Dutch matrix signs and electronic motorway signals: advisory or mandatory?

The five symbols on a matrix sign

Remember: a number above the road is always a limit. Whether it has a red ring makes no difference. A real advisory speed only appears on the blue square sign A4 along the road, never on a matrix sign.

Red cross: do not drive on

A red cross means the lane is closed, often because there is an accident, a broken-down vehicle or an emergency service on the road ahead. You must leave the lane as soon as it is safe. If you keep driving under a red cross, you put emergency workers at risk and get a hefty fine.

Often you first see a diagonal arrow and then the red cross. The arrow shows which side to move over to.

With or without a red ring: both are mandatory

When there is a traffic jam or an accident ahead, the matrix signs show lower speeds, for example 70, 50 or 30. Even without a red ring, that is a speed limit. The Dutch traffic rules (Reglement verkeersregels en verkeerstekens 1990, RVV 1990) call this sign A3: "maximum speed on an electronic signalling board", and that sign is a number without a red ring. If you drive faster, you are breaking the speed limit.

If the speed is shown in a red circle, it is traffic sign A1 shown electronically (article 64a RVV 1990): also a speed limit. If the signs along the road and the matrix signs show different limits, the lowest one applies (article 63b). Read more on our page about speed limit signs.

The rush-hour lane

A rush-hour lane (spitsstrook or plusstrook) is an extra lane that is only open at busy times. You recognise it by the block markings next to it. Always check the matrix sign above the lane:

• Speed or green arrow: the rush-hour lane is open.
• Red cross or blank sign: the rush-hour lane is closed. You may not drive in it, not even to overtake.

If the rush-hour lane closes while you are driving in it, a diagonal arrow appears first. Leave the lane as soon as it is safe.

Other electronic signs

• DRIP (dynamic route information panel): large signs next to or above the road showing travel times, traffic jams and diversions. This is information, not an obligation.
• Electronic speed displays in built-up areas ("U rijdt 54", you are driving 54): for information only.
• Mobile signals on a trailer or recovery vehicle: often an arrow or a red cross at roadworks or an accident. The same rules apply: red is mandatory.

Frequently asked questions

Is a speed without a red ring just advice?

No. Every speed on a matrix sign is a speed limit (sign A3). An advisory speed only exists as the blue square sign A4 along the road.

What if the matrix sign is blank?

Then the normal situation applies, with the signs along the road. For a rush-hour lane, a blank sign means the lane is closed.

Does a red cross apply to motorcycles too?

Yes, to everyone in that lane.

Source: Reglement verkeersregels en verkeerstekens 1990 (in Dutch), articles 63b, 64a and 73 and annex 1 (signs A1, A3, A4 and F9). With thanks to a reader who pointed out an error in an earlier version.