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Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Watch out for cyclists and mopeds crossing from either side with the OB-503 sign.

OB-503 - Crossing Cyclists & Mopeds from Both Directions Dutch road sign meaning

The OB-503 road sign is a warning sign indicating that two-way cycle and moped traffic crosses your path. This sign is often placed beneath another warning or priority sign to highlight an intersection where smaller vehicles travel in both directions. Drivers encountering this sign must significantly reduce their speed and be vigilant, scanning to their left and right for oncoming riders before proceeding. Always ensure a safe gap before crossing, and never block the designated crossing.

About the OB-503 - Crossing Cyclists & Mopeds from Both Directions road sign

Learn the key details of the OB-503 - Crossing Cyclists & Mopeds from Both Directions 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 OB-503

The crossing cyclists and mopeds both directions plate is a supplementary sign placed under a warning or priority sign at junctions with a two way cycle track or moped path. It alerts drivers that riders may appear from both sides when they cross the carriageway. This is especially important where the cycle facility is set back from the road or partly hidden, so extra scanning and lower speed are needed.

Meaning of OB-503

This plate warns that cyclists and moped riders will cross your path from both directions at the nearby crossing. It reminds you that traffic on the cycle or moped facility is two way, even if the general traffic flows in one direction only. You must slow down in good time, check carefully to your left and right, and be prepared to yield where required.

Allowed actions for OB-503

Reduce speed well before the crossingCheck carefully to the left and right for cyclists and moped ridersYield to riders where the priority arrangement or markings require itEnter the crossing only when the path is clearly free in both directionsLeave extra space for vulnerable road users during turning maneuvers

Prohibited actions for OB-503

Accelerate through the crossing when cyclists or mopeds may be approachingStop on the cycle or moped crossing while waiting for a gapFocus only on traffic from one direction and ignore the other sideTurn without properly checking the bidirectional cycle or moped facility

OB-503 - Crossing Cyclists & Mopeds from Both Directions road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the OB-503 - Crossing Cyclists & Mopeds from Both Directions 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 OB-503 'Crossing Cyclists & Mopeds from Both Directions' sign mean?

The OB-503 sign warns you that a cycle path or moped route crosses the road you are on. Importantly, traffic on this crossing path comes from both left and right, meaning you need to check for riders approaching from either direction.

How should I react when I see the OB-503 sign?

When you see the OB-503 sign, you must slow down considerably and be prepared to yield. Scan carefully in both directions for cyclists and moped riders. Only proceed when it is completely safe and there is a clear gap in traffic.

What are common mistakes or exam traps related to the OB-503 sign?

A common mistake is only checking traffic from one direction, assuming riders will only come from the left. The 'both directions' aspect is crucial. Another trap is not slowing down enough, which can lead to a dangerous situation or failing the exam for not yielding correctly.

Is the OB-503 sign a mandatory stop or yield sign?

The OB-503 itself is a warning sign; it doesn't automatically mean you must stop. However, it warns you of a situation where you will likely need to yield to crossing cyclists and moped riders. Always be prepared to give them priority, especially if it's accompanied by a yield (give way) sign.

Where am I likely to encounter the OB-503 'Crossing Cyclists & Mopeds from Both Directions' sign?

You'll often see this sign on roads where cycle paths or moped routes intersect or run alongside. It's particularly common at mid-block crossings, shared paths, or junctions where smaller vehicles might cross your path unexpectedly from either side, often in urban or suburban areas.

OB-503 - Crossing Cyclists & Mopeds from Both Directions road sign image

A clear reference image of the OB-503 - Crossing Cyclists & Mopeds from Both Directions road sign used in the Netherlands.

OB-503 - Crossing Cyclists & Mopeds from Both Directions road sign

Other names for the OB-503 - Crossing Cyclists & Mopeds from Both Directions

The OB-503 - Crossing Cyclists & Mopeds from Both Directions road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Two-way cycle crossingBidirectional bike/moped crossingSmall-vehicle crossingCycle/moped X-ing both ways

Supplementary Plates (OB) road sign category

The OB-503 - Crossing Cyclists & Mopeds from Both Directions road sign is part of the Supplementary Plates (OB) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Dive into Dutch road sign knowledge

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