The G5 sign indicates the start of a 'Woonerf' or Living Street, a special Dutch residential area where pedestrians have priority and vehicles must drive at very low speeds, typically around 15 km/h. In these zones, drivers are considered guests and must yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and playing children, who have the right to use the entire carriageway. Parking is only permitted in designated bays. This sign signifies a shared space intended for living, not through-traffic at speed, and the restrictions remain in effect until you see the corresponding end sign.
Learn the key details of the G5 - Start of ‘Erf’ (Living Street) 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.
The G5 sign designates an erf, a special zone within built-up areas where the street is shared closely by residents, children, cyclists, and motor vehicles. The effective speed is around walking pace, and drivers must give clear priority to pedestrians and playing children at all times. Parking is restricted to marked bays, and using the area as a fast through-route is contrary to the intended living-street character.
This sign indicates the beginning of an erf, a residential living street where drivers are guests in a pedestrian-priority environment. People may walk, play, or cycle on the carriageway, so you must drive at walking pace and be ready to stop at any time. Parking is only allowed in clearly marked spaces, not along the whole street.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the G5 - Start of ‘Erf’ (Living Street) 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 G5 sign marks the beginning of a 'Woonerf' (Living Street). This means you must significantly reduce your speed, to walking pace (around 15 km/h), and always give priority to pedestrians, cyclists, and children playing. You are a guest in this area.
No, parking is restricted in a Living Street. You are only allowed to park in clearly marked parking bays. Parking outside of these marked spaces is prohibited and jeopardizes pedestrian priority.
Living Streets are primarily for residents and their activities, not for fast through-traffic. While you can make short local trips calmly, using the street as a shortcut at normal speeds is not permitted and endangers pedestrians.
Although no explicit speed limit is usually posted with the G5 sign, the default expectation is a very low speed, often referred to as walking pace, which is approximately 15 km/h. This speed ensures you can react safely to pedestrians and children who may be on the road.
The restrictions of the Living Street continue until you encounter the corresponding 'End of Living Street' sign, which usually shows the same symbol as the G5 sign but with a red diagonal bar through it. Until you see that sign, you must continue to adhere to the low speed and priority rules.
A clear reference image of the G5 - Start of ‘Erf’ (Living Street) road sign used in the Netherlands.
The G5 - Start of ‘Erf’ (Living Street) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The G5 - Start of ‘Erf’ (Living Street) road sign is part of the Area, Road & Path Designations (G) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.