Police & Signals (authorised persons, priority vehicles)

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This guide explains Dutch theory rules about priority and how to apply them in real situations: the order of instructions, emergency vehicles (blue lights + siren), and military convoys.

Key rules in 60 seconds

Order of priority (always)

  • Authorised persons (police/traffic controllers)
  • Traffic lights
  • Traffic signs & road markings
  • Traffic rules (general priority rules)

Emergency vehicles

  • They have priority only when using blue flashing lights + siren.
  • You must give way and let them pass safely.
  • Amber flashing lights warn of hazards/roadworks — they do not grant priority.

Military convoy (recognise it)

  • First vehicle: blue flag (left).
  • Middle vehicles: may or may not show a blue flag.
  • Last vehicle: green flag (left).
  • Convoy vehicles drive with dipped/high beam day and night.

When one approaches

  • Stay calm, look for a safe “escape space”.
  • Make room without creating danger.
  • Expect more than one emergency vehicle.

Detailed guide

Order of instructions (exam favourite)

  • If a traffic controller gives a signal that conflicts with a traffic light, you follow the controller.
  • If traffic lights conflict with signs/markings, you follow the lights.
  • If there are signs/markings, they override the general “priority rules”.

Emergency vehicles (blue lights + siren)

  • Emergency vehicles may deviate from normal rules when responding (speed, red lights, etc.).
  • Your job: give way and help them pass, but do not create new danger.
  • Vehicles not recognisable as emergency services can still be priority vehicles when using blue lights + siren.
  • Amber lights are a warning signal only (roadworks, slow/large vehicles, unusual hazards).

What to do when an emergency vehicle wants to pass

  1. Check mirrors and surroundings (don’t swerve blindly).
  2. If safe, move slightly to the right or into a paved bay (parking bay/lay-by), and indicate.
  3. If there is a free lane, leave it free.
  4. At a red light, you may creep forward if safe, but do not drive through red.
  5. In a traffic jam: emergency vehicles often use the hard shoulder; if none, they may pass between lanes — keep space.
  6. On a roundabout, you can go around one extra time if that’s the safest way to let them through.

Military convoy: priority logic the exam tests

  • Once a convoy has started crossing a priority-uncontrolled junction, you must not cut across the convoy.
  • At a junction controlled by traffic lights/signs, you follow those controls (a convoy is not “always priority”).
  • If a convoy starts passing on green, it may continue as a unit even if the signal changes.
  • If a red light applies to you, you must stop — even if this splits the convoy.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Treating amber flashing lights as an emergency priority signal.
  • Driving through a red light “to make room” for an emergency vehicle.
  • Cutting into a military convoy at an uncontrolled junction after the first vehicle has entered.
  • Panic braking or swerving without checking mirrors/blind spots.
  • Forgetting there may be multiple emergency vehicles following.

FAQ

When do emergency vehicles have priority?
Only when using blue flashing lights and a siren.
Are amber flashing lights a priority signal?
No. Amber warns of hazards/roadworks/slow operations, but does not grant priority.
What is the order of instructions?
Authorised persons > traffic lights > signs/markings > traffic rules.
What about a military convoy?
Once it has started crossing at an uncontrolled junction, you must not cut across it. At controlled junctions, follow the lights/signs.

Relevant Dutch law (high-level references)

  • RVV 1990: order of precedence (authorised persons, lights, signs/markings, rules).
  • RVV 1990: traffic signals and lane controls must be obeyed.
  • WVW 1994: duty to avoid danger and obstruction.
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