Category D – Driving direction

Sign D1 – Roundabout; mandatory driving direction.

This sign is almost always used in combination with sign B6 and shark’s teeth at the junction of the approach roads with the roundabout’s carriageway.
The design of the approach roads is adapted to the priority regulations where necessary. This is done in such a way that drivers on the approach roads must yield to drivers on the roundabout’s carriageway.

Sign J9 is used to indicate a roundabout.

If you do not need to yield to cyclists or moped riders when approaching a roundabout, there is always a separate cycle or cycle/moped path. This is usually the case outside built-up areas.

But even within built-up areas, separate cycle or cycle/moped paths occur at a roundabout. Sometimes cyclists and moped riders do have the right of way. And sometimes they do not!

And sometimes that doesn’t happen, which can lead to the following situations.

When exiting a roundabout, you turn right and must yield to all straight-going/oncoming traffic. This includes pedestrians. You can then get into the strange situation where you have to yield to pedestrians, but not to cyclists or mopeds because they’ve lost their right-of-way. Some road authorities are really good (NOT!!!).

The following exceptions apply on or just before a roundabout:

• Drivers of motor vehicles and mopeds using the carriageway are permitted to drive on other than on the right side of the carriageway just before or on roundabouts.
• Drivers are allowed to overtake on the right just before or on a roundabout.

Sign D2 – Order for all drivers to pass the sign on the side indicated by the arrow.

This sign is placed on a traffic island or central divider. This makes it clear which side of the divider you should drive on.
If the sign is placed on a central divider, the arrow always points to the right.

In some situations, the arrow points to the left. This occurs at road narrowings.

If the sign is placed on a central divider, it is often on a reflective yellow column. However, the sign can also be attached to a traffic light pole or public street lighting.

If the sign is placed between the carriageway and a cycle path or a cycle/moped path, it is on a black and white column.

Sign D3 – Sign may be passed on either side.

This sign is placed on traffic islands or central dividers where traffic is permitted on both sides. Sometimes this may not be immediately apparent, but the presence of this sign makes it clear.

If the sign is placed on a central divider, it’s often on a reflective yellow column. However, the sign can also be attached to a traffic light pole or streetlight.

Sign D4 – Order to follow the direction of travel indicated on the sign.

When this sign is posted, you are not allowed to turn. You are also not allowed to turn at this sign. This makes sense because if you want to turn, you first have to turn left, which is prohibited at this sign.
This sign is often posted at junctions with autowegen or other busy roads outside built-up areas. Due to the higher speeds, turning right or left is not permitted here.
Subsequent signs can be used to exempt certain categories of vehicles.
Do not confuse this sign with sign C3 (One-way road).

Traffic insight:

These traffic signs are often posted next to lanes where slow-moving traffic is not permitted.

There is sometimes mud on the carriageway, left behind by crossing agricultural vehicles.

Visibility may be impaired due to trees.

Crossing traffic should be mindful of the higher speeds of other drivers.

Sign D5 – Order to follow the direction of travel indicated on the sign.

The meaning of this sign is that you MUST follow the direction indicated on the sign. Even if you can follow a different direction, it is not permitted.

This sign can also be found at the junction of one-way bicycle or bicycle/moped paths with a roundabout. To prevent people from riding against traffic, this sign is placed in those cases, requiring you to proceed through the roundabout to the right.

With additional signs, this sign can apply to certain vehicle categories or exclude certain categories.

The sign can have an arrow pointing left or right.

Sign D6 – Order to follow one of the directions indicated on the sign.

The meaning of this sign can also be translated as: no left turns allowed. You are required to either turn right or go straight ahead.

With additional signs, this sign can apply to certain vehicle categories or exclude certain categories.

The sign can also have a straight-ahead arrow and a left-facing arrow. In that case, turning right is prohibited. You are then required to either turn left or go straight ahead.

Sign D7 – Order to follow one of the directions indicated on the sign.

The meaning of this sign can also be translated as: driving straight ahead is prohibited. You are required to turn either right or left.

Subsequent signs can apply this sign to certain vehicle categories or exempt certain categories.

Traffic may approach from the opposite direction. Please be aware of this, especially when turning left.