The order of rules
When several rules seem to apply, follow them in this order:
- Signals from a police officer or traffic controller
- Traffic lights
- Road signs and road markings (such as shark teeth)
- The general traffic rules
Equal crossroads: traffic from the right first
At a crossroads without signs, markings or traffic lights, you give way to all traffic coming from the right — cars, but also cyclists and moped riders.
- Exception: a tram has priority over other drivers at an equal crossroads, even from the left.
- Exception: traffic coming from an unpaved road (sand, gravel) must give way to traffic on the paved road.
- Exception: when you leave an exit (uitrit), such as a driveway or car park, you give way to all traffic.
Priority roads and give-way signs
- An orange-yellow diamond with a white border: you are on a priority road. Side roads must give way to you.
- The same diamond with a black diagonal line: the priority road ends.
- A triangle pointing down, often together with shark teeth (haaientanden) on the road: you must give way.
- An octagonal STOP sign: stop completely, then give way.
Roundabouts
At most Dutch roundabouts you see shark teeth and a give-way sign at the entrance. Then traffic already on the roundabout has priority. Without these signs the normal rule applies: traffic from the right goes first.
Turning
When you turn, you must give way to traffic on the same road that goes straight ahead. That includes oncoming traffic when you turn left, and cyclists on the cycle path next to you when you turn right. Pedestrians crossing the road you turn into also go first. Always check your mirror and blind spot.
Always give way to
- Emergency vehicles using blue lights and a siren
- Pedestrians on or about to step onto a zebra crossing
- Blind pedestrians with a white cane or guide dog
- Buses pulling away from a stop inside a built-up area
- Funeral processions and military columns (do not interrupt them)