Group E covers parking and stopping signs that define exactly where drivers may park, stop, or stand. These signs help prevent unsafe positioning, blocked visibility, and traffic disruption. Understanding them is essential for interpreting restricted areas, time-based rules, loading zones, and designated spaces. Mastering this group ensures safer decision-making in urban environments and stronger performance on driving-theory questions.
An explanation of how Parking and Stopping Signs (E) road signs apply in real traffic situations in the Netherlands. Learn where these signs are typically placed, what drivers are expected to do when they appear, and how correct reactions help you stay safe, avoid fines, and succeed in your Dutch driving theory exam.
Parking and stopping signs (Group E) are frequently encountered in a wide variety of traffic situations, from busy city centres to quieter residential streets and major roads. For example, you'll see 'Parking Prohibited' (E1) and 'Stopping Prohibited' (E2) signs in areas where unobstructed traffic flow is vital, such as near intersections, on narrow streets, or at bus stops. 'Bicycle and Moped Parking Prohibited' (E3) signs are typically found in urban areas to ensure clear pedestrian paths. Signs like 'Parking Area' (E4) or 'Parking Disc Zone' (E10) indicate general or time-limited parking availability. Specific signs such as 'Disabled Parking Only' (E6), 'Electric Vehicle Charging Only' (E1000), or 'Permit Holder Parking Only' (E9) are placed in designated spots to ensure proper usage. 'Loading and Unloading Area' (E7) signs are often found near shops or businesses. Drivers must pay close attention to these signs to avoid fines and ensure they are not obstructing traffic or misusing parking facilities.
An overview of the key learning outcomes when studying the Parking and Stopping Signs (E) road sign category. Understand the main concepts, sign meanings, and traffic situations covered here so you can recognise patterns, answer theory questions more confidently, and build a solid foundation for safe driving in the Netherlands.
Browse every road sign in the Parking and Stopping Signs (E) category. Each sign includes a clear meaning, purpose, and examples of how it is used in the Netherlands, helping you build strong recognition skills and a detailed understanding of this group of Dutch traffic signs.
Understand the E1 'No Parking' Sign: What Drivers Need to Know
Understand the E10 Parking Disc Zone sign for limited parking.
This sign means parking is only allowed for electric vehicles while actively charging.
E102: This is a paid parking zone where you must pay with a card or meter.
The E12 Park and Ride sign guides commuters to public transport hubs.
Carpool Parking: Designated spots for shared journeys.
The E2 Sign: Understanding the 'No Stopping' Rule on Dutch Roads
You Cannot Park Bicycles or Mopeds Here: Understand the E3 Sign.
The E4 sign indicates a general parking area where parking is permitted.
Understand the E5 'Taxi Parking Only' Sign: Reserve Your Space for Official Taxis
Understand the E6 Disabled Parking Only sign and its parking restrictions.
Understand the E7 'Loading and Unloading Area' Sign for Efficient Deliveries
Learn the rules for parking with two wheels on the pavement using the E8-1 sign.
This E8-2 sign indicates parking specifically reserved for lorries and buses.
The E9 sign means parking is restricted to permit holders only.
Clear answers to common questions about the Parking and Stopping Signs (E) road sign category. Use this FAQ to review tricky rules, understand how these signs appear in exam scenarios, and remove confusion that often leads to mistakes in the Dutch driving theory exam in the Netherlands.
While both signs restrict leaving your vehicle, 'Stopping Prohibited' (E2) is more restrictive. It forbids stopping even for a short time to drop off or pick up passengers. 'Parking Prohibited' (E1) prohibits parking for longer durations, but brief stops for immediate passenger/goods transfer might still be permissible depending on local interpretation and the overall traffic situation, provided no E2 sign is present. Always be cautious when stopping in areas with E1; if in doubt, it's best to keep moving.
Signs like 'Paid Parking — Pay by Card' (E102) explicitly indicate that payment is required. If you see a general 'Parking Area' (E4) sign without any further payment indications, parking might be free. However, it's always wise to look for nearby parking meters, payment terminals, or signs indicating parking tariffs, as payment requirements can sometimes be implied by the context or additional signage not specific to the E group.
When you encounter a 'Parking Disc Zone' sign (E10), you must use a parking disc. Upon parking, set the disc to show your arrival time and place it visibly behind the windscreen. These zones typically have a time limit for parking, which is usually indicated by a supplementary sign specifying the maximum duration (e.g., 1 or 2 hours). Make sure to adhere to this time limit.
No, 'Disabled Parking Only' spaces, indicated by the E6 sign, are strictly reserved for vehicles displaying a valid blue European disabled parking permit. You cannot use these spaces for short drop-offs or pick-ups, even if the disabled person is in the vehicle, unless you yourself are the permit holder and are parking the vehicle. Misuse of these spaces can result in significant fines and inconvenience to those who genuinely need them.
Signs such as 'Car Parking — Two Wheels on Pavement' (E8-1) instruct drivers on how to park when space is limited or to facilitate traffic flow. In this specific case, it means you should position your vehicle so that the two right-side wheels are on the pavement (sidewalk) while the other two remain on the road. This is usually permitted only on streets where it doesn't obstruct pedestrians and is clearly indicated by the sign. Always ensure pedestrians can still pass safely.