Stopping, Parking & Standing (yellow lines, blue zone, rules) -

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This guide summarises the most important Dutch theory rules for stopping, parking & standing still: yellow lines, zebra crossings, where stopping/parking is prohibited, and the exam definition of “parking”.

Key rules in 60 seconds

Yellow broken line

No parking.
You may stop briefly to pick up/drop off passengers or load/unload goods.
Applies only on the side of the road where the line is painted.

Yellow continuous line

No stopping and no parking.
Applies only on the side of the road where the line is painted.

Zebra crossing (pedestrian crossing)

Pedestrians (and drivers of invalid carriages) have priority when crossing or clearly intending to cross.
You must not stop/park on a zebra crossing and you must not park within 5 metres of one.

Parking vs stopping (exam definition)

Parking = standing still longer than necessary for immediate loading/unloading or pick-up/drop-off.
In practice: if you wait “unnecessarily” or leave the vehicle, it’s usually treated as parking.

Detailed guide

Yellow lines: the easiest “trap” questions

Broken yellow line: you may stop briefly, but you may not park.
Continuous yellow line: you may not stop and you may not park.
Both rules apply only on the side where the yellow line is drawn.

Where you are not allowed to stop

On the side of the road with a no stopping sign (e.g., E2).
In dangerous or poorly visible locations (bend, tunnel, junction, level crossing, hill/gradient).
On road parts intended for others (cycle paths, footpaths).
On a zebra crossing or within 5 metres of one.
Next to a yellow continuous line.
On a motorway or autoweg (except traffic jam or emergency).

Where you are not allowed to park

Rule to remember: where stopping is forbidden, parking is also forbidden.

On the side of the road with a no parking sign (e.g., E1) or where stopping is forbidden (E2).
In dangerous or poorly visible locations (bend, tunnel, junction, level crossing, hill/gradient).
At a junction or within 5 metres of one.
Next to a yellow broken line (no parking).
In front of an entrance/exit or where you block access.
Outside built-up areas: on the carriageway of a priority road.
In an erf/homezone: only in designated parking spaces.
No double parking.

Special manoeuvres (linked exam topic)

Stopping/parking questions often combine with “special manoeuvres”. A special manoeuvre includes: pulling away, reversing, U-turning, changing lanes, and entering/leaving the main carriageway via entry/exit lanes. In these situations you must be extra careful and generally yield to other traffic.

Blue Zone (parking disc zone)

A Blue Zone is a zone where you may park only at designated places and must use a parking disc (time-limited).
Always check signs/plates for the time limit and hours.

Common mistakes to avoid

Mixing up yellow lines: broken = no parking (stopping allowed), continuous = no stopping.
Stopping “just for a second” on a zebra crossing or too close to it.
Parking within 5 metres of a junction or crossing because “it looks wide enough”.
Assuming it’s not parking because you stay inside the car (waiting can still count as parking).

FAQ

What does a yellow broken line mean?
No parking, but you may stop briefly for pick-up/drop-off or loading/unloading.

What does a yellow continuous line mean?
No stopping and no parking on that side of the road.

What is a Blue Zone (parking disc zone)?
A zone where you may park only at designated places and must use a parking disc (time-limited).

How close can you park to a junction?
Parking within 5 metres of a junction is not allowed.

Relevant Dutch law (high-level references)

RVV 1990: where parking is prohibited (Art. 24).
RVV 1990: signs/markings must be obeyed (Art. 62).

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