Traffic signs are everywhere on the road. Knowing the traffic signs meaning is crucial, especially if you're preparing for the CBR theory exam. In this article, you’ll learn how to read traffic signs, recognize different shapes, and understand when they apply to you as a driver. This knowledge is essential for passing the Dutch road signs test and becoming a safe driver.

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What do Dutch traffic signs mean and when do they apply to me and when not?

When you participate in traffic, signs are everywhere. But what do they mean, and when do they actually apply? With Dutch traffic signs, it’s important to know their meaning. On the CBR theory exam, it is also important that you can apply your knowledge of the signs to the insight questions. During our theory course, we notice that many candidates have trouble reading the Dutch traffic signs.

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Reading Dutch traffic signs, what should I look for?

You always start by looking at the shape of the sign. There are different shapes of Dutch traffic signs. The most common on the CBR theory exam are square, round, and/or triangular signs.

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Square blue signs are friendly signs.

‍This means that certain things are allowed here or that you are being informed.

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Triangular signs with the point facing up are warning signs.

‍You are being warned about what is depicted on the sign.

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Round signs are angry signs, Something is either mandatory or forbidden.

Round signs with a red border are signs that prohibit something: What is prohibited is depicted on the sign?

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Round blue signs are signs that make something mandatory.

‍You must comply with what is depicted.

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Many signs look alike or resemble each other, so it's important to look at the shape first and then see what is depicted.

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Below are 3 examples of friendly signs:

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1. A square sign with a speed indicated on it is considered an advisory speed.
   Advice: 50 km/h, but (since it’s friendly) going faster is also allowed.
2. A square sign with an arrow indicates a one-way street. On this road, traffic flows in only one direction, but you are allowed to leave the road by turning left or right. The only prohibition is driving against the arrow direction—i.e., wrong-way driving.
3. The square sign with a white area and some numbers gives district numbers, thus information. For example, if you want to go to district 10, 12,14, or 25, turning right is the fastest. You're not required to go that way.

Triangular signs (with the point upwards), Warning/Watch out for:

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1. This sign with a cow on it is a warning sign because of its shape. The image shows a cow. You are being warned: WATCH OUT for stray livestock.
2. The warning sign with two bumps: You are being warned: WATCH OUT for an uneven road surface.
3. WATCH OUT for a skidding car, which indicates a risk of slipping (skid hazard).

Blue round signs indicate a command:

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1. The above-mentioned sign is round and blue, therefore mandatory. But what is mandatory? Drivers must go straight ahead here.
2. Round and blue, therefore mandatory. This blue sign indicates a mandatory (moped) bicycle path.
3. Looks like the previous sign, but this is a mandatory bridle path because of the different image. Riders must follow this path.

Round signs with a red border indicate a prohibition. These are probably the most common prohibition signs.

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1. This prohibition sign indicates a no-overtaking zone. It applies to all motor vehicles. Non-motorized vehicles such as bicycles, mopeds, and scooters may still be overtaken.
2. This prohibition sign means that it is forbidden to enter this road from this side only. In fact, this means it is a one-way street.
3. This is a prohibition sign with a number. You are not allowed to drive faster than the number shown on the sign; otherwise, you risk getting fined.

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Without explaining all the signs, we now know how to read them:
We first look at the shape, and then at the image.

In addition to standard traffic signs, there are also supplementary signs:

Supplementary signs are additional signs placed below standard Dutch traffic signs that provide extra information or specific instructions.

They are used to communicate special rules or exceptions for certain road users, such as cyclists, pedestrians, or different types of vehicles.

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Supplementary signs under traffic signs may include:

• A further explanation of the traffic sign;‍
• If the supplementary sign contains only symbols: the traffic sign applies only to the indicated road users or behaviors;
• If the supplementary sign says “except” with symbols: the traffic sign does not apply to the indicated road users or behaviors.

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Still, we always look at the standard signs first.

This sign indicates that going straight ahead is mandatory and applies to all drivers.

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If you see these two together: it still indicates that going straight ahead is mandatory, but the supplementary sign specifies that this applies only to trucks.

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This sign indicates an overtaking prohibition for motor vehicles.

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If you see these two signs together: the overtaking prohibition still applies to motor vehicles. However, overtaking agricultural vehicles is allowed, that’s an exception.

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This sign means no entry from this side and applies to all drivers.

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If these two signs are displayed together: it is still prohibited to enter the road from this side. The supplementary sign indicates an exception, so it does not apply to (moped) cyclists, including e-bikes and speed pedelecs.

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How do you read traffic signs? (CBR Theory Exam)

Traffic signs are everywhere, and it’s important to know what they mean and when they apply to you. To properly understand Dutch traffic signs, you should always first look at the shape of the sign and then at the image on it.

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The shape of the sign determines the message:

• Square blue signs (friendly signs):
  Provide information or advice, such as one-way traffic or advisory speed limits. Not mandatory.‍
• Triangular signs with the point facing upward (warning signs):
  Warn of potential danger, such as loose cattle, poor road surfaces, or slippery conditions.‍
• Round signs (strict signs):
  
  • Blue round: Mandatory — you must do what the sign indicates (e.g., compulsory bicycle path or driving direction).‍
  • Red with a border: Prohibitory — it’s forbidden to do what’s shown (e.g., no overtaking, no entry).

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Sub signs: additional information

Sub signs are placed below a regular traffic sign and indicate:

• Who the sign applies to (e.g., trucks only);
• Exceptions, often with the word “except”;
• Additional explanation of the main sign above.

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Important:

1. First, look at the shape of the sign.
2. Then, look at the image or text.
3. Pay attention to sub signs with exceptions or explanations.

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By reading Dutch traffic signs this way, you’ll understand more quickly what they mean and when they apply to you. Essential for safe driving and the CBR theory exam.