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ZoneNetherlands

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Netherlands

5. Zone

A traffic zone is an area in which a traffic rule applies throughout all included roads or road sections. The rule normally begins at a zone-entry sign and remains applicable until the corresponding end-of-zone sign is passed.

Zones may regulate speed, parking, access, vehicle categories, emissions or other traffic behaviour. The signs used, the roads covered and the effect of intersections or local exceptions depend on local traffic law.

Zone
30 km/h zone sign. (Allingawier, Friesland, Netherlands)
Wikimedia.org • TUFOWKTM • CC BY
What is a traffic zone?

A traffic zone is a defined area in which a particular restriction, prohibition or obligation applies throughout the included roads rather than only at one location.

How can you recognise a traffic zone?

A traffic zone normally begins with a zone-entry sign showing the applicable rule. A corresponding end-of-zone sign indicates where that rule stops applying.

What is the difference between a zone sign and an ordinary traffic sign?

An ordinary sign usually applies to a particular road, direction, lane or section. A zone sign applies throughout a designated area, which may contain several roads and intersections.

Does a zone normally continue after an intersection?

Usually, yes. A zonal rule commonly continues through intersections until an end-of-zone sign is reached. The exact effect of intersections depends on local law.

How does a traffic zone end?

A traffic zone normally ends when you pass the corresponding end-of-zone sign. The normal road rules or another signed regulation then apply.

Can more than one rule apply inside a zone?

Yes. A zone may contain several regulations, such as a speed limit together with parking or access restrictions. Drivers must observe every applicable sign.

Can another traffic sign apply inside a zone?

Yes. A local sign may introduce a different or more restrictive rule on a particular road or section. Whether the original zonal rule resumes afterwards depends on local law and the type of regulation.

What types of traffic zones exist?

Common examples include speed zones, parking zones, low-emission zones, pedestrian zones, cycling zones, school zones and zones restricting particular vehicle categories.

Is a traffic zone the same as a built-up area?

No. A built-up area is a broader legally defined urban area. A traffic zone imposes a specific signed rule and may be located inside or outside a built-up area.

Is a traffic zone the same as a residential area?

No. A residential area describes an area mainly used for housing. It may contain one or more traffic zones, but the terms do not automatically have the same legal meaning.

Does a zonal rule apply to every road user?

Not necessarily. The sign, symbol or additional panel may limit the rule to particular vehicles, road users, times or circumstances.

What should you do when entering a traffic zone?

Observe the entrance sign carefully, identify every displayed rule and remember that the regulation may continue across several roads and intersections until the zone ends.

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 ...