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Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

See the L18 sign? It means an emergency phone and fire extinguisher are nearby.

L18 - Emergency Telephone and Fire Extinguisher Dutch road sign meaning

The L18 sign is an important information sign you might encounter on Dutch roads. It marks a combined emergency equipment point, meaning both an emergency telephone and a fire extinguisher are available at this location. This is crucial for reporting incidents quickly or tackling small fires, so always be aware of your surroundings when driving and note these signs for potential use.

About the L18 - Emergency Telephone and Fire Extinguisher road sign

Learn the key details of the L18 - Emergency Telephone and Fire Extinguisher 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 L18

This sign shows a combined emergency station where both a roadside telephone and a fire extinguisher are available. It is often placed in tunnels, refuges, and along motorways so that road users can both contact help and respond to a small fire. The sign improves orientation during stressful incidents. Drivers should always assess smoke, heat, and traffic risk before deciding whether to use the extinguisher or evacuate.

Meaning of L18

This sign marks a combined emergency point with both a roadside telephone and a fire extinguisher. It allows you to alert emergency services quickly and, if appropriate, to tackle a small fire in its early stage. Always evaluate the risks first and choose personal safety and evacuation over property or vehicle protection.

Allowed actions for L18

Use the emergency phone first to alert the control centerGive clear details about the location, fire, or collisionUse the extinguisher only if the fire is small and accessibleLeave the area promptly if heat, smoke, or danger increasesGuide other road users away from the danger if you can do so safely

Prohibited actions for L18

Using the emergency equipment for tests, jokes, or curiosityAttempting to tackle a fire that is already large or spreading quicklyRemaining close to the carriageway in a dangerous positionBlocking the emergency station with parked vehiclesIgnoring evacuation advice from emergency services

L18 - Emergency Telephone and Fire Extinguisher road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the L18 - Emergency Telephone and Fire Extinguisher 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 L18 sign indicate?

The L18 sign indicates a combined emergency point. This means you can find both an emergency telephone to report incidents and a fire extinguisher for immediate use on small fires at this specific location.

What should I do if I see the L18 sign?

If you see the L18 sign, be aware that emergency equipment is available. Prioritize your safety and traffic flow. If an emergency occurs, you can use the phone to report it and the extinguisher for immediate action on small fires, following trained procedures.

Are there any restrictions when using the emergency equipment indicated by the L18 sign?

Yes, you should never remain in dangerous positions to use the equipment, and you should not use the equipment unless it is necessary. Always consider traffic and your own safety before stopping or using any roadside equipment.

What actions are allowed when I encounter the L18 sign and need to use the equipment?

When necessary and safe to do so, you are allowed to call first to report the emergency, and then act if it is safe, for example, by using the extinguisher. It's also wise to alert others and place warnings if safe.

Is the L18 sign relevant for the Dutch driving theory exam?

Yes, understanding signs like the L18 is vital for the Dutch driving theory exam. It tests your awareness of safety equipment and your ability to react appropriately in emergency situations on the road.

What if I see the L18 sign inside a tunnel?

If you encounter the L18 sign within a tunnel, it still marks the emergency phone and fire extinguisher. However, after reporting an incident, you should also follow any specific evacuation signage present in the tunnel environment.

L18 - Emergency Telephone and Fire Extinguisher road sign image

A clear reference image of the L18 - Emergency Telephone and Fire Extinguisher road sign used in the Netherlands.

L18 - Emergency Telephone and Fire Extinguisher road sign

Other names for the L18 - Emergency Telephone and Fire Extinguisher

The L18 - Emergency Telephone and Fire Extinguisher road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Combined emergency pointSOS + extinguisher

Information Signs (L) road sign category

The L18 - Emergency Telephone and Fire Extinguisher road sign is part of the Information Signs (L) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

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