Logo
Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

C22c: Access Restricted to Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles Only

C22c - Zero-Emission Zone — Commercial Cars & Lorries Dutch road sign meaning

The C22c traffic sign indicates a Zero-Emission Zone (ZEZ) specifically for commercial vehicles and lorries. This means only vehicles that produce zero tailpipe emissions, such as electric or hydrogen-powered vans and trucks, are permitted to enter this area. Other commercial vehicles, especially those with fossil-fuel engines, are prohibited to reduce local air pollution. Always check for additional signage as rules for passenger vehicles might differ.

About the C22c - Zero-Emission Zone — Commercial Cars & Lorries road sign

Learn the key details of the C22c - Zero-Emission Zone — Commercial Cars & Lorries 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 C22c

C22c is a circular sign that marks a zero emission zone for commercial traffic. Access is restricted to fully emission free vehicles, such as battery electric or hydrogen powered delivery vans and lorries that satisfy the official criteria. The sign is typically used in city centres or logistics areas that want to reduce air pollution and noise. Operators of conventional vehicles must use transfer hubs or choose routes outside the zone.

Meaning of C22c

This sign indicates the start of a zero emission zone for commercial vehicles, where only delivery vans and lorries with zero tailpipe emissions may enter. Conventional petrol or diesel powered commercial vehicles are not allowed to drive into or through the zone. The measure aims to remove exhaust emissions from freight traffic and to improve air quality and health for people nearby.

Allowed actions for C22c

Enter the zone with commercial vehicles that have certified zero tailpipe emissionsUse electric or hydrogen powered vans and lorries for deliveries inside the areaOrganise transshipment of goods at hubs outside the zone when using conventional vehiclesPlan charging or refuelling stops so that zero emission vehicles can operate reliablyFollow any time windows or access conditions that apply within the zero emission zone

Prohibited actions for C22c

Entering the zero emission zone with conventional petrol, diesel, or hybrid commercial vehiclesUsing the zone as a through route for non compliant freight traffic to save timeIgnoring vehicle registration rules or exemptions that determine whether access is allowedStopping or idling fossil fuel commercial vehicles inside the area in violation of the restrictionAttempting to disguise a non compliant vehicle as zero emission to gain access

C22c - Zero-Emission Zone — Commercial Cars & Lorries road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the C22c - Zero-Emission Zone — Commercial Cars & Lorries 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 C22c road sign mean for commercial vehicles?

The C22c sign means you can only enter the area with a commercial vehicle (like a delivery van or lorry) if it is a zero-emission vehicle. This typically includes electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles. Fossil-fuel powered commercial vehicles are not allowed to enter.

Am I allowed to drive my electric delivery van into a zone marked with C22c?

Yes, if your delivery van is a zero-emission vehicle (e.g., electric or hydrogen-powered), you are allowed to enter the area designated by the C22c sign. The purpose of this zone is to improve air quality by restricting polluting commercial traffic.

What is prohibited in a C22c zero-emission zone?

In a zone marked with the C22c sign, entering with a non-zero-emission commercial vehicle is prohibited. You also cannot idle your fossil-fuel engine within the zone, and the zone cannot be used as a shortcut by compliant vehicles if it's not their intended destination for deliveries or services.

Are there any exceptions or allowed actions within a C22c zone?

While non-zero-emission commercial vehicles are restricted, zero-emission commercial vehicles can enter and operate normally. For businesses, allowed actions include consolidating loads at hubs outside the zone or using smaller, zero-emission transport like cargo bikes for last-mile deliveries where practical. Always verify specific local rules.

How is the C22c sign different from signs for passenger cars?

The C22c sign specifically targets commercial vehicles like vans and lorries. Passenger vehicles usually have separate rules or signage, which may be indicated locally. While both aim to reduce emissions, the C22c focuses on freight and delivery traffic, which often has a larger environmental impact in urban areas.

C22c - Zero-Emission Zone — Commercial Cars & Lorries road sign image

A clear reference image of the C22c - Zero-Emission Zone — Commercial Cars & Lorries road sign used in the Netherlands.

C22c - Zero-Emission Zone — Commercial Cars & Lorries road sign

Other names for the C22c - Zero-Emission Zone — Commercial Cars & Lorries

The C22c - Zero-Emission Zone — Commercial Cars & Lorries road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

ZEZZero-emission access onlyEmission-free delivery zoneClean freight zone

Closure & One-Way Signs (C) road sign category

The C22c - Zero-Emission Zone — Commercial Cars & Lorries road sign is part of the Closure & One-Way Signs (C) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Dive into Dutch road sign knowledge

Dutch Driving Theory B courseC7a Closed to Buses Dutch road signC7 Closed to Lorries Dutch road signC4 One-Way to the Right Dutch road signSpeed Signs (A) Dutch road sign categoryC11 Closed to Motorcycles Dutch road signC16 Closed to Pedestrians Dutch road signWarning Signs (J) Dutch road sign categoryC23-01 Rush-Hour Lane Open Dutch road signPriority Signs (B) Dutch road sign categoryC23-03 End of Rush-Hour Lane Dutch road signInformation Signs (L) Dutch road sign categoryC22b End of Environmental Zone Dutch road signC22d End of Zero-Emission Zone Dutch road signC23-02 Clear the Rush-Hour Lane Dutch road signC5 Two-Way Access (Not One-Way) Dutch road signC7b Closed to Lorries and Buses Dutch road signBuilt-Up Area Signs (H) Dutch road sign categoryC12 Closed to All Motor Vehicles Dutch road signSupplementary Plates (OB) Dutch road sign categoryC18 Closed to Vehicles Wider Than… Dutch road signC17 Closed to Vehicles Longer Than… Dutch road signC19 Closed to Vehicles Higher Than… Dutch road signClosure & One-Way Signs (C) Dutch road sign categoryC9 Closed to Various Non-car Traffic Dutch road signMandatory Direction Signs (D) Dutch road sign categoryC3 One-Way Street — Entry Allowed Here Dutch road signDirection & Route Guidance (K) Dutch road sign categoryParking and Stopping Signs (E) Dutch road sign categoryOvertaking & Lane Directives (F) Dutch road sign categoryC21 Closed to Vehicles Over Total Weight… Dutch road signC10 Closed to Motor Vehicles with Trailers Dutch road signArea, Road & Path Designations (G) Dutch road sign categoryC20 Closed to Vehicles with Axle Load Over… Dutch road signC8 Closed to Agricultural and Slow Vehicles Dutch road signC22a Environmental Zone — Diesel Restrictions Dutch road signC2 No Entry in This Direction (One-Way Street) Dutch road signC1 Closed to All Vehicles (Pedestrians Allowed) Dutch road signC22c Zero-Emission Zone — Commercial Cars & Lorries Dutch road signC6 Closed to Motor Vehicles on More Than Two Wheels Dutch road signC15 Closed to Bicycles, Mopeds & Disability Vehicles Dutch road signC22 Closed to Vehicles Carrying Hazardous Substances Dutch road signC14 Closed to Bicycles & Non-motorized Disability Vehicles Dutch road signC13 Closed to Mopeds/Snorfiets & Disability Vehicles (Engine On) Dutch road signC22c1 Zero-Emission Zone — Access for Emission-Free Commercial Vehicles Dutch road sign