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Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the L4 Pre-Sorting Lanes sign to choose your direction early.

L4 - Pre-Sorting Lanes Dutch road sign meaning

The L4 'Pre-Sorting Lanes' traffic sign is an information sign that helps you prepare for upcoming junctions. It visually indicates which lanes lead to specific directions like left, straight, or right. By paying close attention to the arrows on this sign, you can position your vehicle in the correct lane well in advance, making your journey smoother and safer. This sign is crucial for reducing last-second lane changes and ensuring you navigate complex intersections efficiently, as required by Dutch traffic rules.

About the L4 - Pre-Sorting Lanes road sign

Learn the key details of the L4 - Pre-Sorting Lanes 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 L4

This advance direction sign uses lane arrows and road layout symbols to indicate which lane leads left, straight ahead or right at an upcoming junction. By reading it early, drivers can adjust speed, check mirrors and position their vehicle without sharp steering movements. It is frequently placed on multi lane urban roads and approach roads to motorways, often together with supplementary plates that show special lane restrictions.

Meaning of L4

This sign shows how the lanes are arranged before a junction and which directions you can take from each lane. It allows you to choose the correct lane in good time so you can drive predictably, signal calmly and avoid sudden weaving close to the intersection, which makes the traffic flow smoother and reduces the risk of conflicts with other road users.

Allowed actions for L4

Read the arrows in good time and select the correct lane for your intended directionAdjust speed smoothly to merge into the appropriate laneSignal lane changes early while checking mirrors and blind spotsRemain in your chosen lane when passing through the junctionFollow any additional lane restrictions shown on supplementary plates

Prohibited actions for L4

Making last second lane changes across multiple lanes to reach your exitStraddling lane markings instead of committing to one laneUsing a left turn or right turn only lane to continue straight aheadReversing in the approach lanes because you chose the wrong directionBlocking other vehicles that are correctly positioned for their lane

L4 - Pre-Sorting Lanes road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the L4 - Pre-Sorting Lanes 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 is the main purpose of the L4 'Pre-Sorting Lanes' road sign?

The L4 sign's main purpose is to inform you about the lane layout and the directions each lane leads to for an upcoming junction. This allows you to select the appropriate lane in advance, ensuring you can proceed in your desired direction without needing to make sudden or unsafe manoeuvres.

How should I react when I see the L4 'Pre-Sorting Lanes' sign?

Upon seeing the L4 sign, you should observe the arrows to determine which lane corresponds to your intended direction (left, straight, or right). You must then move into that lane as soon as it is safe and practical to do so, before reaching the junction itself. This proactive lane selection is key to safe driving.

What are common mistakes or exam traps related to the L4 sign?

A common mistake is waiting too long to choose a lane, leading to last-second weaving between lanes, which is dangerous and prohibited. Another trap is assuming all lanes go straight; always verify the arrows shown on the L4 sign and any accompanying lane markings on the road surface.

Does the L4 sign affect my speed?

While the L4 sign itself doesn't dictate a specific speed limit, it implies you should be approaching a junction where you might need to slow down or adjust your speed to safely enter your chosen lane and navigate the intersection. It's advisable to match your speed to the surrounding traffic and be prepared to decelerate.

Are lane arrows on the pavement related to the L4 sign?

Yes, lane arrows painted directly on the road surface typically reinforce the information provided by the L4 'Pre-Sorting Lanes' sign. They visually confirm which direction each lane is intended for. Always pay attention to both the signs and the road markings for clarity.

L4 - Pre-Sorting Lanes road sign image

A clear reference image of the L4 - Pre-Sorting Lanes road sign used in the Netherlands.

L4 - Pre-Sorting Lanes road sign

Other names for the L4 - Pre-Sorting Lanes

The L4 - Pre-Sorting Lanes road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Advance lane guidanceLane allocationDirection lanes

Information Signs (L) road sign category

The L4 - Pre-Sorting Lanes road sign is part of the Information Signs (L) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

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