Can you reverse on a one-way street?

Reversing briefly to park or pull out of a driveway is allowed, as long as you keep to the direction of the road. Reversing back down the whole street is not.

What is the difference between C3 and C4?

Both identify a one-way road. C3 has a vertical arrow; C4 indicates the direction with a horizontal arrow. Follow the arrow on the sign facing you.

Do one-way streets apply to cyclists?

Not always. With an "uitgezonderd fietsers" panel, cyclists may use the street in both directions.

One-way street

Prohibition

Written by Chris Prosman Reviewed by Dirk van Zuijlen

Updated 15 August 2026

Sign code: C3
Category: Prohibition
Traffic signs: One-way street.

Sign C3 marks a one-way street. You may only drive in the direction of the white arrow. At the other end, C2 prohibits entry for the specified road users, except a group covered by an indicated valid exemption.

What to do at sign C3

Follow the arrow and continue observing the indicated one-way arrangement. Do not assume that merely reaching a junction ends it.

Turning around or reversing back down the street to go the other way is not allowed. If you took a wrong turn, drive on to the end of the street.

How to recognise the sign

C3 is a blue rectangular sign with a white arrow. Its one-way arrangement is binding: its shape and colour do not permit travel against the indicated direction.

Read the symbol and legal meaning as well as shape and colour. C3 and circular D4 have different functions: a one-way road versus an instruction to follow the indicated direction.

One-way streets and cyclists

The one-way arrangement also applies to cyclists unless an applicable exemption is indicated. A panel combining "uitgezonderd" (except) with a bicycle symbol can exempt cyclists. A bicycle symbol without "uitgezonderd" has a different effect under Article 67: it limits application to the indicated group instead.

So you can be driving down a one-way street and still meet oncoming cyclists. Keep that in mind when overtaking and when opening your door.

Sign C2 no entry with a supplementary panel reading uitgezonderd fietsers — At the far end of the street: sign C2 with a supplementary panel. Cyclists may enter this street, you may not.

Where you will see it

One-way streets are most common in city centres and residential areas, where the street is too narrow for two-way traffic, and around shopping districts where traffic flow is managed.

C3 on the CBR theory exam

When assessing C3 in a traffic situation, consider both the direction and any exemptions. An exempted group may approach from the opposite direction. Read the complete supplementary panel rather than recognising the bicycle symbol alone.

Difference from C2, no entry

C2 and C3 belong together and stand at opposite ends of the same street. C3 says: you may drive here, in this direction. C2 says: you may not enter here. If you see C2, you are looking at the wrong end of a one-way street.

C2, no entry

Legal basis

Frequently asked questions

Can you reverse on a one-way street?: Reversing briefly to park or pull out of a driveway is allowed, as long as you keep to the direction of the road. Reversing back down the whole street is not.
What is the difference between C3 and C4?: Both identify a one-way road. C3 has a vertical arrow; C4 indicates the direction with a horizontal arrow. Follow the arrow on the sign facing you.
Do one-way streets apply to cyclists?: Not always. With an "uitgezonderd fietsers" panel, cyclists may use the street in both directions.

Explained in the course

Practise this sign for your theory exam

One-way street belongs to the Prohibition category. In the CBR theory exam a traffic sign is almost never asked on its own: you are shown a situation and have to know what you may or must do in it. In the free sign trainer you practise the signs by category, with the explanation shown right after every answer.

Practise traffic signs for free Practise car theory: free mock exam

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