Right of Way (priority rules, signs, junctions)

This guide explains the most important Dutch right-of-way and priority rules: the order of precedence, traffic lights, shark teeth, priority signs, zebra crossings, trams, and the common exam traps that appear at controlled and uncontrolled junctions.

Why this topic matters

Right-of-way questions are among the most common mistakes in Dutch theory. They often combine several things at once: traffic lights, road markings, turning traffic, cyclists, trams, and special manoeuvres. The safest way to answer them is to follow the same decision order every time.

Key rules in 60 seconds

What the exam asks most often

• What is the default rule at an uncontrolled junction?
• Do traffic lights override normal right-of-way rules?
• What do shark teeth mean?
• Does a tram have priority?
• Does a special manoeuvre ever give you priority?

Detailed guide

Step 1: use the same order every time

If several signals appear in the same situation, do not guess. First check whether an authorised person is directing traffic. If not, look at the traffic lights. Then look for signs and road markings. Only if none of these apply do you use the general priority rules.

Traffic lights

• Green: you may proceed, but you still watch for conflicts and vulnerable road users.
• Yellow: stop, unless stopping is no longer reasonably possible.
• Red: stop at the stop line.
• Flashing yellow: treat it as a warning and then follow signs, markings, and the normal rules.

Signs and road markings

• Shark teeth mean you must yield to the crossing road.
• Temporary yellow markings override the normal white markings during roadworks.
• Always check the road surface carefully before relying only on the shape of the junction.

Uncontrolled junctions

If there are no lights, no signs, and no markings controlling priority, you apply the default rule: give way to traffic from the right. The shape of the junction does not decide priority on its own.

• Give way to traffic coming from the right.
• Give way to trams.
• Do not assume that a narrow road or a less important-looking road changes the rule automatically.

Zebra crossings

A zebra crossing is a special situation. You must approach it carefully and be ready to stop. In theory questions, the key clue is usually the zebra itself, not the rest of the junction layout.

• Let pedestrians who are crossing, or clearly about to cross, go first.
• Approach with a speed that allows a normal and safe stop.
• Be extra careful if another vehicle has stopped near the crossing.

Turning and cyclists

The exam often mixes turning traffic with cyclists or bromfietsers. When turning left or right, you must not create danger or more than necessary hinder for other road users. In some layouts, a cycle path is offset and functions like a separate junction, often recognised by shark teeth on the cycle path.

Special manoeuvres

A special manoeuvre means you are leaving the normal traffic flow, for example by moving off, reversing, turning around, parking, or leaving a parking place. In Dutch theory, a special manoeuvre must always yield to all other road users.

Trams and other special cases

• Trams are a classic exam trap: do not forget them at equal or unclear situations.
• Priority vehicles only have priority when they use blue flashing lights and a siren.
• Amber flashing lights are warning lights, not priority lights.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Thinking the shape of the junction changes priority by itself.
• Missing shark teeth and rolling through without yielding.
• Forgetting that a special manoeuvre must always yield.
• Ignoring a tram in an otherwise equal situation.
• Assuming flashing yellow gives anyone priority.

Quick FAQ

Relevant Dutch law and exam context

• RVV 1990, Art. 15: default priority rule and tram priority.
• RVV 1990, Art. 49: pedestrians and drivers of a handicapped vehicle at a zebra crossing must be let through.
• RVV 1990, Art. 54: special manoeuvres must let all other traffic go first.
• Road markings guidance: shark teeth indicate a yield situation.