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Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Navigate Motorways with the K4 High-Level Information Sign

K4 - High-Level Motorway Information Sign Dutch road sign meaning

The K4 High-Level Motorway Information Sign, often seen on overhead gantries, provides crucial guidance for your journey. It uses lane arrows, route numbers, and destinations to help you prepare for upcoming junctions and complex intersections. Always follow the arrows above your lane to ensure you take the correct exit or continue on your intended route smoothly and safely. Understanding these signs is vital for efficient traffic flow and a successful theory test.

About the K4 - High-Level Motorway Information Sign road sign

Learn the key details of the K4 - High-Level Motorway Information Sign 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 K4

A high-level motorway information sign is mounted on gantries or tall masts above or beside the carriageway and provides long-range route guidance. It displays lane arrows, motorway and national route numbers, destinations, and sometimes junction or interchange names. Drivers are expected to read these boards in advance, commit to the indicated lane, and avoid late weaving that could disturb the steady flow of fast traffic.

Meaning of K4

This sign indicates an overhead or high-mounted information board that shows lanes, route numbers, and destinations on a motorway. It helps you select the correct lane early for your chosen route or exit, often well before a complex junction or interchange. By following the arrows and symbols in good time, you support smoother traffic flow and reduce sudden lane changes.

Allowed actions for K4

Read the overhead information board in good timeMove gradually into the lane indicated for your destinationMaintain a steady and appropriate motorway speedUse the arrows to prepare for an upcoming exit or lane dropContinue in the signed through lane if you are not exiting

Prohibited actions for K4

Making late multi lane weaves under the gantryStraddling lane lines to keep several options openIgnoring the lane arrows and destinations shownBraking sharply at the last moment to change lane

K4 - High-Level Motorway Information Sign road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the K4 - High-Level Motorway Information Sign 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 is the main purpose of the K4 High-Level Motorway Information Sign?

The K4 sign's main purpose is to guide drivers on motorways by indicating upcoming route choices, destinations, and lane allocations. It helps you decide which lane to be in well in advance of a junction or split, ensuring a safer and more organised flow of traffic.

What should I do when I see the K4 sign with lane arrows above my lane?

When you see the K4 sign with lane arrows above your current lane, you must follow them. This means committing to that lane and preparing to travel in the direction indicated by the arrow. Drifting or changing lanes under the gantry is dangerous and often prohibited.

Can I change lanes under a K4 High-Level Motorway Information Sign?

No, it is strongly advised and often prohibited to change lanes while directly under the gantry displaying the K4 sign. The purpose of the sign and its arrows is to allocate lanes early. You should have already chosen your lane based on the information provided.

What are common mistakes learners make with K4 signs during the theory exam?

A common mistake is not anticipating the K4 sign's information early enough, leading to last-minute, potentially unsafe lane changes. Learners might also ignore the lane arrows, assuming they can still merge later. Always remember to select your lane based on the sign's guidance before you reach the gantry.

How does the K4 sign help prevent traffic jams?

By providing clear, early lane guidance, the K4 sign helps distribute traffic effectively before complex junctions or exits. This prevents bottlenecks that occur when many drivers try to merge or exit at the last moment, thus promoting smoother traffic flow and reducing delays.

K4 - High-Level Motorway Information Sign road sign image

A clear reference image of the K4 - High-Level Motorway Information Sign road sign used in the Netherlands.

K4 - High-Level Motorway Information Sign road sign

Other names for the K4 - High-Level Motorway Information Sign

The K4 - High-Level Motorway Information Sign road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Overhead motorway signGantry directionsHigh-mounted guideLane allocation sign

Direction & Route Guidance (K) road sign category

The K4 - High-Level Motorway Information Sign road sign is part of the Direction & Route Guidance (K) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Dive into Dutch road sign knowledge

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