The L21 road sign indicates a widened section on the left side of the road, specifically designed as a passing bay. This sign functions similarly to L-20, but is positioned to the left. It's crucial to use these bays cooperatively with oncoming traffic to ensure smooth flow on narrow or single-track roads. Always coordinate your intentions, enter and exit the bay slowly, and leave as soon as your passing manoeuvre is complete.
Learn the key details of the L21 - Passing Area to the Left 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.
This sign indicates a passing place or widened bay on the left side of a narrow or single track road. Its purpose is to create a brief section where meeting or overtaking vehicles can pass each other safely without leaving the paved surface. The sign helps avoid confrontations and last moment braking. Users should anticipate oncoming traffic, enter the bay smoothly, and leave again as soon as the maneuver is finished.
This sign indicates a widened passing place on the left side of a narrow or single track road. It supports safe meeting or overtaking maneuvers by giving vehicles temporary extra space. Use the area cooperatively, slowing down in advance and coordinating with other drivers, then leave the bay promptly once the passing movement is complete.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the L21 - Passing Area to the Left 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.
The L21 road sign marks a designated passing bay on the left side of the road. It's intended to help drivers on narrow or single-track roads to let oncoming traffic pass by pulling into the bay. This sign promotes cooperative driving and traffic flow.
When you see the L21 sign, be prepared to use the bay on your left to allow oncoming traffic to pass, or vice versa. You should coordinate with other drivers, enter the bay slowly, and vacate it as soon as possible after passing.
No, unnecessarily stopping in an L21 passing bay is prohibited. These bays are specifically for passing manoeuvres to facilitate traffic flow. You should only use the bay to allow another vehicle to pass or to be passed, and then continue your journey promptly.
Both L-20 and L-21 signs indicate passing bays. The key difference is their position: L-20 marks a passing bay to the right, while L-21 marks a passing bay to the left. You should be aware of which side the bay is on when you encounter either sign.
A common trap is not checking mirrors for oncoming traffic that might also be heading for the same bay. Learners might also incorrectly assume they can stop for reasons other than passing, or fail to understand the need for cooperation and prompt exiting of the bay.
Cooperative use means acknowledging and respecting the need for oncoming traffic to use the bay, and vice versa. It involves clear communication (often through slowing down or signalling) and ensuring that you don't block the bay longer than necessary for the passing manoeuvre.
A clear reference image of the L21 - Passing Area to the Left road sign used in the Netherlands.
The L21 - Passing Area to the Left road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The L21 - Passing Area to the Left road sign is part of the Information Signs (L) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.