Use of road signs

Because there are many different traffic signs, it is good to know what format there is. And in which way and in which combinations certain signs can occur.

Individual signs

Individual signs only apply to the next intersection. This could be, for example, a sign that indicates a speed limit or that prohibits you to park on that side of the carriageway. After every intersection the sign must be repeated to maintain its validity.

a01 30 — Individual sign A-1
Applies up to the next intersection or the ‘end sign’.

a02 30 — End sign A-2
End of the previously indicated speed limit.

Examples

If you encounter the individual sign 30 km/h within the built-up area, you may drive with a speed limit of a maximum of 30 km/h up to the next intersection.
If this sign is not repeated after the sign, then the speed limit of 30 km/h expires and the normal speed limit of 50 km/h, that applies in built-up areas, applies. You, as a moped rider, are of course only allowed 45 km/h on the carriageway.
If you encounter the sign ‘end 30 km/h’ before the next intersection, then this speed limit will expire from that sign.

verkeersborden kruising 1 1 — In this situation the sign is not repeated, and you are allowed to ride 45 km/h on the coloured sections.

verkeersborden kruising 2 1 — Here, the sign is repeated, and you are still allowed to go 30 km/h after the intersection.

verkeersborden kruising 3 1 — Here, the maximum speed of 30 km/h has ended before the intersection due to the sign ‘end 30 km/h’ and you are allowed to ride 45 km/h in the coloured section.

Zone sign

The effect of a zone sign is different than from an individual sign. The word ‘zone’ indicates that the sign keeps its validity until you leave the zone. This is indicated by the ‘end zone’ sign.

a01 30 zone — A-1 zone sign
Applies up to the ‘end zone’ sign.

a02 30 einde zone — A-2 end zone sign
End of the previously indicated zone.

e01 zone — E-1 zone sign
Parking prohibition applies through the entire zone to both sides of the carriageway.

e01 einde zone — E-1 end zone sign
End of the previously indicated zone.

If the E-1 sign (prohibited to park) is executed as a zone sign, the sign no longer applies to just that side of the carriageway, but for both sides of the carriageway for the entire zone. As with individual E-1 signs, an exception applies to all places intended for parking, such as parking spaces, parking lanes and parking bays.

e1 brommobiel — The E-1 sign indicates that it is prohibited to park on the right side of the carriageway. The brommobiel is allowed to be parked on the left side of the road.

e1 zonebord brommobiel — The E-1 zone sign indicates that parking is prohibited on both sides of the carriageway for the entirety of the zone. The brommobiel is **not** allowed to be parked here.

Supplementary plate

A sign can be combined with a supplementary plate. There can be different things on this supplementary plate:

ob 4 groot — Road users to whom this sign applies.

ob 54 groot — Road users to whom this sign does not apply.

ob 205 groot — Days or times when the sign is valid or not valid.

ob 613 groot — Additional explanation of the traffic sign.

All this can be represented by means of texts or pictograms or a combination of both.

Multiple indicated speed limits

It could be that multiple speed limits apply to one situation. For example, you may normally drive 50 km/h within the built-up area, but there could also be a 30 km/h sign. In that case, the 50 km/h sign expires and you may only drive 30 km/h.

There are signs that only indicate a speed limit:

a 1 30 zone groot — A-1 zone sign
30 km zone

If two signs with different speed limits are placed close to one another, the lowest indicated speed always applies. It does not matter whether this is an individual sign or a zone sign. This may occur, for example, in case of a temporary lowered speed during roadworks.

There are also different signs that say something about the speed limit, without the speed limit indicated on them. They indicate a road type with a corresponding speed limit.

h 1 1 — H-1
Built-up area
Speed limit 50 km/h, **unless otherwise indicated**

If one of these signs is combined with a sign which does indicate a speed limit, then the indicated speed limit applies. Even if it is higher than the speed limit for this road type (for example, within the built-up area).

As a moped rider, you must of course always adhere to your own speed limit.

a 1 70 h 1 — H-1 combined with A-1
Built-up area with a deviating speed limit
Speed limit 70 km/h

Recommended speed

Beside the speed limit, a recommended speed can also apply. Recommended speeds are indicated on a square blue sign with a number on it. Sometimes, it is indicated for what situation this recommended speed applies, for example, with a warning sign or a supplementary plate.

Recommended speeds are safe speeds in good road and weather conditions. In poorer conditions, for example during rain or snowfall, it is wise to ride even slower than the indicated recommended speed. Even the recommended speed can then be too high.

It is not required to adhere to the recommended speed, but it is advisable. A recommended speed ends immediately after the situation to which it applies to end. If the situation is not mentioned, then a sign ‘end recommended speed’ could also be placed.

advies40 bocht — Recommended speed because of an S-bend

advies30 school — Recommended speed because of a school