The L20 traffic sign indicates a widened section on the right side of a narrow rural road, specifically designed to allow vehicles to pass or overtake. It's crucial to understand that this isn't a parking spot but a functional passing place. Drivers should pull in briefly to let others pass, signalling their intentions clearly, and only rejoin traffic when it's safe. Misinterpreting or misusing these areas can obstruct traffic flow and lead to dangerous situations.
Learn the key details of the L20 - Passing Area to the Right 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 right side of a narrow road, often in rural or dike areas where two vehicles cannot pass in the normal width. It is intended for short use only, allowing vehicles to meet or for slower traffic to let others pass. Drivers must communicate with signals, adjust speed, and ensure the bay stays clear for its intended passing function.
This sign indicates a widened section or passing place on the right side of a narrow road. It is designed to help traffic in both directions pass safely when the normal carriageway is too narrow. Drivers may briefly pull into the bay to let oncoming vehicles or faster traffic pass, then rejoin the road when safe.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the L20 - Passing Area to the Right 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 L20 sign marks a short bay on the right side of a narrow road, intended to help traffic pass. It allows oncoming vehicles to move aside or a slower vehicle to pull in, making it easier for faster traffic to overtake safely.
No, parking is explicitly prohibited in the area indicated by the L20 sign. This sign designates a 'passing place' for temporary use to facilitate traffic flow, not a lay-by or parking bay.
When you see the L20 sign, be prepared to pull into the bay if you need to let an oncoming vehicle pass or if a slower vehicle ahead needs to let you overtake. If a vehicle is already in the bay, you may need to wait for them to clear it before proceeding, or they may pull out to let you pass if safe.
A common trap is confusing this sign with a parking area or lay-by. Learners might also forget to signal their intentions when pulling in or rejoining traffic, or they might stay in the bay for too long, obstructing its intended use for passing.
You should use the passing area indicated by the L20 sign primarily to let other vehicles pass, especially on narrow rural roads. This includes allowing oncoming traffic to proceed or allowing a faster vehicle behind you to overtake a slow vehicle ahead.
Yes, when rejoining traffic after using the passing area, you must always signal your intentions clearly and ensure it is safe to do so. You must not force other vehicles to stop abruptly; wait for a clear gap in traffic to merge back safely.
A clear reference image of the L20 - Passing Area to the Right road sign used in the Netherlands.
The L20 - Passing Area to the Right road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The L20 - Passing Area to the Right road sign is part of the Information Signs (L) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.