Logo
Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

The C7a Sign: Understanding 'Closed to Buses' Restrictions

C7a - Closed to Buses Dutch road sign meaning

This C7a traffic sign is a prohibition sign clearly indicating that buses are not allowed to enter the designated area. It's often placed on narrower streets or in zones where large vehicles might cause issues with maneuvering or pollution. While generally prohibiting buses, always check for supplementary plates that might grant exemptions, such as for public transport. Drivers should be aware that this sign is a strict ban for buses, requiring them to find alternative routes.

About the C7a - Closed to Buses road sign

Learn the key details of the C7a - Closed to Buses 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 C7a

A circular white sign with a red border and a bus symbol indicates a ban on buses and coaches. It is used where large passenger vehicles would cause safety problems, noise or obstruction, for example in quiet residential streets or protected inner city zones. Operators must plan routes that avoid the restricted area or follow any special exemptions on supplementary plates.

Meaning of C7a

This sign shows that buses and similar large passenger vehicles may not enter the road or area. It prevents heavy passenger traffic from using streets that are too narrow, environmentally sensitive or unsuitable for frequent bus movements. Smaller vehicles remain allowed unless another prohibition or access rule is indicated there.

Allowed actions for C7a

Use the road with cars, motorcycles and smaller vehicles that are not busesPlan bus and coach routes along roads that do not carry this restrictionEnter with a bus only when a clear exemption plate permits accessRespect local speed limits and traffic calming measures in the areaPick up or drop off passengers using smaller vehicles where stopping is allowed

Prohibited actions for C7a

Drive a bus or coach into the road beyond the prohibition signUse the street as a layover or waiting place for busesSet down or pick up passengers with a bus inside the restricted zoneIgnore time limitations or special conditions on supplementary platesOperate large passenger shuttles that effectively function as buses there

C7a - Closed to Buses road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the C7a - Closed to Buses 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 C7a 'Closed to Buses' road sign mean?

The C7a sign means that vehicles classified as buses are prohibited from entering the road or area marked by this sign. This is a clear restriction aimed at managing traffic flow and environmental impact in specific locations.

Am I allowed to drive a coach past the C7a sign?

No, the C7a sign specifically prohibits buses and coaches. Whether you are driving a smaller bus or a large coach, you are not permitted to enter the restricted zone. You must seek an alternative route.

Are there any exceptions to the C7a 'Closed to Buses' rule?

Yes, sometimes public buses are exempt from this prohibition. This is usually indicated by a supplementary plate beneath the C7a sign, which might specify that public transport buses are allowed access. Always look for these additional signs.

What common mistakes do learners make with the C7a sign in the theory exam?

A common trap is assuming the sign only applies to very large buses. The prohibition typically covers all vehicles designed to carry passengers as a bus. Learners might also forget to check for supplementary plates that grant exceptions, or they might not realise that even if it's not a public road, a bus tour driver must still obey this sign.

Where might I typically see a C7a 'Closed to Buses' sign?

You'll usually find the C7a sign on streets that are too narrow for large vehicles, in residential areas where noise or pollution from buses is a concern, or near sensitive zones like historical sites where large vehicle access is restricted.

C7a - Closed to Buses road sign image

A clear reference image of the C7a - Closed to Buses road sign used in the Netherlands.

C7a - Closed to Buses road sign

Other names for the C7a - Closed to Buses

The C7a - Closed to Buses road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

No busesBus banBus-free streetPassenger coach prohibited

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

The C7a - Closed to Buses 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