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Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Watch out for loose chippings on the road with the J25 sign!

J25 - Loose Chippings Dutch road sign meaning

The J25 'Loose Chippings' traffic sign warns you about freshly surfaced road sections that may shed small stones. These chippings can reduce tyre grip, increase your stopping distance, and potentially damage your windscreen. Especially on curves, cornering forces can scatter stones, leading to skids. It's crucial to reduce your speed and increase the following distance when you see this sign to ensure safety for yourself and others.

About the J25 - Loose Chippings road sign

Learn the key details of the J25 - Loose Chippings 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 J25

This warning sign, usually showing stones being thrown up, indicates a section of road where loose chippings, gravel, or similar material has been laid or has broken free from the surface. It enforces careful, reduced-speed driving to limit stone throw, extended braking distance, and risk of skidding. It is often placed after resurfacing works or on rural roads where the surface may deteriorate quickly.

Meaning of J25

This sign warns that the road surface ahead is covered with loose chippings or small stones that can be thrown up by moving vehicles. Drivers must slow down early, drive smoothly without sudden steering or braking, and leave extra space to maintain grip, prevent skids, and avoid damage to paintwork, windscreens, or vehicles behind them.

Allowed actions for J25

Reduce speed well before entering the loose chippings zoneIncrease following distance to vehicles aheadAccelerate and brake gently to maintain tyre gripDrive in a higher gear where appropriate to limit wheelspinPosition the vehicle to avoid obvious piles or ridges of stones

Prohibited actions for J25

Driving at high speed through loose chippingsFollowing other vehicles at a very short distanceMaking harsh steering inputs on the loose surfaceBraking violently at the last momentAccelerating hard and spinning the driven wheels

J25 - Loose Chippings road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the J25 - Loose Chippings 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 J25 'Loose Chippings' road sign mean?

The J25 sign is a warning that the road surface ahead has recently been covered with small stones or chippings. These can be dislodged by vehicles, affecting traction and potentially causing damage.

Why is it important to reduce speed when seeing the J25 sign?

Reducing speed is vital because loose chippings can significantly reduce tyre grip, making it harder to steer and brake effectively. Higher speeds also increase the risk of stones being thrown up, potentially damaging windscreens or causing skids, especially around corners.

What are the main risks associated with loose chippings?

The main risks include reduced traction, leading to longer stopping distances and potential skids. There's also a risk of stones being thrown up by your tyres, which can cause damage to your vehicle's windscreen or to other road users, particularly motorcyclists and cyclists.

How should I behave when I see the J25 road sign?

When you encounter the J25 sign, you should slow down considerably, avoid sharp cornering at speed, and increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front. Accelerate gently to minimise disturbance of the chippings.

Are there any specific dangers for motorcyclists and cyclists regarding loose chippings?

Yes, motorcyclists and cyclists are particularly vulnerable. Loose chippings severely reduce their grip and balance, making them much more prone to falling or skidding. Drivers should be extra cautious to avoid creating hazards for them.

J25 - Loose Chippings road sign image

A clear reference image of the J25 - Loose Chippings road sign used in the Netherlands.

J25 - Loose Chippings road sign

Other names for the J25 - Loose Chippings

The J25 - Loose Chippings road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Gravel on roadStone chippings

Warning Signs (J) road sign category

The J25 - Loose Chippings road sign is part of the Warning Signs (J) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

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