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Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the J37 General Danger Sign: Hazard Ahead, Read the Plate!

J37 - General Danger (Supplementary Plate Specifies Hazard) Dutch road sign meaning

The J37 sign is a crucial Dutch traffic sign used to warn drivers of a potential danger that isn't covered by a more specific warning sign. It's always accompanied by a supplementary plate that details the exact nature of the risk ahead. This sign group, while not explicitly defined here, functions as a general alert. Upon seeing this sign, your primary action is to immediately read the supplementary plate to understand the specific hazard, then adjust your speed and positioning accordingly, and be prepared to react by stopping if necessary.

About the J37 - General Danger (Supplementary Plate Specifies Hazard) road sign

Learn the key details of the J37 - General Danger (Supplementary Plate Specifies Hazard) 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 J37

This sign is a generic warning triangle used together with an additional plate to highlight a specific danger not covered by any other standard sign. The plate may describe, for example, unusual crossing traffic, unexpected obstacles, or a special local situation. The combination instructs drivers to pay extra attention, reduce speed, and be ready to react appropriately to the hazard mentioned on the supplementary text.

Meaning of J37

This sign warns of a danger that is not covered by a specific warning sign and is usually explained on an additional plate. You must read the supplementary text carefully, then adapt your speed, observation, and lane position to the described hazard so you can react safely even if the situation is unusual.

Allowed actions for J37

Read the supplementary plate to understand the specific hazardReduce speed in good time before reaching the danger areaPosition your vehicle to maximise visibility and safety for the hazard describedBe prepared to brake or stop if the situation requires itIncrease your level of observation and scan more actively for unusual risks

Prohibited actions for J37

Ignoring the information on the supplementary plateMaintaining an unchanged high speed past the indicated hazardOvertaking in or near the area of the specified danger when unsafeTreating the sign as a routine warning and failing to increase attention

J37 - General Danger (Supplementary Plate Specifies Hazard) road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the J37 - General Danger (Supplementary Plate Specifies Hazard) 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 J37 General Danger road sign mean?

The J37 sign indicates a general danger ahead that requires your attention. Crucially, it always appears with a supplementary plate which specifies the exact nature of the hazard. You must always read this plate to know what danger to expect.

What action should I take when I see the J37 sign?

When you encounter the J37 General Danger sign, your immediate priority is to read the supplementary plate. This will tell you what the specific danger is (e.g., 'children', 'animals', 'icy road'). Once you understand the hazard, you must adjust your speed and driving position to safely navigate it. Be prepared to stop if necessary.

Are there specific actions prohibited by the J37 sign?

The main prohibited action when seeing a J37 sign is to ignore the supplementary plate, as it contains vital information about the hazard. Another is to maintain your current speed and not prepare for any potential risks described on the plate. Always assume the danger indicated is significant enough to warrant caution.

What are common exam traps related to the J37 sign?

A common trap is assuming you know the danger without reading the supplementary plate. Learners might also fail to adjust their speed sufficiently based on the indicated hazard. Remember, the J37 itself is a general warning; the plate provides the specific context you need to react correctly for the exam.

Can the J37 sign indicate temporary hazards?

Yes, the J37 sign is often used for unique or temporary hazards that don't have a standard, dedicated warning sign. The supplementary plate allows authorities to quickly communicate specific risks, such as a temporary road closure, unexpected debris, or a specific event happening nearby, ensuring drivers are alerted to unusual situations.

J37 - General Danger (Supplementary Plate Specifies Hazard) road sign image

A clear reference image of the J37 - General Danger (Supplementary Plate Specifies Hazard) road sign used in the Netherlands.

J37 - General Danger (Supplementary Plate Specifies Hazard) road sign

Other names for the J37 - General Danger (Supplementary Plate Specifies Hazard)

The J37 - General Danger (Supplementary Plate Specifies Hazard) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Danger aheadHazard (see plate)

Warning Signs (J) road sign category

The J37 - General Danger (Supplementary Plate Specifies Hazard) road sign is part of the Warning Signs (J) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

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