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Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Master Lane Merges with the L101-4 Taper Insertion Sign

L101-4 - Taper Insertion — Three-Lane Carriageways Dutch road sign meaning

The L101-4 road sign indicates a three-lane merge situation, clarifying the lane configuration before and after the junction. This sign is crucial for understanding traffic flow on larger multi-lane roads in the Netherlands. It guides drivers on how to merge safely, advising heavy vehicles to commit to a lane early and all drivers to maintain speed, create gaps, and follow any additional lane control signs.

About the L101-4 - Taper Insertion — Three-Lane Carriageways road sign

Learn the key details of the L101-4 - Taper Insertion — Three-Lane Carriageways 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 L101-4

The three-lane taper insertion sign is posted in advance of complex merges where multi-lane carriageways combine into a three-lane road. Its diagram shows how many lanes come from each side and which of them continue afterward. Heavy vehicles and drivers planning to exit soon should commit to the appropriate lane well in advance, maintain a predictable speed, and create safe gaps so that traffic from both sides can merge without conflict.

Meaning of L101-4

This sign depicts a merge where several lanes from different sides come together into a new three-lane roadway. It warns that traffic flows will interact and that lane lines will change ahead. You must read the diagram, select the correct through lane early, and allow enough space for vehicles joining from the other approach.

Allowed actions for L101-4

Study the diagram early to identify your continuing laneMove into the correct lane in advance of the merge areaMaintain a steady speed so that surrounding drivers can predict your movementLeave suitable gaps to allow vehicles from the other side to mergeFollow any posted speed limits or lane control signs through the merge

Prohibited actions for L101-4

Making last second cross lane dives to reach a different laneDeliberately closing gaps so that others cannot merge safelyChanging multiple lanes at once in the merge areaUsing the shoulder or exit lane as an informal overtaking lane

L101-4 - Taper Insertion — Three-Lane Carriageways road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the L101-4 - Taper Insertion — Three-Lane Carriageways 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 L101-4 sign for 'Taper Insertion — Three-Lane Carriageways' mean?

The L101-4 sign visually represents how lanes merge on a road with three lanes. It shows the number of lanes approaching the merge from each direction and how many lanes continue afterwards. This helps drivers anticipate lane changes and potential congestion.

How should I behave when I see the L101-4 sign?

When you see the L101-4 sign, prepare for a lane merge. You should maintain your current lane if it's a through lane, or prepare to merge if your lane ends. It's important to hold a steady speed, create space for others to merge, and always be aware of any other signs that might direct lane usage.

What are common mistakes related to the L101-4 sign during the Dutch theory exam?

A common trap is not anticipating the merge early enough, leading to last-second lane changes. Learners might also forget to check mirrors and blind spots before merging or fail to create adequate gaps for merging vehicles. The exam tests your ability to react proactively and safely to such traffic situations.

Are there any specific rules for heavy vehicles with the L101-4 sign?

Yes, the L101-4 sign specifically advises heavy vehicles to commit to the correct lane early. This is to prevent dangerous situations where large vehicles block or force their way into the merge at the last moment, potentially causing accidents or unfairly impeding other traffic.

What if I am in a lane that is ending due to the merge indicated by L101-4?

If your lane is ending, you must merge into the adjacent through lane. Check your mirrors and blind spot, signal your intention if necessary, and adjust your speed to match the traffic in the other lane. Be prepared to slow down if needed to create a safe gap to merge into.

L101-4 - Taper Insertion — Three-Lane Carriageways road sign image

A clear reference image of the L101-4 - Taper Insertion — Three-Lane Carriageways road sign used in the Netherlands.

L101-4 - Taper Insertion — Three-Lane Carriageways road sign

Other names for the L101-4 - Taper Insertion — Three-Lane Carriageways

The L101-4 - Taper Insertion — Three-Lane Carriageways road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Merge diagram (→3)Taper insertion (three-lane)

Information Signs (L) road sign category

The L101-4 - Taper Insertion — Three-Lane Carriageways road sign is part of the Information Signs (L) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

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