Traffic Rules
Learn the traffic rules that apply on Dutch roads — from right of way and overtaking to speed limits and tunnel behaviour.
Traffic rules form the foundation of safe driving on Dutch roads. Without a shared understanding of these rules traffic would come to a complete standstill. The rules in the Netherlands are laid down in the Traffic Rules and Road Signs Regulation (RVV 1990) and apply to all road users — motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.
The most fundamental rule is right has priority over left: at an unmarked intersection traffic from the right has priority. This rule has exceptions at traffic lights, priority roads and trams. Trams always have priority, regardless of other traffic signs.
In addition to right-of-way rules there are rules for overtaking (only on the left, unless traffic is stationary), speed limits (50 km/h within built-up areas, 80 km/h on ordinary roads outside built-up areas, 100 km/h on dual carriageways and on the motorway during the day — only 130 km/h at night where signed) and lighting (dipped headlights mandatory at dusk and in poor visibility). On the motorway always drive as far right as possible and the left lane is exclusively for overtaking.
By mastering traffic rules you protect not only yourself but also other road users — cyclists, pedestrians and children who may appear unexpectedly. Knowledge of the rules gives you confidence behind the wheel and reduces the chance of errors on the CBR theory exam.
What will you learn here?
- ✓Right has priority over left — the basic rule at all unmarked intersections in the Netherlands
- ✓Speed limits range from 15 km/h in a residential zone to 100 km/h during the day on the motorway (130 km/h only at night where signed)
- ✓Trams always have priority regardless of other traffic rules or signs
- ✓Overtaking is only permitted on the left, except in stationary or slow-moving lane traffic
- ✓In tunnels dipped headlights are mandatory; U-turns and reversing are prohibited
Topics
Right of way
6 key rules
Overtaking rules
5 key rules
Speed limits
6 key rules
Use of lighting
5 key rules
Motorway driving
6 key rules
Driving in tunnels
6 key rules
Roundabouts and intersections
5 key rules
Emergency vehicles
5 key rules
Practice this topic
Test your knowledge with targeted practice questions
Frequently asked questions
Who has right of way at an intersection without signs?
At an unmarked intersection right has priority over left. Traffic from the right has priority. Exception: trams always have priority and on a priority road (B01 sign) you yourself have priority over traffic from side roads.
What is the maximum speed within built-up areas?
50 km/h, unless a sign indicates a different limit — such as 30 km/h in a 30 zone or 15 km/h in a residential zone.
When must I use dipped headlights?
Dipped headlights are mandatory from dusk to dawn and during the day in poor visibility when visibility is less than 200 metres due to fog, rain or snow.
Can I overtake on the right on the motorway?
No, overtaking on the right is in principle prohibited. On the motorway the left lane is intended for overtaking. Passing on the right is only permitted when traffic in the right lane is moving faster due to a traffic jam.
How fast may I drive on the motorway?
During the day (06:00–19:00) almost all motorways have a 100 km/h limit. Only at night (19:00–06:00) may you drive 130 km/h, and only on sections where a sign indicates this. Always watch the signs above or beside the road, because the limit can vary by section and time of day.
Who has priority: me or the tram?
The tram almost always has priority — even on a priority road and even when the tram comes from the left. The only exception is when a traffic light or a traffic controller stops the tram. So by default give a tram priority unless you clearly have a green light or priority yourself and the tram has to wait.