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Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the F1 'No Overtaking - Motor Vehicles' Traffic Sign

F1 - No Overtaking — Motor Vehicles Dutch road sign meaning

The F1 sign, 'No Overtaking – Motor Vehicles', is a prohibition sign clearly indicating that all motor vehicles are forbidden from overtaking other motor vehicles. This rule is crucial for safety, often implemented due to limited visibility, sharp bends, or heavy traffic where passing another vehicle would be hazardous. You must adhere to this ban until you reach an intersection or see an 'end of prohibition' sign. This sign helps ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent dangerous overtaking manoeuvres on Dutch roads.

About the F1 - No Overtaking — Motor Vehicles road sign

Learn the key details of the F1 - No Overtaking — Motor Vehicles 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 F1

The no overtaking sign for motor vehicles is used where passing another motor vehicle would create an unacceptable safety risk, for example on bends, hills or narrow carriageways with oncoming traffic. It forbids leaving your lane to pass moving motor vehicles ahead, regardless of impatience or minor speed differences. Overtaking non motor vehicles such as bicycles may still be permitted if road markings, visibility and distance to oncoming traffic allow it safely.

Meaning of F1

This sign prohibits motor vehicles from overtaking other moving motor vehicles on this road or lane. The rule applies to cars, motorcycles, lorries and buses, even if the vehicle in front is travelling slowly. You must remain behind the motor vehicle ahead and adapt your speed and following distance until the restriction ends at the next intersection or an explicit end sign.

Allowed actions for F1

Maintain your position behind the motor vehicle in frontReduce speed and increase following distance if conditions demand itOvertake bicycles or other non motor vehicles only when road markings and safety permitPass stationary obstacles that partly block the lane while keeping to your side of the roadPrepare for the end of the restriction by checking for an end of overtaking prohibition sign or an intersection

Prohibited actions for F1

Overtake any moving motor vehicle on this stretch of roadCross or straddle a continuous centre line to pass a motor vehicleUse the opposite lane or hard shoulder to overtake a motor vehicleAccelerate to squeeze past a motor vehicle before a bend, junction or narrowingSignal as if to overtake in a way that pressures the driver ahead to speed up

F1 - No Overtaking — Motor Vehicles road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the F1 - No Overtaking — Motor Vehicles 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 F1 'No Overtaking – Motor Vehicles' sign mean?

The F1 sign means that all motor vehicles are prohibited from overtaking any other motor vehicle. This applies to cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. You must not move into an opposing lane to pass another motor vehicle when this sign is displayed.

Does the F1 sign prohibit overtaking all vehicles?

No, the F1 sign specifically prohibits overtaking other *motor vehicles*. You may still be permitted to overtake non-motorized traffic, such as bicycles or mopeds, unless a different sign explicitly forbids it. Always check for other signs that might modify this rule.

When does the F1 'No Overtaking' ban end?

The prohibition indicated by the F1 sign typically ends at the next intersection. Alternatively, the ban ceases once you encounter a sign that specifically indicates the end of the overtaking restriction, often depicted as a white sign with a black diagonal bar.

What are common mistakes learners make with the F1 sign during the theory exam?

A common trap is assuming the F1 sign prohibits overtaking all vehicles; it specifically targets motor vehicles. Learners might also forget that the ban ends at an intersection or is lifted by an end sign. Understanding these nuances is vital for passing the Dutch theory test.

Can I overtake a broken-down car with the F1 sign present?

The F1 sign prohibits overtaking *other motor vehicles*. If a vehicle is stationary because it has broken down, it is still considered a motor vehicle. Therefore, you are still prohibited from overtaking it. You must wait until the prohibition ends or you are able to safely proceed without overtaking.

F1 - No Overtaking — Motor Vehicles road sign image

A clear reference image of the F1 - No Overtaking — Motor Vehicles road sign used in the Netherlands.

F1 - No Overtaking — Motor Vehicles road sign

Other names for the F1 - No Overtaking — Motor Vehicles

The F1 - No Overtaking — Motor Vehicles road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

No passing (all motor vehicles)Overtaking banPassing prohibited

Overtaking & Lane Directives (F) road sign category

The F1 - No Overtaking — Motor Vehicles 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

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