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Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the 'No Overtaking — Lorries' (F3) Traffic Sign

F3 - No Overtaking — Lorries Dutch road sign meaning

The F3 sign, indicating 'No Overtaking — Lorries', is a prohibition sign specifically targeting heavy goods vehicles. It means that lorries are not allowed to overtake other motor vehicles. This sign is often found on busy Dutch roads or in areas where visibility is poor, aiming to improve traffic flow and safety by preventing long, slow overtakes. While lorries must refrain from overtaking, other vehicles like cars may still overtake if no other restrictions apply.

About the F3 - No Overtaking — Lorries road sign

Learn the key details of the F3 - No Overtaking — Lorries 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 F3

The no overtaking by lorries sign applies to heavy goods vehicles above the legal weight threshold and bans them from passing other motor vehicles. It is often placed on multi-lane roads, gradients, or busy routes where truck overtakes can block lanes or reduce visibility. Cars, vans, and motorcycles may overtake if this is not restricted by road markings, speed limits, or separate prohibitions.

Meaning of F3

This sign prohibits lorries from overtaking other motor vehicles on the affected road section. It is intended to prevent long, slow overtaking maneuvers that disturb traffic flow or create unsafe situations. Drivers of lorries must remain in their lane and maintain safe following distances, while lighter vehicles may still overtake if allowed by other rules.

Allowed actions for F3

Continue driving in the current lane with a lorry without overtakingMaintain safe distance behind slower vehiclesAllow faster vehicles to pass in an adjacent laneChange lane with a lorry only when this does not involve overtakingFollow any additional restrictions indicated on supplementary signs

Prohibited actions for F3

Overtake another motor vehicle with a lorry on the restricted sectionDrive side by side with another vehicle in order to pass it slowlyUse downhill speed to pass other motor vehicles with a lorryIgnore lane markings or signs reinforcing the overtaking banStart an overtaking maneuver close to the beginning of the prohibited zone

F3 - No Overtaking — Lorries road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the F3 - No Overtaking — Lorries 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 F3 'No Overtaking — Lorries' sign mean?

The F3 sign specifically prohibits lorries from overtaking any other motor vehicle. This restriction applies only to lorries; other vehicles, such as cars, are permitted to overtake if there are no other signs or rules preventing it.

Why is the F3 sign used on Dutch roads?

This sign is used to enhance safety and maintain traffic flow. Lorries are large and their overtakes can be slow and prolonged, potentially causing obstruction or dangerous situations, especially on busy roads or where visibility is limited. The F3 sign prevents these lengthy manoeuvres.

Can cars overtake lorries when the F3 sign is displayed?

Yes, the F3 sign's prohibition applies only to lorries overtaking other vehicles. Cars and other smaller motor vehicles are allowed to overtake lorries or other vehicles, provided there is no other sign or road marking prohibiting it, and it is safe to do so.

What are common exam traps related to the F3 sign?

A common misunderstanding is assuming the sign prohibits all overtaking. Learners might incorrectly think no vehicle can overtake. It's crucial to remember the F3 sign specifically targets lorries and their ability to overtake. Always check for other signs that might restrict overtaking for all vehicles.

Does the F3 sign mean lorries cannot drive side-by-side?

Yes, the F3 sign implies that lorries should not drive side-by-side to attempt an overtake. The primary purpose is to prevent lorries from initiating an overtaking manoeuvre on any other motor vehicle, thus maintaining a single lane of traffic for them in that respect.

F3 - No Overtaking — Lorries road sign image

A clear reference image of the F3 - No Overtaking — Lorries road sign used in the Netherlands.

F3 - No Overtaking — Lorries road sign

Other names for the F3 - No Overtaking — Lorries

The F3 - No Overtaking — Lorries road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Truck passing prohibitedNo HGV overtakingLorry overtaking ban

Overtaking & Lane Directives (F) road sign category

The F3 - No Overtaking — Lorries road sign is part of the Overtaking & Lane Directives (F) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Dive into Dutch road sign knowledge

F7 No U-Turn Dutch road signDutch Driving Theory B courseF10 Stop — By Authority Dutch road signSpeed Signs (A) Dutch road sign categoryWarning Signs (J) Dutch road sign categoryF3 No Overtaking — Lorries Dutch road signPriority Signs (B) Dutch road sign categoryInformation Signs (L) Dutch road sign categoryF6 Oncoming Traffic Must Yield Dutch road signF13 Bus Lane / Carriageway Only Dutch road signF5 Priority to Oncoming Traffic Dutch road signBuilt-Up Area Signs (H) Dutch road sign categoryF15 Tram Lane / Carriageway Only Dutch road signF1 No Overtaking — Motor Vehicles Dutch road signF14 End of Bus Lane / Carriageway Dutch road signF21 Lorry Lane / Carriageway Only Dutch road signF4 End of No Overtaking — Lorries Dutch road signF8 End of All Posted Prohibitions Dutch road signF9 End of Electronic Prohibitions Dutch road signSupplementary Plates (OB) Dutch road sign categoryF16 End of Tram Lane / Carriageway Dutch road signF22 End of Lorry Lane / Carriageway Dutch road signClosure & One-Way Signs (C) Dutch road sign categoryMandatory Direction Signs (D) Dutch road sign categoryDirection & Route Guidance (K) Dutch road sign categoryParking and Stopping Signs (E) Dutch road sign categoryF12 End of Passing Lane — Slow Vehicles Dutch road signF17 Tram and Bus Lane / Carriageway Only Dutch road signF2 End of No Overtaking — Motor Vehicles Dutch road signOvertaking & Lane Directives (F) Dutch road sign categoryF11 Passing Lane — Slow Vehicles Must Use Dutch road signF19 Lorry and Bus Lane / Carriageway Only Dutch road signF18 End of Tram and Bus Lane / Carriageway Dutch road signArea, Road & Path Designations (G) Dutch road sign categoryF20 End of Lorry and Bus Lane / Carriageway Dutch road sign