The J19 sign, 'Carriageway Narrows on the Left', warns you that the road space will reduce on your left side. This often occurs near central reservations, construction zones, or median barriers. You must keep to the right within your lane, reduce your speed, and increase your following distance to navigate this safely. Be aware that overtaking on the left may become impossible or dangerous.
Learn the key details of the J19 - Carriageway Narrows on the Left road sign, including its function, what it communicates to drivers, and how it applies in real traffic situations in the Netherlands. Use this overview to understand the sign clearly and recognise it confidently during the Dutch driving theory exam.
The carriageway narrows on the left warning sign shows that the left hand edge of the road will move inward, often near a central barrier, wall, refuge, or bridge support. It alerts drivers that overtaking on the left can be risky or impossible and that lateral clearance to oncoming traffic is reduced. The sign is frequently used on approaches to narrow bridges, islands, and construction sites. Drivers should moderate speed and maintain a predictable path that leaves adequate space for wider vehicles.
This sign indicates that the carriageway narrows from the left, reducing the space between the left edge and the centre of the lane. Drivers should keep slightly to the right within their lane while still respecting lane markings and the safety of other traffic. Lower speed gives more time to react to wide vehicles, barriers, or unexpected obstacles.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the J19 - Carriageway Narrows on the Left road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the Dutch driving theory exam in the Netherlands.
The J19 sign is a warning sign indicating that the carriageway will become narrower on the left side. It alerts drivers to potential encroachment from the median or barriers, meaning there will be less space available on the left.
Upon seeing the J19 sign, you should immediately prepare for reduced space on your left. This means you need to move your vehicle to the right within your lane, reduce your speed, and increase the distance to the vehicle in front. Overtaking on the left becomes very risky or impossible.
A common mistake is not reacting early enough by reducing speed or maintaining a safe position within the lane. Learners might also attempt to overtake just before the narrowing, which is dangerous, or drift too far left, getting too close to the median or barrier.
The J19 sign itself doesn't explicitly prohibit overtaking in all situations. However, it strongly implies that overtaking on the left is impossible or dangerous due to the narrowing space. Therefore, you should refrain from overtaking on the left if it compromises safety or puts you too close to the left-side obstruction.
You will often encounter the J19 sign in areas where the road layout changes, such as approaching central islands, median barriers on highways, or in roadworks where lanes are being merged. It serves as a heads-up for upcoming spatial restrictions.
A clear reference image of the J19 - Carriageway Narrows on the Left road sign used in the Netherlands.
The J19 - Carriageway Narrows on the Left road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The J19 - Carriageway Narrows on the Left road sign is part of the Warning Signs (J) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.