Logo
Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Prepare for severely reduced visibility with the J35 warning sign.

J35 - Reduced Visibility (Snow, Rain, Fog) Dutch road sign meaning

The J35 sign warns you about severely reduced visibility caused by weather conditions like snow, heavy rain, or dense fog. In such situations, your stopping distances increase significantly, and it becomes harder to judge the speed of other vehicles. Lane markings and signs may also be difficult to see. This sign is part of the warning signs category, alerting you to potential hazards ahead. When you see this sign, it's crucial to slow down considerably, increase your following distance markedly, and use your dipped headlights. Always ensure your rear fog lights are used only when visibility is very poor, and never tailgate.

About the J35 - Reduced Visibility (Snow, Rain, Fog) road sign

Learn the key details of the J35 - Reduced Visibility (Snow, Rain, Fog) 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 J35

This warning sign indicates an area where visibility is seriously reduced by weather or environmental conditions, such as dense fog, heavy rainfall, snow showers, smoke, or spray from other vehicles. It reminds drivers that stopping distances will increase and that hazards may only become visible at the last moment. The sign is typically used on roads where sudden patches of poor visibility have led to dangerous situations or collisions.

Meaning of J35

This sign warns that visibility ahead is seriously reduced by fog, heavy rain, snowfall, smoke, or spray. You must drive in such a way that you can still clearly see lane markings, other road users, and hazards in time, which usually means lowering your speed, using appropriate lights, and greatly increasing your following distance.

Allowed actions for J35

Reduce speed so you can stop within the distance you can see clearlySwitch on dipped headlights and, if appropriate, front fog lightsIncrease your following distance well beyond the normal two-second ruleUse wipers, demisters, and ventilation to keep windows clearFollow lane markings and reflective posts carefully when positioning the vehicle

Prohibited actions for J35

Driving at a speed that prevents stopping within the visible distanceUsing high beam when it dazzles oncoming or preceding traffic in fog or sprayTailgating vehicles ahead in poor visibilityMaking sudden lane changes when other drivers may not see you clearly

J35 - Reduced Visibility (Snow, Rain, Fog) road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the J35 - Reduced Visibility (Snow, Rain, Fog) 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 J35 'Reduced Visibility' road sign mean?

The J35 sign is a warning sign indicating that visibility is severely limited due to weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or fog. It alerts you to increased driving risks like longer stopping distances and difficulty seeing road markings.

How should I react when I see the J35 sign?

Upon encountering the J35 sign, you must immediately reduce your speed significantly. Increase your following distance from the vehicle ahead to create a larger safety buffer. Ensure your dipped headlights are on, and use rear fog lights only if visibility is exceptionally poor.

What are common mistakes learners make with the J35 sign during the theory exam?

A common trap is not slowing down enough or failing to increase the following distance sufficiently. Learners might also forget to use dipped headlights or misuse rear fog lights. The exam expects you to demonstrate a proactive and safe response to the hazard indicated by the J35 sign.

Is driving with high beams prohibited when the J35 sign is displayed?

Yes, using high beams (full headlights) in fog or heavy precipitation is strongly discouraged and considered a prohibited action. High beams reflect off the water droplets or snow, creating a glare that actually worsens visibility, making it harder to see the road ahead.

Besides slowing down, what else is important when visibility is poor due to J35?

It's vital to maintain a significantly larger distance between your vehicle and the one in front. Also, be aware that other drivers might have difficulty seeing you, so defensive driving and clear communication (like proper use of indicators) are essential.

J35 - Reduced Visibility (Snow, Rain, Fog) road sign image

A clear reference image of the J35 - Reduced Visibility (Snow, Rain, Fog) road sign used in the Netherlands.

J35 - Reduced Visibility (Snow, Rain, Fog) road sign

Other names for the J35 - Reduced Visibility (Snow, Rain, Fog)

The J35 - Reduced Visibility (Snow, Rain, Fog) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Fog/poor visibilityHeavy precipitation

Warning Signs (J) road sign category

The J35 - Reduced Visibility (Snow, Rain, Fog) road sign is part of the Warning Signs (J) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Dive into Dutch road sign knowledge

J21 Children Dutch road signJ34 Accident Dutch road signDutch Driving Theory B courseJ28 Livestock Dutch road signJ31 Crosswind Dutch road signJ16 Road Works Dutch road signJ38 Speed Bump Dutch road signJ23 Pedestrians Dutch road signJ14 Tram Crossing Dutch road signJ36 Sleet or Snow Dutch road signJ15 Movable Bridge Dutch road signJ32 Traffic Lights Dutch road signJ3 Bend to the Left Dutch road signJ25 Loose Chippings Dutch road signJ9 Roundabout Ahead Dutch road signJ1 Poor Road Surface Dutch road signJ2 Bend to the Right Dutch road signJ29 Oncoming Traffic Dutch road signJ7 Dangerous Descent Dutch road signJ20 Danger of Skidding Dutch road signJ26 Quay or River Bank Dutch road signJ22 Pedestrian Crossing Dutch road signJ30 Low-Flying Aircraft Dutch road signJ39 Retractable Bollard Dutch road signJ6 Steep Slope (Ascent) Dutch road signSpeed Signs (A) Dutch road sign categoryJ33 Possible Traffic Jam Dutch road signJ8 Dangerous Intersection Dutch road signWarning Signs (J) Dutch road sign categoryPriority Signs (B) Dutch road sign categoryJ27 Big Game / Wild Animals Dutch road signJ5 Double Bend — First Left Dutch road signJ37 General Danger — Rutting Dutch road signJ4 Double Bend — First Right Dutch road signJ12 Single St. Andrew’s Cross Dutch road signJ13 Double St. Andrew’s Cross Dutch road signJ24 Cyclists and Moped Riders Dutch road signInformation Signs (L) Dutch road sign categoryBuilt-Up Area Signs (H) Dutch road sign categoryJ10 Level Crossing with Barriers Dutch road signSupplementary Plates (OB) Dutch road sign categoryJ11 Level Crossing without Barriers Dutch road signJ19 Carriageway Narrows on the Left Dutch road signClosure & One-Way Signs (C) Dutch road sign categoryJ18 Carriageway Narrows on the Right Dutch road signJ17 Carriageway Narrows on Both Sides Dutch road signMandatory Direction Signs (D) Dutch road sign categoryJ37 General Danger — Exit Construction Dutch road signDirection & Route Guidance (K) Dutch road sign categoryParking and Stopping Signs (E) Dutch road sign categoryJ35 Reduced Visibility (Snow, Rain, Fog) Dutch road signOvertaking & Lane Directives (F) Dutch road sign categoryArea, Road & Path Designations (G) Dutch road sign categoryJ37 General Danger (Supplementary Plate Specifies Hazard) Dutch road sign