The C22a road sign indicates an environmental zone where certain diesel vehicles are prohibited to improve air quality. This sign typically restricts diesel passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and lorries that do not meet a minimum emission class, often specified on a supplementary plate like 'Euro 5+'. In the Netherlands, these zones are implemented to combat air pollution, so ensure your vehicle complies before entering. Failing to do so can result in fines, and it's a common topic in driving theory tests.
Learn the key details of the C22a - Environmental Zone — Diesel Restrictions 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.
C22a is a circular sign that marks a low emission environmental zone aimed specifically at diesel powered vehicles. Entry is restricted for vehicles below a specified Euro emission class, based on their official registration data. The sign is normally placed on access roads to city centres or sensitive neighbourhoods to reduce soot and nitrogen oxide emissions. Drivers of non compliant diesels must park outside the zone or choose other transport.
This sign indicates the start of an environmental zone where older or more polluting diesel vehicles are not allowed to enter. Only diesel cars, vans, lorries, and buses that meet at least the required emission class may access the zone. The rule improves local air quality and protects the health of people who live, work, or travel there.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the C22a - Environmental Zone — Diesel Restrictions 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.
The C22a sign means you are entering an environmental zone with specific restrictions for diesel vehicles. If you are driving a diesel passenger car, commercial vehicle, or lorry, you must check if your vehicle meets the required emission standard (e.g., Euro 5 or higher). Non-compliant vehicles are not allowed to enter.
Compliance is usually determined by your vehicle's official emission class, as recorded in the vehicle registration. If a supplementary plate is present, it will indicate the minimum emission class required (e.g., 'Euro 5+'). If your vehicle doesn't meet this standard, you are prohibited from entering.
While older diesel vehicles are restricted, compliant diesel vehicles can enter. If your vehicle is not compliant, you should consider alternative transport options, such as public transport, cycling, or using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the zone. In some cases, retrofitting your vehicle to meet emission standards might be an option.
A common exam trap is assuming the restriction applies to all vehicles or solely to petrol vehicles. Remember, C22a specifically targets diesel vehicles below a certain emission standard. Another trap is not checking for supplementary plates that might specify a higher minimum emission class than you expect. Always read supplementary signs carefully.
The primary prohibited action is entering the environmental zone with a diesel vehicle that does not meet the specified emission class. Idling within the zone with such a vehicle or attempting to bypass entry control points to avoid checks are also prohibited actions that can lead to penalties.
A clear reference image of the C22a - Environmental Zone — Diesel Restrictions road sign used in the Netherlands.
The C22a - Environmental Zone — Diesel Restrictions road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The C22a - Environmental Zone — Diesel Restrictions road sign is part of the Closure & One-Way Signs (C) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.