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

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