More signs from the official manual (R124+)

More signs from the official manual: how to read them

This chapter teaches 4 signs from the official manual: Goods vehicles exceeding an indicated GVM, Parking, Single-carriageway freeway begins, Woonerf.

Read the wording and symbol on each sign carefully. They tell you who the sign applies to, where it applies and what you must do, and two signs that look alike can apply to different road users.

Key idea: Check who a sign applies to before deciding what it means for you.

Goods vehicles exceeding an indicated GVM — R124

How to read it. This sign carries a number. The number is a mass in tonnes, and it sets the minimum mass for the goods vehicles the road is set aside for.

Where you meet it. At the beginning of any road or part of a road.

What to do. If you drive a goods vehicle whose gross vehicle mass (GVM) or gross combination mass (GCM) is more than the number of tonnes on the sign, you must use this road or section. The road or section is set aside for such goods vehicles.

In practice. A heavy goods vehicle driver reaches the start of a road section with this sign. The driver checks the tonnes figure on the sign against the vehicle's GVM or GCM and, since it is above that figure, uses the section set aside for such vehicles.

Easily confused. Do not confuse this with the sign for goods vehicles exceeding an indicated GVM that prohibits them from going beyond it. This one sets the road aside for them.

Key idea: Goods vehicles heavier than the tonnes shown: this road or section is set aside for them.

Parking — R305

How to read it. These signs mark demarcated parking bays. R305-P is for vehicles with a GVM of less than 3 500 kg and a fee, with no time limit. R306-P is free or fee-paying parking with a maximum time displayed.

Where you meet it. On any road or other area where parking bays are demarcated.

What to do. Park according to the sign and the road markings. If necessary, pay the tariff. Where a maximum time is shown, do not park for longer than the time indicated.

In practice. You park in a demarcated bay under a sign showing a maximum time. You pay the tariff if it is needed and leave before the time shown runs out.

Easily confused. The R305-P sign has no time limit but a fee, while the R306-P sign shows a maximum time for parking.

Key idea: Check the sign: fee, time limit, or both.

Single-carriageway freeway begins — R402

How to read it. This sign marks where a single-carriageway freeway begins. It tells you that all the rules for freeways apply from this point.

Where you meet it. At the start of a single-carriageway freeway.

What to do. Follow all the rules that apply to freeways from the sign onward. The sign applies to every driver entering the freeway.

In practice. You come to the start of a freeway and see this sign. From this point you drive by the freeway rules you have learnt.

Key idea: Sign seen: freeway rules apply from here.

Woonerf — R403

How to read it. This sign marks a woonerf, a street area with special rules. The official text lists a vehicle-size limit, yielding to pedestrians, no through driving, and a speed limit of 30 km/h.

Where you meet it. On any public road.

What to do. Drive slowly and obey the special rules: vehicles over 3 500 kg or with more than 10 seats may not enter except for local access or delivery, you yield to pedestrians, and you may not drive through without breaking your journey. The speed is limited to 30 km/h. Watch for children playing in the street.

In practice. You turn into a street with this sign and see children playing. You slow right down, keep below 30 km/h and give way to pedestrians.

Key idea: Woonerf: 30 km/h, pedestrians first, watch for children.

Quick recap

• Goods vehicles exceeding an indicated GVM (R124): Goods vehicles heavier than the tonnes shown: this road or section is set aside for them.
• Parking (R305): Check the sign: fee, time limit, or both.
• Single-carriageway freeway begins (R402): Sign seen: freeway rules apply from here.
• Woonerf (R403): Woonerf: 30 km/h, pedestrians first, watch for children.