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Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Clear the Rush-Hour Lane Sign: What to Do When a Dynamic Lane Closes

C23-02 - Clear the Rush-Hour Lane Dutch road sign meaning

The C23-02 'Clear the Rush-Hour Lane' sign is an important informational traffic sign used to manage traffic flow during peak hours. It means that the dynamic lane you are currently in is closing and you must vacate it immediately. This often happens when rush-hour traffic subsides or due to an incident, reverting the lane to its normal function, such as a hard shoulder. Pay close attention to this sign and any accompanying lane-control signals to merge safely and efficiently.

About the C23-02 - Clear the Rush-Hour Lane road sign

Learn the key details of the C23-02 - Clear the Rush-Hour Lane 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.

Definition of C23-02

The sign with a diagonal red cross or arrow over the rush hour lane indicates that dynamic use of that lane is being withdrawn. It is placed before the point where the lane becomes a hard shoulder or non traffic area again. Drivers are expected to merge out before this point and obey any further lane control or speed signals.

Meaning of C23-02

This sign informs you that the rush hour lane or shoulder lane is about to close for normal traffic. You must safely leave the lane in good time and merge into a regular lane, adapting your speed and position to the flow. Early, smooth lane changes prevent last second maneuvers and reduce the risk of collisions in busy conditions.

Allowed actions for C23-02

Signal in good time and leave the rush hour laneMatch speed to traffic in the adjacent regular laneCheck mirrors and blind spots carefully before mergingLeave sufficient space so that several vehicles can merge smoothlyFollow any further closure arrows or lane control signals

Prohibited actions for C23-02

Continue driving in the rush hour lane until the closing pointMake last second lane changes from the rush hour lane into regular lanesBlock vehicles in regular lanes by forcing a very late mergeOvertake other vehicles within the lane after the clear instructionStop in the rush hour lane except for a genuine emergency

C23-02 - Clear the Rush-Hour Lane road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the C23-02 - Clear the Rush-Hour Lane 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.

What does the C23-02 'Clear the Rush-Hour Lane' sign mean?

The C23-02 sign, also known as 'Clear the Rush-Hour Lane', means you must leave the dynamic lane you are in because it is closing. This typically occurs at the end of peak traffic periods or if the lane's use is no longer required due to changing conditions.

What actions are prohibited when I see the C23-02 sign?

When you see the C23-02 'Clear the Rush-Hour Lane' sign, you are prohibited from remaining in that lane, blocking other vehicles trying to merge back into the main lanes, or overtaking using the closing lane. Your priority is to exit the lane safely and promptly.

What should I do if I see the C23-02 sign?

Upon seeing the C23-02 sign, you should signal your intention to merge, check your mirrors and blind spot, and safely move into an adjacent lane that is still open. Match your speed to the traffic in the lane you are merging into and follow any directional arrows from lane-control signals.

Are there any specific exam traps related to the C23-02 sign?

A common exam trap with signs like C23-02 is underestimating the urgency. Learners might hesitate or fail to check for merging traffic properly, leading to dangerous situations or failing the manoeuvre. Always treat dynamic lane closures as requiring immediate, safe action.

What is a 'dynamic lane' and how does the C23-02 sign relate to it?

A dynamic lane is a lane whose use can be altered, often to help manage traffic flow during peak hours. The C23-02 'Clear the Rush-Hour Lane' sign specifically signals that such a dynamically used lane is now closing and drivers must exit it.

C23-02 - Clear the Rush-Hour Lane road sign image

A clear reference image of the C23-02 - Clear the Rush-Hour Lane road sign used in the Netherlands.

C23-02 - Clear the Rush-Hour Lane road sign

Other names for the C23-02 - Clear the Rush-Hour Lane

The C23-02 - Clear the Rush-Hour Lane road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Close shoulder lanePeak lane closingExit dynamic laneClear extra lane

Closure & One-Way Signs (C) road sign category

The C23-02 - Clear the Rush-Hour Lane road sign is part of the Closure & One-Way Signs (C) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

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