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Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the 'Closed to All Motor Vehicles' (C12) Prohibition Sign

C12 - Closed to All Motor Vehicles Dutch road sign meaning

The C12 sign, meaning 'Closed to All Motor Vehicles', is a clear prohibition sign indicating that no motor-powered vehicles are allowed to enter the area or road ahead. This sign is often used to protect quiet zones, residential areas, or routes intended for cyclists and pedestrians, ensuring a safer and more pleasant environment for active travel. As a driver, you must not enter with any car, van, truck, or motorcycle, and should instead follow any signed alternative routes. Always be aware of potential delivery access times, which may be indicated on supplementary plates.

About the C12 - Closed to All Motor Vehicles road sign

Learn the key details of the C12 - Closed to All Motor Vehicles 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 C12

The C12 sign is a white circle with a red border and symbols of a car and motorcycle, meaning closed to all motor vehicles. It creates an area where engine powered road traffic is not permitted in order to improve safety, reduce noise, or protect air quality. Only non motorised traffic, such as pedestrians and cyclists, may enter unless extra plates grant specific exemptions for residents, permit holders, or timed delivery windows.

Meaning of C12

This sign tells you that no motor vehicles may enter the road or area beyond the sign. The ban covers cars, delivery vans, trucks, buses, tractors, and motorcycles, regardless of fuel type. It is often used to protect residential streets, low traffic neighbourhoods, or environmental zones, so you must continue your journey by bicycle or on foot where allowed, or follow a ring road or bypass route instead.

Allowed actions for C12

Enter on foot bicycle or other non motorised vehicle if allowedUse the area for walking cycling or playing when it is designed for thatPlan deliveries during the times shown on any exemption plateFollow ring roads or bypass routes around the restricted zonePark legally outside the area and continue without a motor vehicleRespect local speed and priority rules if another vehicle category is allowed

Prohibited actions for C12

Entering the street with a car van truck bus or tractorRiding a motorcycle or scooter into the restricted areaIdling or stopping a motor vehicle inside the zone for waiting or loadingUsing side streets or alleys to bypass the motor vehicle banDriving through quickly because the road appears emptyIgnoring environmental or residential protection aims of the restriction

C12 - Closed to All Motor Vehicles road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the C12 - Closed to All Motor Vehicles 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 C12 'Closed to All Motor Vehicles' sign mean?

The C12 sign is a prohibition sign that means no motor vehicles are allowed to enter the road or area. This includes cars, vans, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. It's put in place to maintain peace and safety for non-motorized road users like cyclists and pedestrians.

Can I enter the area if I am driving a moped?

No, mopeds are considered motor vehicles. Therefore, the C12 sign prohibits entry for mopeds just as it does for cars and motorcycles. If you are on a moped, you must not proceed past this sign and should look for an alternative route.

Are there any exceptions to the C12 sign?

Generally, the C12 sign is a strict prohibition. However, sometimes supplementary signs might indicate specific time windows during which certain vehicles, like delivery vans, are allowed access. Always check for additional plates below the C12 sign for any such exceptions before proceeding.

What should I do if I see the C12 sign?

When you encounter the C12 sign, you must not drive your motor vehicle into the restricted area. Look for alternative routes or follow any signs directing you to a ring road or a different path that is permitted for motor vehicles. This sign prioritizes safety and tranquility for other road users.

What kind of vehicles are allowed past the C12 sign?

The C12 sign specifically prohibits motor vehicles. This means vehicles that are not motor-powered, such as bicycles and horse-drawn carriages, are generally permitted. Pedestrians are also allowed to pass through. However, always ensure no other signs contradict this.

Is this sign common in Dutch driving theory exams?

Yes, understanding prohibition signs like the C12 is crucial for the Dutch driving theory exam. You'll be tested on your ability to recognise such signs and react appropriately, especially in scenarios involving traffic rules for urban areas or protected zones.

C12 - Closed to All Motor Vehicles road sign image

A clear reference image of the C12 - Closed to All Motor Vehicles road sign used in the Netherlands.

C12 - Closed to All Motor Vehicles road sign

Other names for the C12 - Closed to All Motor Vehicles

The C12 - Closed to All Motor Vehicles road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Motor vehicles prohibitedNo motor trafficEngine vehicles bannedMotorized traffic forbidden

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

The C12 - Closed to All Motor Vehicles road sign is part of the Closure & One-Way Signs (C) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Dive into Dutch road sign knowledge

Dutch Driving Theory B courseC7a Closed to Buses Dutch road signC7 Closed to Lorries Dutch road signC4 One-Way to the Right Dutch road signSpeed Signs (A) Dutch road sign categoryC11 Closed to Motorcycles Dutch road signC16 Closed to Pedestrians Dutch road signWarning Signs (J) Dutch road sign categoryC23-01 Rush-Hour Lane Open Dutch road signPriority Signs (B) Dutch road sign categoryC23-03 End of Rush-Hour Lane Dutch road signInformation Signs (L) Dutch road sign categoryC22b End of Environmental Zone Dutch road signC22d End of Zero-Emission Zone Dutch road signC23-02 Clear the Rush-Hour Lane Dutch road signC5 Two-Way Access (Not One-Way) Dutch road signC7b Closed to Lorries and Buses Dutch road signBuilt-Up Area Signs (H) Dutch road sign categoryC12 Closed to All Motor Vehicles Dutch road signSupplementary Plates (OB) Dutch road sign categoryC18 Closed to Vehicles Wider Than… Dutch road signC17 Closed to Vehicles Longer Than… Dutch road signC19 Closed to Vehicles Higher Than… Dutch road signClosure & One-Way Signs (C) Dutch road sign categoryC9 Closed to Various Non-car Traffic Dutch road signMandatory Direction Signs (D) Dutch road sign categoryC3 One-Way Street — Entry Allowed Here Dutch road signDirection & Route Guidance (K) Dutch road sign categoryParking and Stopping Signs (E) Dutch road sign categoryOvertaking & Lane Directives (F) Dutch road sign categoryC21 Closed to Vehicles Over Total Weight… Dutch road signC10 Closed to Motor Vehicles with Trailers Dutch road signArea, Road & Path Designations (G) Dutch road sign categoryC20 Closed to Vehicles with Axle Load Over… Dutch road signC8 Closed to Agricultural and Slow Vehicles Dutch road signC22a Environmental Zone — Diesel Restrictions Dutch road signC2 No Entry in This Direction (One-Way Street) Dutch road signC1 Closed to All Vehicles (Pedestrians Allowed) Dutch road signC22c Zero-Emission Zone — Commercial Cars & Lorries Dutch road signC6 Closed to Motor Vehicles on More Than Two Wheels Dutch road signC15 Closed to Bicycles, Mopeds & Disability Vehicles Dutch road signC22 Closed to Vehicles Carrying Hazardous Substances Dutch road signC14 Closed to Bicycles & Non-motorized Disability Vehicles Dutch road signC13 Closed to Mopeds/Snorfiets & Disability Vehicles (Engine On) Dutch road signC22c1 Zero-Emission Zone — Access for Emission-Free Commercial Vehicles Dutch road sign