Supplementary plates provide extra information that modifies or clarifies the main traffic sign above them. They specify conditions such as time limits, vehicle types, distances, directions, or exceptions. Understanding how these plates adjust the meaning of the primary sign is essential for correctly interpreting real-world situations and answering more complex driving-theory questions involving detailed restrictions or special cases.
An explanation of how Supplementary Plates (OB) 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.
Supplementary plates are frequently encountered in diverse traffic scenarios, aiming to add precision to the primary sign's message. You'll see them beneath signs indicating speed limits, parking restrictions, or prohibitions. For example, a speed limit sign might be accompanied by a plate indicating 'Only Applies to Lorry Drivers' (OB-11) or 'Only Applies on Indicated Days/Times' (OB-207), meaning the limit is only relevant for them or during specific hours. Plates like 'Rule Applies After ... km' (OB-401) or 'Rule Applies Over the Next ... m' (OB-411) are common in areas with upcoming changes, construction zones, or specific road conditions, preparing you for what's ahead. Other plates clarify who is permitted to overtake or who should yield, such as 'Crossing Cyclists & Mopeds from Both Directions' (OB-503), which is vital at intersections or shared paths. Understanding these plates ensures you're applying the correct rule to yourself and others, preventing confusion and potential hazards.
An overview of the key learning outcomes when studying the Supplementary Plates (OB) 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 Supplementary Plates (OB) 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.
This traffic sign means it applies only to lorries and buses.
This sign means the rule or indication ahead is only for tram drivers.
OB-207: This Road Sign Only Applies During Specific Times!
OB-215: This Rule Applies Only in the First Half of the Month!
Towing Regulation: Park Illegally and Your Vehicle Will Be Towed!
Prepare for a New Rule Starting in a Few Kilometers
The OB-411 sign shows you the specific distance a traffic rule is in effect.
Watch out for cyclists and mopeds crossing from either side with the OB-503 sign.
The 'Uitgezonderd' sign exempts specific categories from a main traffic sign's rules.
The 'Uitgezonderd' (Excepted) sign, alternate layout, clarifies exemptions for other signs.
Decode the OB-711: Your Guide to Priority Layout at Complex Junctions
Understand the OB-712 Priority Layout Sign: Variant 2 for Navigating Priority Roads
OB-713: Understand Divergent Priority Road Layouts (Variant 3)
This sign means the rule applies ONLY to horse riders.
The OB-02 sign means the rule applies exclusively to cyclists.
This sign means the rule ahead exclusively applies to moped riders.
This Sign Exclusively Targets Cyclists and Moped Riders
Understand the OB-05 sign: This restriction applies only to agricultural vehicles.
OB-06: This Sign Strictly Applies Only to Motorcyclists
This sign OB-07 means the following rule applies only to motorcycles and passenger cars.
OB-08: This Sign Only Applies to Motor Vehicles with More Than Two Wheels
The OB-09 sign means a rule specifically targets passenger cars, not all vehicles.
This sign restricts access or movement to vehicles towing a trailer.
You can overtake agricultural vehicles when you see the OB-101 sign.
OB-108: You Can Enter if Your Destination is Within This Restricted Area
This road sign means it only applies to lorry drivers.
The OB-12 sign means this rule or area is exclusively for bus drivers.
Clear answers to common questions about the Supplementary Plates (OB) 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.
The most important rule is to always read the main sign first, and then consider the supplementary plate as a modification or refinement of that sign's meaning. The plate dictates who, when, where, or how the main sign's instruction applies or does not apply to you.
'Uitgezonderd' plates, meaning 'Excepted', indicate that the rule of the main sign does not apply to a specific group of road users. For instance, a 'No Entry' sign (E1) might have an 'Uitgezonderd' plate indicating it's excepted for local residents or specific vehicle types, meaning they are allowed to pass despite the general prohibition.
You'll often see plates like 'Only Applies on Indicated Days/Times' (OB-207) or 'Only Applies in the First Half of the Month' (OB-215) used for temporary restrictions. These might be for street cleaning schedules, specific event access, or maintenance work that only occurs on certain days, times, or during particular halves of the month.
Yes, many supplementary plates specify which vehicles the main sign applies to. Examples include plates for lorries (OB-11), buses (OB-12), agricultural vehicles (OB-05), motor vehicles with more than two wheels (OB-08), or even specific combinations like vehicles with a trailer (OB-10).
If multiple supplementary plates are present, read them all carefully in conjunction with the main sign. Each plate modifies the main sign's instruction. For example, a speed limit sign might have one plate indicating it applies only to lorries and another indicating it applies only during certain hours. You must satisfy all conditions specified by the plates to be subject to the main sign's rule.