This chapter covers the regulatory signs that keep a road, a lane or a parking area for certain vehicles. It also covers the freeway and woonerf signs, the small signs placed below other signs, combination signs and the signs that cancel a restriction. The test asks about them because each one tells you where you may drive, stop or park.
What does a reservation sign mean?
A reservation sign keeps a road, a lane or a parking area for one kind of vehicle only. The sign shows the vehicle that the area is reserved for.
The rule is the same for every reservation sign. If you are not driving the vehicle on the sign, do not use that area. Only the vehicle changes from sign to sign.
Areas can be reserved for buses, taxis, motor cars, motorcycles, bicycles, goods vehicles, ambulances and many other vehicles. Some signs reserve an area for two or three kinds together, such as buses and minibuses. The space is kept clear for the vehicles that need it.
What is the difference between a road, lane and parking reservation sign?
They reserve different places, so check which place the sign is about.
A vehicle reservation sign reserves a road or part of the carriageway (the part of the road vehicles drive on).
A lane reservation sign reserves one traffic lane. A "lane reservation begins" sign marks where that lane starts. Do not enter the lane there.
A parking reservation sign reserves a parking area. Its code ends in -P, for example R308-P.
Some parking signs are about time and money. They can show a fee, a maximum time, or both. Always park the way the sign and the road markings show.
What is a comprehensive sign?
A comprehensive sign switches on a whole set of rules at once. This chapter has three: two freeway begins signs and the woonerf sign.
At a freeway begins sign, all the rules that apply to freeways are in force from the sign. At a woonerf sign, the special woonerf rules apply in the area. In a woonerf you drive slowly, yield (give way) to pedestrians in the street and look out for children playing.
What does a small sign below a regulatory sign mean?
It tells you when, in which direction or to whom the sign above it applies. It is called an exclusive secondary sign.
Time. The sign above applies only in the periods or on the days given. Other time signs say daytime, night time, or when visibility is reduced.
Direction. The restriction on the sign above applies in the direction of the arrow.
Who. The sign above applies to vehicles of the company, owner or organisation named by a logo or by words.
How many. A reserved area is limited to a maximum number of vehicles.
Payment. Parking fees must be paid in the parking area.
Read the main sign first. Then read the small sign to see if the rule applies to you now.
How do you read a regulatory combination sign?
Read it in two steps, because it is two signs joined together. The main sign gives the order, such as no U-turn or a speed limit. The second part says when it applies or which vehicles it applies to.
No U-turn combined with night time means no U-turn at night-time. A speed limit combined with a motorcycle sign means a speed limit for motorcycles. A speed limit combined with a camera means speed prosecution by camera, so a camera can catch you speeding.
Can a regulatory sign be part of a guidance sign?
Yes. A regulatory sign is sometimes included in a guidance sign. So look for regulatory signs there too.
What does a de-restriction sign mean?
A de-restriction sign cancels a restriction. From that sign, you no longer have to obey the restriction sign that has a similar symbol but no red cross.
So match the symbols. One sign starts the restriction. The matching sign with the red cross ends it.
The fine print
Bus and motorcycle reservation signs stand on the road or at the entrance to the reserved road, lane or parking area.
Bus lane signs are found on any road, particularly in urban areas.
A regulatory sign can be inside a guidance sign at a toll road. It can also give a speed limit on one lane of a road, or a prohibition (ban) on heavy vehicles.
De-restriction signs can be found on any public road.
Numbers to remember
30km/h: the speed limit in a woonerf
3 500 kg: vehicles with a mass of more than this may not enter a woonerf, except for local access or delivery
10 seats: vehicles with more than 10 seats may not enter a woonerf, except for local access or delivery
3 500 kg: the parking reservation sign marks parking for vehicles with a GVM (gross vehicle mass) of less than this
Mistakes learners make
Using a bus lane to get past slow traffic. If you are not driving a bus, do not follow the bus route.
Parking in a reserved parking area because it is open. Only the vehicle on the sign may use it.
Ignoring the small sign below a regulatory sign. It tells you when, in which direction or to whom the sign above applies.
Thinking a woonerf sign is only a speed limit. You must also yield (give way) to pedestrians in the street and look out for children playing.
Paying at a pay and display sign and keeping the receipt in your pocket. You must display the receipt on or within your vehicle.
Reading a de-restriction sign as a new restriction. The sign with the red cross cancels the restriction.
