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Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

The L16 Emergency Telephone sign guides you to a vital roadside safety tool.

L16 - Emergency Telephone Dutch road sign meaning

This L16 sign indicates the location of a roadside emergency telephone, often referred to as an SOS phone. These are crucial in areas where mobile reception might be unreliable, providing a direct line to emergency services and automatically transmitting your location. You should use these phones for breakdowns, collisions, or if you encounter any hazards on the carriageway. When using the phone, always face oncoming traffic and stand behind safety barriers if available.

About the L16 - Emergency Telephone road sign

Learn the key details of the L16 - Emergency Telephone 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 L16

This sign identifies the location of a fixed roadside emergency telephone, often placed at regular intervals along motorways, tunnels, and remote roads. The phone connects directly to a control center or emergency service, transmitting your position through its number or built in location system. Drivers are expected to stop safely, walk carefully to the phone, face traffic, and clearly describe the incident or hazard.

Meaning of L16

This sign shows the location of a roadside emergency telephone. It alerts you that help can be contacted directly from this point, even when mobile signal is poor or unavailable. In case of breakdown, collision, or a dangerous obstruction, you should stop safely nearby and use the phone to report the situation clearly.

Allowed actions for L16

Park your vehicle safely off the running lane before using the phoneWalk carefully to the emergency telephone facing oncoming trafficReport breakdowns, collisions, or hazards on the carriagewayFollow all instructions given by the operator or control centerReturn to your vehicle only when it is safe to do so

Prohibited actions for L16

Stopping in a dangerous position on the carriageway to make a callUsing the emergency phone for routine information or trivial issuesTampering with or damaging the roadside telephone installationLoitering in the verge or live lane after completing the callIgnoring instructions given by the operator or control center

L16 - Emergency Telephone road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the L16 - Emergency Telephone 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 is the purpose of the L16 Emergency Telephone sign?

The L16 sign points you to a roadside emergency telephone. Its main purpose is to provide a reliable way to contact help in case of a breakdown, accident, or other roadside emergency, especially where mobile phone signal might be weak or unavailable.

When should I use the emergency telephone indicated by the L16 sign?

You should use the emergency telephone for urgent situations like a vehicle breakdown, after a collision, or if you witness a hazard on the carriageway that needs immediate attention. It's a direct line to assistance when you might not be able to reach them otherwise.

What safety precautions should I take when using an emergency phone?

When using an emergency phone, your safety is paramount. Always face oncoming traffic so you can see approaching vehicles, and position yourself behind any safety barriers if they are present. This helps prevent accidents while you are stopped by the roadside.

Are there any restrictions on using the emergency telephone?

Yes, the emergency telephone is strictly for emergencies. You must not use it for non-emergency calls. Additionally, avoid standing in live traffic while making your call; ensure you are in a safe location away from moving vehicles.

What information should I be ready to provide when using the emergency phone?

When you use the emergency phone, the operator will automatically receive your location. However, you should be prepared to clearly state the nature of your emergency, such as a breakdown or accident, and provide any other details requested by the operator to ensure you receive the correct assistance quickly.

What if the emergency phone is not immediately next to the sign?

Sometimes, the L16 sign might be accompanied by arrows. These arrows indicate the direction and possibly the distance to the nearest emergency telephone. You should follow these directional cues to locate the phone.

L16 - Emergency Telephone road sign image

A clear reference image of the L16 - Emergency Telephone road sign used in the Netherlands.

L16 - Emergency Telephone road sign

Other names for the L16 - Emergency Telephone

The L16 - Emergency Telephone road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

SOS phoneEmergency call point

Information Signs (L) road sign category

The L16 - Emergency Telephone road sign is part of the Information Signs (L) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

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