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DangersNetherlands

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Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Netherlands

55. Dangers

A general danger warning sign warns road users of a hazard ahead that is not represented by a more specific warning sign. The particular danger may be explained by a supplementary panel, text, symbol or other indication placed with the warning sign.

Drivers should increase their attention, observe the road ahead and adapt their speed to the nature of the hazard and surrounding conditions. The exact appearance of the sign and the way the danger is identified vary between countries, so road users must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

Dangers
Warning for road plates at a small construction site. (Oude Pekela, Netherlands)
Wikimedia.org • Donald Trung • CC BY-SA
What does a general danger warning sign mean?

A general danger warning sign indicates that there is a hazard ahead that is not represented by a more specific warning sign in the local traffic-sign system.

What kind of danger can the sign indicate?

It can be used for unusual or uncommon hazards for which no dedicated warning symbol exists. The nature of the danger may be explained by an additional panel, symbol or message.

How can you know what the danger is?

Look for a supplementary panel, text or symbol accompanying the warning sign. It may describe the hazard or provide information needed to understand the warning.

What should you do when you see a general danger warning sign?

Increase your attention, observe the road and surroundings carefully and adapt your speed where necessary so that you can respond safely to the hazard.

Does the sign impose a specific speed limit?

Not normally. A warning sign alerts road users to danger rather than establishing a numerical speed limit. A separate speed-limit sign may be provided where a specific maximum speed is required.

Why is a general warning sign used instead of a specific warning sign?

It is used when the traffic-sign system does not contain a specific symbol that accurately represents the particular hazard.

Can the danger be temporary?

Yes. A general warning sign may be used for either a temporary or continuing hazard, depending on local signing rules and the circumstances.

Can a supplementary panel indicate the distance to the danger?

Yes. Depending on the country's traffic-sign system, an additional panel may indicate the distance to the hazard, the length of the dangerous section or other useful information.

Does a general danger sign give anyone priority?

No. A danger warning sign does not by itself change the priority rules. Drivers must continue to follow traffic lights, priority signs and the normal right-of-way rules.

Does the warning end immediately after the sign?

Not necessarily. The sign normally warns of a hazard ahead of the sign, and the dangerous situation may extend over a section of road. Supplementary information may indicate its location or length.

1 Netherlands 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Cycling street 10 Pedestrian zone 11 Slope 12 Bus stop 13 Dead end 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Priority road 18 Railway crossing 19 School area 20 Overtaking 21 Crossing animals 22 Roadworks 23 Weight limit 24 Radar speed sign 25 Selective barriers 26 Low-emission zone 27 Priority at the next junction 28 Traffic lights 29 Traffic lights warning 30 Road markings 31 Speed feedback 32 Traffic mirror 33 Emergency telephone 34 Cycling route 35 Parking 36 No parking 37 No stopping 38 Park and ride 39 Kiss and ride 40 Parking disc 41 Disabled parking 42 Traffic management 43 Merging 44 Reversing 45 Uncontrolled crossroad 46 Advisory cycle lane 47 Rush-hour lane 48 Emergency exit 49 Oversize load 50 City limit 51 Parking zone 52 Axle weight limit 53 Licence plate 54 Charging station 55 Dangers 56 Equestrian trail 57 Cyclist 58 Truck 59 Bus 60 Police 61 Ambulance 62 Bicycle parking station 63 Tram lights 64 European emission standard 65 Pothole 66 Path 67 Particulates 68 Air pollution 69 Rush hour 70 Road code 71 Street gutter 72 Cargo bike 73 Forestry vehicle 74 Construction vehicle 75 Semi-trailer truck 76 Trolleybus 77 Speed pedelec 78 Delivery vehicle 79 Idling 80 Tow truck 81 Four-wheel drive 82 No vehicles 83 Bicycle 84 Motorcycle equipment 85 Rail track 86 Caravan 87 Trailer 88 Tow hitch 89 Fire truck 90 Siren 91 Convoy 92 Emergency vehicle lighting 93 Agricultural machinery 94 Electric bicycle 95 Electric vehicle 96 Pedelec 97 Quadricycle 98 Microcar 99 All-terrain vehicle 100 Van ...