Category C – Road closed warnings

Sign C1: Road closed in both directions to vehicles, riders and persons in charge of animals or livestock.

The legal text for this sign says it all. Drivers are not allowed to enter this road from either side. If you see such a sign, you can assume the same sign is on the other side of the road. This sign is sometimes accompanied by a corresponding sign indicating the times between which it applies, for example, on a road where a market is held. Driving on this road is prohibited during market hours.

When the sign is used during temporary closures, it must also be placed on the right side of the road on the shoulder, in addition to the fences forming the closure. Fences can be moved, and in that case, there would no longer be a sign.

Because the road is closed in both directions, no vehicles are allowed to be parked there. If they do, you can receive a fine. It is not necessary to have been observed driving onto the road, as “using” the road is prohibited.

You are also not allowed to enter this road with a bicycle, moped, motorcycle, or any other vehicle. The road is closed to vehicles. You may enter this road without a vehicle.
Several exceptions may apply to this sign. Some examples include:

• “except local traffic”.
• except for certain vehicle categories such as cyclists, mopeds, agricultural vehicles, passenger cars, police vehicles, lorries and autobuses.
• “except scheduled buses”.
• duration, for example “7-18 hr”.

Sign C2 – One-way road, closed in this direction to vehicles, horse riders and persons in charge of animals or livestock.

This road is only accessible from one direction, and that’s not this side. The only road users allowed to enter from this side are pedestrians. On the other side of the road, where entering is permitted, there is a sign C3 or C4.

This sign is often found along canals. If a road is separated by water, you may enter from either side. However, this is not possible along most canals, as they are too narrow for two-way traffic.

To prevent wrong-way driving on motorways, these signs are placed along all exits. The sign then has a sub-sign with the text “ga terug.”

With sub-signs, this sign can apply to certain vehicle categories or exempt certain categories.

This sign is not used at T-junctions, where signs C4, D4, or D5 are permitted. This is because these signs already indicate the required direction of travel.

This sign will not be placed if other signs or the situation clearly indicate that a one-way closure applies. This occurs, for example, in a dual carriageway or lane junction with a narrow median. However, the sign will be placed in a median wider than 18 meters and in other dangerous situations to indicate the risk of wrong-way driving.

There is often limited one-way traffic. Cyclists and/or mopeds are exempt and are allowed to enter this road. You can see this on the additional sign by the text “Excepted” with images of a bicycle and/or moped.
However, other vehicles may also be exempt.
On the other side of the road, from which entry is permitted, there will be sign C3 or C4 with the same text on the additional sign.

Drivers coming from a side road with this sign often sort to the far left. This allows them to reach you “faster.” Keep this in mind.

Sign C3 – One-way road.

If this sign is posted, you shouldn’t expect oncoming drivers. However, always be on your guard, as someone might still drive into the opposite lane against the rules.
When you’re getting in the lane to turn left, generally do so on the far left.
Roads with this sign are often narrow. Parking restrictions are therefore often in place.
On roads with this sign, you are not allowed to turn or reverse. Reversing to park in a queue is, of course, permitted.

There is often limited one-way traffic. Cyclists and/or mopeds are exempt and are allowed to enter the road from the other side. You can see this on the additional sign by the text “Excepted” with images of a bicycle and/or moped.
On the other side of the road, from which entering is permitted, there will be sign C2 with the same text on the additional sign.
Other vehicles may also be exempt. In all these cases, you must be mindful of oncoming traffic. If you want to turn left on these roads, don’t get in the lane completely to the left, but against the axis of the road. Otherwise, you might obstruct any drivers who might want to enter this lane.

Sign C4 – One-way road.

This sign is placed opposite the side road of a T-junction, if the main road is one-way.

If this sign is displayed, you shouldn’t expect oncoming drivers. However, always be on your guard, as someone might break the rules and drive into the opposite lane.

If you’re pulling into the lane to turn left, you generally do so on the far left.

Roads with this sign are often narrow. Parking restrictions are therefore often in place.

You are not allowed to turn or reverse on roads with this sign. Reversing to park is, of course, permitted.

Sub-signs can apply this sign to certain vehicle categories, or certain categories can be exempted. In that case, you must be aware of oncoming traffic. If you want to turn left in these situations, you must pull into the lane against the road’s centerline.

Sign C5 – Entry permitted.

Driving onto this road is permitted. Many will consider this sign unnecessary, as it would be suitable for most roads. However, this sign is often placed on roads where it’s initially unclear whether driving onto the road is permitted. This is often the case when there are one or more lanes adjacent to the roadway, and it’s unclear whether driving onto the left lane is permitted.

To prevent confusion with adjacent lanes, the sign may be placed on the left side of the road.

By adding additional signs, the sign can be made applicable only to a specific category of road users. This includes certain vehicle categories such as mopeds, passenger cars, trucks, and similar vehicles.

Sign C6 – Closed to motor vehicles with more than 2 wheels.

It is prohibited to enter this road with a motor vehicle with more than two wheels. The closure notice applies only to the side of the road where the sign is located. Cars are permitted to enter from the other side.
The sign is often used this way, especially on narrow roads.

Motorcycles are permitted to enter this road and do so.
The road is closed to motorcycles with sidecars.
A motorcycle with a sidecar causes confusion. A motorcycle with a sidecar is a motor vehicle with more than two wheels.
A motorcycle with a trailer remains a two-wheeled motor vehicle.

When entering this road as a motorcyclist, be aware that oncoming drivers may mistakenly think you are not permitted to enter.

Be mindful of departing motorists. They are likely not expecting motorcyclists coming from your direction. Watch out for drivers in parked vehicles and adjust your speed accordingly.

According to the Road Traffic Act (RVV), microcars are a separate vehicle category, and drivers must follow the rules of conduct for motor vehicles. This means that this road is also closed to microcars.

When closed notices are placed at one end of the road, action can only be taken against drivers who enter or retrace their steps on that side of the road. No action can be taken against the use of the road based on the closed notice. You can, however, claim that you reversed into the road from the opposite side.

Sign C7 – Closed to lorries

Lorries are not permitted on this road.
This sign is often placed on narrow and/or winding roads, or where trucks could cause inconvenience to local residents. You are permitted to enter this street by car, bus, or motorcycle.

Lorries may, however, drive from the other side of this road, as the sign only applies to the side of the road where it is located.
Sometimes, entire shopping areas or city centres are closed to lorries. This is done by placing a zone sign.

A supplementary sign allows trucks to enter during certain times to supply shops.

Sign C7a – Closed for autobuses.

It is not permitted to drive an autobus on this road.
This sign is often placed in towns or villages where the city council does not want autobuses, or where autobuses could cause inconvenience to local residents. You are permitted to drive on this road by car, lorrie, or motorcycle.

It is possible that buses may come from this road, as the sign only applies to the side of the road where it is placed.
Sometimes entire city centers are closed for autobuses. This is done by placing a zone sign.

Sign C7b  Closed for autobuses and lorries.

It is not permitted to enter this road with an autobus or a lorry.
This sign is often placed on narrow and/or winding roads, or where these vehicles could cause inconvenience to local residents. You are permitted to enter this road by car or motorcycle.

It is possible that autobuses or lorries may exit this road, as the sign only applies to the side of the road where it is placed.
Sometimes entire shopping areas or city centers are closed to autobuses and lorries. This is done by placing a zone sign.

A supplementary sign allows autobuses and lorries to enter during certain times to supply shops.

Sign C8 Closed to agricultural and forestry tractors, limited-speed motor carriages, and mobile machinery.

It is prohibited to enter a road with a motor vehicle that cannot or is not permitted to travel faster than 40 kilometers per hour. This sign therefore does not apply to brommobielen, which may travel a maximum of 45 kilometers per hour.
The sign also does not apply to mopeds and scooters, as they are not considered motor vehicles.

There is often a parallel road. Farmers will still need to access their land.

This sign is often placed in agricultural areas. You will not encounter agricultural vehicles on this road, but expect them on other roads in the area.
At junctions, watch out for slowly crossing agricultural vehicles and for sand or mud on the road.

This road is only closed to this category. Mopeds, scooters, brommobielen, horse riders, lorries, and similar vehicles are permitted to enter this road.

Sign C9 – Closed for horse riders, cattle, wagons, agricultural and forestry tractors, limited-speed motor carriages, mobile machinery, brommobielen, bicycles, snorfietsen, mopeds and vehicles for disabled persons.

It is not permitted to use this road with any of the vehicles mentioned, including livestock or horse riders. An alternative route is often available for them. The road is therefore also closed to brommobielen.
This sign is used on roads where slow vehicles pose a hazard or significantly impede traffic flow.
This sign is also often placed in agricultural areas. Agricultural vehicles will not be permitted on this road, although they may be allowed on other roads in the area.

At junctions, watch out for slow-crossing agricultural vehicles and for sand or mud on the road.

Sign C10 – Closed for motor vehicles with trailers.

It is not permitted to enter this road with a motor vehicle and a trailer. This also applies to brommobielen and motorcycles with trailers.
If you are towing a broken-down car with a car, the broken-down car is also considered a trailer at that moment. In that case, you are also not permitted to enter this road.
Bicycles, mopeds, and scooters are permitted to enter this road with a trailer.

This sign is often placed on narrower roads with few evasive maneuvers or with many bends.
When closed signs are used, which are placed at one end of the road, action can only be taken against drivers who enter or enter the road on that side. No action can be taken against the use of the road based on the closed sign. You can claim that you reversed into this road from the other side.

Sign C11 – Closed for motorcycles.

It is prohibited to enter this road on a motorcycle, even if it is equipped with a sidecar or trailer.
These are often dike roads that are closed to motorcycles because they are considered a nuisance.

When closed signs are placed at one end of the road, action can only be taken against drivers who enter or enter the road on that side. No action can be taken against the use of the road based on the closed sign. You can, however, claim that you entered this road.

Sign C12 – Closed to all motor vehicles.

The purpose of this sign is clear: no motor vehicles are allowed on this road. 
These signs are often placed in residential areas. If you encounter such a sign as a cyclist or moped rider, be aware that children can often play there, and that motor vehicles can still approach from the other side.

When closed signs are placed at one end of the road, enforcement can only be taken against drivers who enter or retrace their steps on that side of the road. No enforcement can be taken against the use of the road based on the closed sign. You can, however, claim that you reversed onto the road from the other side.

Bottom plates can be used to exclude certain categories.

Sign C13 – Closed to snorfietsen, mopeds, and vehicles for disabled persons, with the engine running.

It is not permitted to enter this road with a snorfiets, moped, or vehicle for disabled persons with a running engine. Brommobielen are permitted.

This sign is often placed in areas with heavy traffic, such as those with high pedestrian and cyclist traffic.

This sign has also been placed in areas with large numbers of elderly residents. The goal is to prevent noise pollution.

The sign is also placed near entrances to autowegen. Mopeds are then directed onto mandatory cycle/moped paths, out of concern that they might accidentally enter the autoweg.

Sign C14 – Closed to bicycles and to vehicles for disabled persons, without the engine running.

A road with this sign is closed to cyclists and unpowered vehicles for disabled persons.
Because snorfietsen must follow the rules for cyclists, snorfietsen are also not allowed on this road.

There is usually a cycle path.

Mopeds are allowed here, so please keep this in mind.

Sign C15 – Closed to bicycles, mopeds and vehicles for disabled persons.

This road is closed to bicycles, snorfietsen, mopeds, and vehicles for disabled persons. Mopeds are permitted on this road.

This sign is often placed near shopping streets. It is dangerous to drive through shoppers.

This sign also appears at points where vehicles themselves could be dangerous. Separate cycle/moped lanes are usually present in these areas.

Sign C16 – Closed to pedestrians.

This sign is often placed where there is no sidewalk or pavement.
Due to the presence of fast-moving traffic, it is unsafe for pedestrians to be on this road.

If you experience a breakdown, please be aware that other traffic will not expect pedestrians.

Sign C17 – Closed to vehicles and combinations of vehicles that, including the load, are longer than indicated on the sign.

This sign is intended to prevent vehicles and/or combined vehicles (trailers) that, including their load, are longer than indicated on the sign. In this case, a maximum length of 10 meters applies.

This sign is usually placed in places where the road is not suitable for vehicles of this length. These may be narrow roads with sharp bends that cannot be negotiated by a vehicle of this length.
For example, buildings and/or other obstacles, such as traffic lights, may be placed close to the roadway. This may prevent the vehicle from moving or cause dangerous situations.
Furthermore, roadway narrowing can have the same effect.
Also, be aware of nearby bridges or overpasses, as well as the possible presence of soft shoulders and crumbling roadsides.

Sign C18 – Closed to vehicles that, including the load, are wider than indicated on the sign.

This sign is intended to deter vehicles that, including their load, are wider than indicated on the sign. In this case, a maximum width of 2.3 meters applies.

This sign is usually placed in places where the road is not suitable for vehicles of this width. These may be narrow roads with sharp bends that cannot be negotiated by a vehicle of this width.
For example, buildings and/or other obstacles such as traffic lights and the like may be placed close to the roadway. This may prevent the vehicle from moving or may create dangerous situations.
Also, consider nearby bridges or overpasses, as well as the possible presence of soft shoulders and crumbling roadsides.
Road narrowings can also be a reason for this sign. For example, a bridge that is narrower than the width indicated on the sign, or flower boxes placed to slow people down. During roadworks on motorways, the 2-meter width restriction sign is displayed on sign L11.
If the left lane is narrower than 3 meters, wide vehicles must be prohibited from using the left lane.

Sign C19 – Closed to vehicles that, including the load, are higher than indicated on the sign.

This sign indicates that the road is closed to vehicles, including their load, that are higher than shown on the sign. In this case, the vehicle may not exceed 3.1 meters in height. This is because the bridge, viaduct, aqueduct, or tunnel does not allow passage for vehicles with a height greater than indicated on the sign.
This sign is also used for temporary height restrictions, such as roadworks or pipelines above the road.

The number on the sign has one decimal place and is always 10 to 20 centimeters lower than the measured headroom. Furthermore, the number on the sign may not exceed 3.9 meters. If the headroom is higher, the L1 information sign can be used up to a maximum height of 4.40 meters. The measured height is then 4.50 to 4.60 meters.

Sometimes, a bottom plate indicates the number of meters after which this prohibition applies. Another way is to warn of the object with the restricted clearance by placing a portal with a hanging slat, so that overly tall vehicles are clearly warned of the restricted passage.

Sign C20 – Closed to vehicles with an axle load higher than indicated on the sign.

This sign is usually placed on roads that are unsuitable for vehicles with an axle load heavier than indicated on the sign. These are usually roads that suffer damage, such as rutting, because they cannot properly support the weight of such a vehicle.

An excessively soft shoulder, making it impossible to avoid oncoming traffic, can also be a reason for placement.
Furthermore, houses adjacent to the road may be subject to excessive disturbance from passing vehicles; vibrations can lead to noise pollution or even damage to the houses.

This sign also appears on bridges with a specific maximum load, such as a drawbridge.

Sign C21 – Closed to vehicles and combinations of vehicles, the total mass of which is higher than indicated on the sign.

This sign is usually placed on roads that are unsuitable for vehicles, or vehicles towing trailers with a heavier weight than indicated on the sign. These are usually roads that suffer damage, such as rutting, because they cannot properly support the weight of such a vehicle.

An excessively soft shoulder, making it impossible to avoid oncoming traffic, can also be a reason for placement.
Furthermore, houses adjacent to the road may be subject to excessive noise from passing vehicles; vibrations can lead to noise pollution or even damage to the houses.
This sign is also found on bridges with a specific maximum load, such as a drawbridge.

Sign C22 – Closed to vehicles containing certain hazardous substances.

This sign is placed for tunnels. The transport of certain dangerous goods through tunnels is subject to restrictions.

Application and placement:
1. The sign is placed at or before the entrance to tunnels listed in the Regulations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Land.
2. The sign is accompanied by a corresponding sign indicating the category.

Preliminary indication:
On motorways and expressways, a preliminary indication in the form of sign L10 is placed.

Sign K14 indicates the alternative route the vehicles must follow.

There are five categories of tunnels. The tunnel category is indicated on a sign below; the categories are:
Category A: No restrictions on the transport of dangerous goods;
Category B: Restrictions on dangerous goods that could cause a very large explosion;
Category C: Restrictions on dangerous goods that could cause a very large explosion, a large explosion, or a release of a large quantity of toxic substances;
Category D: Restrictions on dangerous goods that could cause a very large explosion, a large explosion, a release of a large quantity of toxic substances, or a large fire;
Category E: Restrictions on all dangerous goods, except for UN numbers 2919, 3291, 3331, 3359, and 3373.

Sign C22a – Closed to passenger and commercial cars, lorries, or autobuses with a diesel engine due to environmental zone.

You’ll see these signs in more and more cities. A corresponding sign indicates which vehicles are and are not allowed to enter this zone.

C22a1: Bottom plate at sign C22a: environmental zone accessible to passenger and commercial vehicles, emission class 3 to 6.

In an environmental zone where passenger cars and commercial vehicles with emission classes 3 to 6 are permitted, the following vehicles are allowed to drive:

• Petrol, LPG or hybrid passenger cars and commercial vehicles with emission class 3, 4, 5 or 6.
• Diesel passenger cars and commercial vehicles with emission class 3, 4, 5 or 6.
• Electric vehicles have no emission class and are always allowed.
• Hydrogen cars (idem, always allowed).

Not allowed in such a zone:

• Passenger cars and commercial vehicles with emission class 0, 1 or 2 (older, more polluting vehicles).

You can find the emission class of a vehicle in the RDW vehicle registration register.

C22a2: Bottom plate at sign C22a: environmental zone accessible to passenger and commercial vehicles, emission class 4 to 6.

In an environmental zone where passenger cars and commercial vehicles with emission classes 3 to 6 are permitted, the following vehicles are allowed to drive:

• Petrol, LPG or hybrid passenger cars and commercial vehicles with emission class 4, 5 or 6.
• Diesel passenger cars and commercial vehicles with emission class 4, 5 or 6.
• Electric vehicles have no emission class and are always allowed.
• Hydrogen cars (idem, always allowed).

Not allowed in such a zone:

• Passenger cars and commercial vehicles with emission classes 0, 1, 2 or 3 (older, more polluting vehicles)

C23a3: Bottom plate at sign C22a: environmental zone accessible to passenger and commercial vehicles of emission class 5 and 6.

In an environmental zone where passenger cars and commercial vehicles with emission classes 5 and 6 are permitted, the following vehicles are allowed to drive::

• Petrol, LPG or hybrid passenger cars and commercial vehicles with emission class 5 or 6.
• Diesel passenger cars and commercial vehicles with emission class 5 or 6.
• Electric vehicles have no emission class and are always allowed.
• Hydrogen cars (idem, always allowed).

Not allowed in such a zone:

• Passenger cars and commercial vehicles with emission classes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 (older, more polluting vehicles)

C23a4: Bottom plate at sign C22a: environmental zone accessible to lorries with emission class 4 to 6.

In an environmental zone where lorries with emission class 4, 5 or 6 are allowed, the following vehicles are allowed to drive:

• Lorries with emission class 4, 5 or 6.
• Petrol, LPG or hybrid passenger cars and commercial vehicles with any emission class.
• Diesel passenger cars and commercial vehicles with every emission class.
• Electric vehicles have no emission class and are always allowed.
• Hydrogen cars (idem, always allowed).

Not allowed in such a zone:

• Lorries with emission class 0, 1, 2 or 3.

C23a5: Bottom plate at sign C22a: environmental zone accessible to lorries of emission class 6.

In an environmental zone where lorries with emission class 4, 5 or 6 are allowed, the following vehicles are allowed to drive:

• Lorries with emission class 6.
• Petrol, LPG or hybrid passenger cars and commercial vehicles with any emission class.
• Diesel passenger cars and commercial vehicles with every emission class.
• Electric vehicles have no emission class and are always allowed.
• Hydrogen cars (idem, always allowed).

Not allowed in such a zone:

• Lorries with emission class 0, 1, 2 , 3, 4 or 5.

C22a6: Bottom plate at sign C22a: environmental zone accessible to autobuses with emission classes 4 to 6.

In an environmental zone where autobuses with emission class 4, 5 or 6 are allowed, the following vehicles are allowed to drive:

• Autobuses with emission class 4, 5 or 6.
• Petrol, LPG or hybrid passenger cars and commercial vehicles. and lorries with any emission class.
• Diesel passenger cars and commercial vehicles with every emission class.
• Electric vehicles have no emission class and are always allowed.
• Hydrogen cars (idem, always allowed).

Not allowed in such a zone:

• Autobusus with emission class 0, 1, 2 or 3.

C22a7: Bottom plate at sign C22a: environmental zone accessible to autobuses with emission class 6.

In an environmental zone where autobuses with emission class 6 are allowed, the following vehicles are allowed to drive:

• Autobuses with emission class 6.
• Petrol, LPG or hybrid passenger cars and commercial vehicles. and lorries with any emission class.
• Diesel passenger cars and commercial vehicles with every emission class.
• Electric vehicles have no emission class and are always allowed.
• Hydrogen cars (idem, always allowed).

Not allowed in such a zone:

• Autobusus with emission class 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

C22a8: Bottom plate at sign C22a: environmental zone accessible to lorries and buses with emission class 4 to 6.

In an environmental zone where autobuses  and lorries with emission class 4, 5 or 6 are allowed, the following vehicles are allowed to drive:

• Autobuses and lorries with emission class 4, 5 or 6.
• Petrol, LPG or hybrid passenger cars and commercial vehicles with any emission class.
• Diesel passenger cars and commercial vehicles with every emission class.
• Electric vehicles have no emission class and are always allowed.
• Hydrogen cars (idem, always allowed).

Not allowed in such a zone:

• Autobusus and lorries with emission class 0, 1, 2 or 3.

C22a9: Bottom plate at sign C22a: environmental zone accessible to lorries and buses with emission class 6.In an environmental zone where autobuses with emission class 6 are allowed, the following vehicles are allowed to drive:

• Autobuses and lorries with emission class 6.
• Petrol, LPG or hybrid passenger cars and commercial vehicles with any emission class.
• Diesel passenger cars and commercial vehicles with every emission class.
• Electric vehicles have no emission class and are always allowed.
• Hydrogen cars (idem, always allowed).

Not allowed in such a zone:

• Autobusus and lorries with emission class 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

C22b – End of environmental zone declaration.