Warning signs

The signs

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  J1 · Uneven roadA broken surface cuts your grip and lengthens your braking.
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  J2 · Bend to the rightBrake before the bend, not in it, and look through the corner.
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  J8 · Dangerous crossroadsWithout other signs, priority to the right applies — cover the brake.
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  J9 · Roundabout aheadChoose your lane and your speed before you reach the shark's teeth (haaientanden).
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  J10 · Level crossing with barriersNever enter unless you can clear the far side completely.
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  J11 · Level crossing without barriersLook and listen yourself. Two tracks can mean a second train.
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  J16 · Road worksExpect people on the carriageway, temporary limits and loose surfaces.
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  J17 · Road narrows on both sidesDecide early who fits through first, and be ready to wait.
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  J20 · Slippery roadEverything gentle: no sudden steering, braking or accelerating.
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  J21 · ChildrenSchools and playgrounds. Cover the brake and cut your speed.
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  J22 · Pedestrian crossing aheadNever overtake a vehicle just before or on a zebra crossing, even if it is still moving (art. 12).
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  J23 · PedestriansOften where there is no pavement, so people walk in the road itself.
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  J24 · Cyclists and moped ridersCheck the blind spot before you turn across their path.
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  J27 · Large wild animalsDawn and dusk are the risk hours. Brake, do not swerve.
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  J28 · LivestockPass slowly and quietly, and do not use the horn.
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  J29 · Oncoming trafficA one-way section is ending — expect oncoming traffic again.
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  J32 · Traffic lights aheadOften placed where the lights are hidden by a bend or a crest.
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  J34 · AccidentAn accident ahead. Slow down and be ready to stop.
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  J38 · Speed bumpCross it slowly and squarely, especially with a loaded car or a trailer.
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  J3 · Bend to the leftBrake before the bend and keep to the right; oncoming drivers may cut the corner.
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  J4 · Double bend, first to the rightBends follow one after another, the first to the right: pick a speed beforehand that suits all of them.
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  J5 · Double bend, first to the leftBends follow one after another, the first to the left: pick a speed beforehand that suits all of them.
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  J6 · Steep hill upwardsA steep climb: shift down in good time and allow for a limited view over the top.
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  J7 · Dangerous descentUse engine braking in a low gear so your brakes do not overheat.
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  J12 · Level crossing with a single trackThe cross stands at the crossing itself. Only go onto it if you can drive straight on and clear it completely.
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  J13 · Level crossing with two or more tracksAfter one train another may follow; let every train go first and wait until all is clear.
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  J14 · Tram crossingAt a junction without signs or traffic lights you give way to the tram, even when it comes from the left.
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  J15 · Movable bridgeThe bridge may open: stop at a red or flashing red bridge light.
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  J18 · Road narrows on the rightThe carriageway narrows on the right-hand side: slow down and watch the traffic beside you.
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  J19 · Road narrows on the leftThe carriageway narrows on the left-hand side: slow down and watch the traffic beside you.
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  J25 · Loose chippingsDrive slowly and keep your distance so flying stones do not hit windows or paint.
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  J26 · Quayside or river bankThe road may end at the water: drive slowly, especially in the dark or when it is slippery.
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  J30 · Low-flying aircraftA sudden loud noise may startle you; keep your attention on the road.
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  J31 · Side windHold the wheel firmly, especially on open stretches and bridges; a gust can push you sideways.
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  J33 · Queues likelyTraffic ahead may be at a standstill: slow down in good time and keep your distance.
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  J35 · Poor visibility due to snow, rain or fogThe rear fog light is only allowed in fog or falling snow with visibility under 50 metres, not in rain.
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  J36 · Ice or snowYour braking distance can become much longer: drive slower, keep more distance, and steer, brake and accelerate gently.
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  J37 · Danger (type shown on the sub-plate)The sub-plate tells you what danger is ahead: read it and adjust your speed.
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  J39 · Retractable bollard (poller) in the carriagewayNever follow another vehicle closely through the gap: the bollard can rise.

What you do in practice

• See a warning sign? Ease off and look where the hazard is.
• At sign J37 the sub-plate says what kind of hazard is coming: read it.
• At a level crossing (overweg) without barriers (J11) you need to be extra careful: watch the lights and the train.

The mistake many people make

Thinking a warning sign gives you priority or a rule. It only warns: other signs and shark's teeth regulate priority.

The Dutch terms

The rule in the law

• RVV 1990 bijlage 1, J1 tot en met J39

More in this guide

• Speed signs
• Priority signs
• Prohibition signs
• Compulsory direction signs
• Signs for parking and stopping
• Signs for types of road
• Information signs
• Signs that look alike

Dutch traffic signs and their meaning