C-series signs regulate access to roads, zones, and traffic directions by indicating where vehicles may or may not enter. They cover closures, one-way streets, restricted areas, and vehicle-specific limitations. Understanding these signs helps prevent costly mistakes, improves navigation in unfamiliar environments, and prepares you to answer detailed driving-theory questions involving traffic restrictions and controlled road layouts.
An explanation of how Closure & One-Way Signs (C) road signs apply in real traffic situations in the Netherlands. Learn where these signs are typically placed, what drivers are expected to do when they appear, and how correct reactions help you stay safe, avoid fines, and succeed in your Dutch driving theory exam.
You will encounter closure and one-way signs in a variety of traffic situations. Signs like 'No Entry' (C2) or 'One-Way Street' (C3, C4) are common at the start of streets to direct traffic flow, especially in urban areas, to prevent head-on collisions and improve efficiency. Full closure signs (C1) can indicate that a road is completely impassable due to construction, events, or hazards, often seen in residential areas or on specific routes. More specific signs, such as those restricting certain vehicle types (e.g., C7 for lorries, C11 for motorcycles, C17 for length), are often found on bridges, narrow roads, or in environmentally sensitive areas. Environmental and zero-emission zone signs (C22a, C22c) are increasingly common in city centres to improve air quality. Dynamic rush-hour lane signs (C23-01 to C23-03) are typically seen on busy arterial roads or motorways to manage traffic flow during peak times. It's vital to pay close attention to these signs to avoid fines, dangerous situations like driving the wrong way, or causing obstruction.
An overview of the key learning outcomes when studying the Closure & One-Way Signs (C) road sign category. Understand the main concepts, sign meanings, and traffic situations covered here so you can recognise patterns, answer theory questions more confidently, and build a solid foundation for safe driving in the Netherlands.
Browse every road sign in the Closure & One-Way Signs (C) category. Each sign includes a clear meaning, purpose, and examples of how it is used in the Netherlands, helping you build strong recognition skills and a detailed understanding of this group of Dutch traffic signs.
The C1 sign means 'Closed to All Vehicles', but pedestrians are welcome.
The C10 sign means no entry for motor vehicles towing trailers in the Netherlands.
C11: Motorcycles are Prohibited on This Road
Understand the 'Closed to All Motor Vehicles' (C12) Prohibition Sign
Understand the C13 sign: No Engine-Powered Mopeds or Disability Vehicles Allowed
Understand the C14 sign: Bicycles and non-motorized disability vehicles prohibited.
This C15 sign means no access for bicycles, mopeds, and disability vehicles.
The C16 'Closed to Pedestrians' sign means you must not proceed on foot beyond this point.
Learn the Meaning of the C17 'Closed to Vehicles Longer Than...' Road Sign
Prepare for the 'Closed to Vehicles Wider Than...' (C18) prohibition sign on Dutch roads.
Heads up! This sign means your vehicle is too tall for the road ahead.
The C2 No Entry sign means you cannot enter this street from this direction.
Beware of the C20 sign: Axle load limits ahead!
Understand the C21 sign: Closed to Vehicles Exceeding Total Weight Limits
Know When Your Vehicle's Cargo is Restricted by the C22 Hazardous Substances Sign.
Understand the C22a Environmental Zone sign for diesel vehicle restrictions.
You're Leaving the Environmental Zone: Sign C22b Indicates Restrictions End Here
C22c: Access Restricted to Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles Only
The C22c1 sign confirms that zero-emission commercial vehicles are welcome in this zone.
C22d: You're Leaving the Zero-Emission Zone!
Open Extra Lane: Use this Lane During Peak Hours!
Clear the Rush-Hour Lane Sign: What to Do When a Dynamic Lane Closes
The C23-03 sign marks the end of a dynamic rush-hour lane.
This is the C3 sign: Your authorized entry to a one-way street.
The C4 'One-Way to the Right' sign means you must turn right into the one-way street.
This C5 Sign Means the Road is Open for Entry from Both Directions!
What does the C6 sign mean? It prohibits larger motor vehicles.
Understand the C7 'Closed to Lorries' Sign in the Netherlands
The C7a Sign: Understanding 'Closed to Buses' Restrictions
Learn the meaning of the C7b 'Closed to Lorries and Buses' traffic sign.
Understand the C8 sign: Closed to Agricultural and Slow Vehicles
C9 Sign: Road Closed to Many Types of Non-Car Traffic
Clear answers to common questions about the Closure & One-Way Signs (C) road sign category. Use this FAQ to review tricky rules, understand how these signs appear in exam scenarios, and remove confusion that often leads to mistakes in the Dutch driving theory exam in the Netherlands.
A C1 sign means the road is closed to all vehicles, though pedestrians might still be allowed. A C2 sign, often called 'No Entry', specifically means you cannot enter the road from that direction because it is a one-way street where traffic flows the opposite way. You might see a C3 sign further down the one-way street indicating that entry is permitted from that side.
Signs like C17 (length), C18 (width), C19 (height), C20 (axle load), and C21 (total weight) are typically placed before bridges, tunnels, narrow roads, or weak structures. These are designed to protect both the infrastructure and the driver by preventing vehicles that are too large or too heavy from proceeding and potentially causing damage or getting stuck.
Environmental and zero-emission zones are becoming more prevalent, especially in larger cities aiming to improve air quality. Sign C22a typically restricts older diesel vehicles, while C22c might affect commercial vehicles like lorries and vans based on their emissions. Always check for these signs when entering urban areas, as non-compliance can result in significant fines. The corresponding C22b and C22d signs indicate the end of these zones.
A C1 sign indicates a complete closure for all vehicles. However, if you see signs like C7 (closed to lorries), C11 (closed to motorcycles), or others specifying vehicle types, it means the road is open to other traffic but prohibited for those specific vehicles. Always read all signs present; sometimes, a general closure sign might be accompanied by exceptions for local access or specific vehicle types indicated by supplementary panels.
The C23 series signs are dynamic and control traffic flow on busy roads. C23-01 indicates a rush-hour lane is open and you may use it. C23-02 means you must clear the lane, often because it's changing direction or closing. C23-03 signifies the end of a rush-hour lane. Pay close attention to these signs and any accompanying electronic displays, as they change based on traffic conditions.