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Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Beware of wheel ruts with the J37 General Danger sign!

J37 - General Danger — Rutting Dutch road sign meaning

The J37 road sign warns of significant wheel ruts in the road surface. These ruts can unexpectedly deflect your steering, especially in wet conditions or when aquaplaning is a risk. This sign is crucial for motorcyclists, who are particularly vulnerable, but also applies to car drivers. When you see this sign, it's essential to reduce your speed and maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel to counteract any self-steering effects.

About the J37 - General Danger — Rutting road sign

Learn the key details of the J37 - General Danger — Rutting 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 general danger sign, combined with a supplementary plate, warns of rutting or grooves in the carriageway caused by heavy traffic or wear. These ruts can collect water, increase the risk of aquaplaning, and pull wheels along their lines, especially for motorcycles or narrow-tyred vehicles. Drivers are expected to hold the steering wheel firmly, reduce speed, and choose a track that minimizes sudden guidance by the ruts.

Meaning of J37

This sign warns of dangerous wheel ruts or grooves in the road surface that may catch your tires. Ruts can pull the vehicle sideways, especially when the surface is wet, leading to tramlining, loss of control, or aquaplaning, so you must reduce speed and steer smoothly through the affected section.

Allowed actions for J37

Lower your speed before entering the rutted sectionHold the steering wheel firmly with both handsGuide the vehicle so the wheels follow the smoothest available trackAllow extra distance to vehicles ahead in case they react unpredictablyDrive smoothly without sudden braking or steering corrections in the ruts

Prohibited actions for J37

Driving at high speed through pronounced rutsMaking abrupt lane changes across deep groovesBraking sharply while the wheels are caught in the rutsRiding a motorcycle or moped close to the rut edge without reducing speed

J37 - General Danger — Rutting road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the J37 - General Danger — Rutting 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 'Rutting' road sign mean?

The J37 sign is a general danger warning sign indicating the presence of wheel ruts in the road. These ruts can cause your steering to be deflected unexpectedly, making it harder to control your vehicle, particularly at higher speeds or in wet conditions where aquaplaning is more likely.

How should I react when I see the J37 sign?

Upon encountering the J37 'Rutting' sign, your primary action should be to reduce your speed significantly. It's also important to hold the steering wheel firmly, as the ruts can try to pull your wheels in a specific direction. Avoid sudden steering movements or sharp braking within the rutted section.

Why are wheel ruts dangerous?

Wheel ruts are dangerous because they can grab your tires and steer them unexpectedly, especially if you are driving through them at an angle. In wet weather, they can channel water and increase the risk of aquaplaning. For motorcycles, these ruts can lead to a loss of balance and control.

Are there any specific actions I should avoid when encountering wheel ruts?

Yes, when you see the J37 sign and are driving on rutted surfaces, avoid high-speed lane changes across the ruts, as this can be unstable. Also, do not brake sharply while your wheels are deep within a rut, as this can further upset your vehicle's balance and potentially lead to a skid or loss of control.

Can I still overtake or change lanes when there are wheel ruts?

While not explicitly prohibited by the J37 sign itself, it is highly advisable to avoid aggressive maneuvers like high-speed lane changes across the ruts. If you must change lanes, do so smoothly and at a reduced speed, aligning your wheels as gently as possible with the direction of the ruts or the intended lane.

J37 - General Danger — Rutting road sign image

A clear reference image of the J37 - General Danger — Rutting road sign used in the Netherlands.

J37 - General Danger — Rutting road sign

Other names for the J37 - General Danger — Rutting

The J37 - General Danger — Rutting road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Ruts in roadGrooved surface

Warning Signs (J) road sign category

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

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