (autosnelweg) limit, where signs do not set a lower one. On most stretches 100 km/h applies by day (06:00-19:00).
A2 · End of maximum speed limitThe general limit for that road type takes over again.
A1 zone · Start of a 30 km/h zoneA zone covers every street inside it, junctions included, until the end sign.
A4 · Advisory speedBlue and square means advice, not a limit — but it is warning you about the road ahead.
A3 · Maximum speed on a matrix signApplies to the lane below it. If a roadside sign shows a lower speed, the lowest one applies.
A5 · End of advisory speedThe speed advice ends; the maximum speed that applies on this road still stands.
What you do in practice
- A 30 zone applies in every street of the zone, junctions included, until the end-of-zone sign.
- A speed on a matrix sign above the road applies to the lane underneath. If a sign beside the road shows a lower speed, the lowest applies.
- No sign on an ordinary road? Then the normal limit applies: 50 km/h in the built-up area (bebouwde kom) and 80 km/h outside it.
The mistake many people make
Taking the advisory speed for a speed limit. A blue square sign is advice, but it does warn you: usually about a bend or a dangerous spot.
The Dutch terms
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| bebouwde kom | built-up area |
The rule in the law
More in this guide
Practise every sign with questions like in the exam.
Start freeTheorieWin is not the CBR and does not book exams. What cbr.nl says always applies.