Logo
Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

The L19 sign directs you to the nearest emergency exit, crucial for your safety in tunnels.

L19 - Nearest Emergency Exit Dutch road sign meaning

In the Netherlands, the L19 sign is a vital safety information sign, typically found in tunnels. It indicates the direction and distance to the closest pedestrian emergency exit or cross-passage. When you see this sign, follow the arrows and distance markers to reach safety. Remember to stay low if there's smoke and assist others if it's safe to do so. These signs are part of crucial tunnel safety systems you must understand for your driving licence theory test.

About the L19 - Nearest Emergency Exit road sign

Learn the key details of the L19 - Nearest Emergency Exit 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 L19

This sign is used mainly in tunnels and enclosed road sections to indicate the direction and sometimes the distance to the nearest emergency exit or cross passage. It guides pedestrians to a protected escape route if a collision, fire, or heavy smoke occurs. The arrows and numbers help you choose the safest direction. Drivers and passengers must leave vehicles if instructed and follow the sign on foot to safety.

Meaning of L19

This sign indicates the direction and often the distance to the nearest emergency exit or evacuation route. It is especially important in tunnels or enclosed road sections where fire or smoke can spread quickly. In an incident, you should follow the arrows without delay, stay calm, and move to a safe area on foot.

Allowed actions for L19

Leave the vehicle when evacuation is necessary or instructedFollow the arrows and distance indications on the signs on footMove briskly but calmly toward the nearest marked emergency exitAssist children, elderly people, or injured persons if it is safeWait in the designated safe area for further instructions

Prohibited actions for L19

Re entering a tunnel or hazardous area once you have evacuatedStopping unnecessarily in the carriageway during an evacuationCollecting luggage or personal items while others are evacuatingWalking in the opposite direction to the signed escape route without needBlocking doors, passages, or assembly points by standing still

L19 - Nearest Emergency Exit road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the L19 - Nearest Emergency Exit 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 L19 'Nearest Emergency Exit' sign mean?

The L19 sign, often seen in tunnels, points you towards the nearest safe way out, such as a pedestrian exit or cross-passage. It's a critical safety indicator designed to guide you away from danger.

What should I do when I see the L19 sign?

When you encounter the L19 sign, immediately follow the direction indicated by the arrows and note the distance provided. Your priority is to reach the indicated emergency exit calmly and efficiently. If smoke is present, keep low to the ground.

Are there any actions prohibited when following an emergency exit route in a tunnel?

Yes, you must never re-enter a hazardous area or stop in the tunnel roadway while evacuating. Your only objective is to reach the nearest safe exit as quickly and safely as possible, following the signage.

What are common theory exam mistakes related to the L19 sign?

A common trap is not understanding the urgency or not immediately following the indicated direction. Learners might also forget to assist vulnerable individuals if safe, or not know to stay low in smoky conditions. Always treat this sign as a directive for immediate evacuation.

Can I help other people if I see the L19 sign?

Yes, you are encouraged to help vulnerable users like children or the elderly, provided it does not put you in further danger or significantly slow down your own evacuation. Safety is paramount, so assess the situation before offering assistance.

What does it mean if green safety signs continue along the wall?

If you see additional green safety signage continuing along the tunnel wall, it means these signs complement the L19 by providing continuous guidance. You should follow these signs continuously until you reach the designated exit.

L19 - Nearest Emergency Exit road sign image

A clear reference image of the L19 - Nearest Emergency Exit road sign used in the Netherlands.

L19 - Nearest Emergency Exit road sign

Other names for the L19 - Nearest Emergency Exit

The L19 - Nearest Emergency Exit road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Emergency egressExit route (tunnel)

Information Signs (L) road sign category

The L19 - Nearest Emergency Exit road sign is part of the Information Signs (L) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Dive into Dutch road sign knowledge

L6 Lane Fork Dutch road signDutch Driving Theory B courseL5 End of Lane Dutch road signL13 Traffic Tunnel Dutch road signL51 Bicycle Street Dutch road signL3 Bus or Tram Stop Dutch road signL1 Underpass Height Dutch road signL4 Pre-Sorting Lanes Dutch road signL17 Fire Extinguisher Dutch road signL16 Emergency Telephone Dutch road signSpeed Signs (A) Dutch road sign categoryWarning Signs (J) Dutch road sign categoryL19 Nearest Emergency Exit Dutch road signL7 Number of Through Lanes Dutch road signPriority Signs (B) Dutch road sign categoryL21 Passing Area to the Left Dutch road signL14 Lay-By (Emergency Refuge) Dutch road signL20 Passing Area to the Right Dutch road signL8 Dead-End Road (Cul-de-sac) Dutch road signInformation Signs (L) Dutch road sign categoryBuilt-Up Area Signs (H) Dutch road sign categoryL2 Pedestrian Crossing (Facility) Dutch road signSupplementary Plates (OB) Dutch road sign categoryClosure & One-Way Signs (C) Dutch road sign categoryMandatory Direction Signs (D) Dutch road sign categoryL10 Pre-Indication of Traffic Measures Dutch road signDirection & Route Guidance (K) Dutch road sign categoryParking and Stopping Signs (E) Dutch road sign categoryOvertaking & Lane Directives (F) Dutch road sign categoryArea, Road & Path Designations (G) Dutch road sign categoryL18 Emergency Telephone and Fire Extinguisher Dutch road signL101-3 Taper Insertion — Two-Lane Carriageways Dutch road signL9 Advance Warning — Dead-End Road to the Right Dutch road signL101-4 Taper Insertion — Three-Lane Carriageways Dutch road signL12 Information Applies Only to the Lane Indicated Dutch road signL11 Information Applies Only to the Lanes Indicated Dutch road signL15 Lay-By with Emergency Phone and Fire Extinguisher Dutch road sign