Road Position & Lane Discipline (cyclists, bus lanes, junctions)

This guide summarises Dutch theory rules for road position & lane discipline: bicycle lanes (real vs suggested), bike boxes, bus lanes/busways, and road markings that lock you into a lane near junctions.

Key rules in 60 seconds

Detailed guide

Bicycle lanes: what you can and cannot do

• Real bicycle lane: only for cyclists and snorfietsers; don’t stop on it.
• Turning position: if the bicycle lane has a broken line, you may move onto it to take position before turning. If it has a solid line, you may not.
• Stopping next to it: you must not stop on the carriageway adjacent to a bicycle lane.

Suggested bicycle lanes (advisory lanes)

• They look like bicycle lanes but are missing the bicycle symbol.
• They guide traffic behaviour but do not create the same legal restrictions as a real bicycle lane.
• Exam focus: many learners incorrectly treat them as “no-stopping” zones.

Advanced stop line (bike box): why it exists

• It allows cyclists to position ahead of motor traffic at red lights.
• It reduces dangerous situations where cyclists wait beside or in front of heavy vehicles.
• As a driver, keep the area clear and watch cyclists setting off first when the light changes.

Bus lanes and busways

• Bus lane: marked with “BUS” or “LIJNBUS”, usually next to other lanes and separated by a solid line.
• Busway (separated bus lane): “BUS/LIJNBUS” on the surface but physically separated from the carriageway.
• Default rule: you must not drive on bus lanes/busways unless a sign explicitly allows your vehicle category.

Road arrows & solid lines (lane commitment)

• If you are positioned between solid lines, you can’t change lanes anymore.
• Follow the arrows on the road surface early—late lane changes are a common exam mistake.
• Some junction layouts show a symbol indicating two junctions close together where the first turn is not permitted but the second is.

Traffic light with arrow (direction-only)

• An arrow signal applies only to the direction shown (left/right/straight).
• It typically reduces conflicts with other traffic, but you still check for cyclists/pedestrians where relevant.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Stopping on a bicycle lane or stopping on the carriageway right next to it.
• Treating a suggested bicycle lane as if it has the same legal status as a real bicycle lane.
• Entering a bus lane “just for a moment” without an allowing sign.
• Trying to change lanes after you are already between solid lines near a junction.
• Missing the bike box and stopping inside it at traffic lights.

FAQ

Relevant Dutch law (high-level references)

• RVV 1990 & WVW 1994: rules on road markings, lane use, reserved lanes, and duty of care.