Traffic Signs & Road Markings (how to read them fast)

This guide summarises the most important Dutch theory rules for traffic signs & road markings: how long signs apply, how to read markings quickly (yield, bike box, hatched areas), and common exam traps.

Key rules in 60 seconds

Detailed guide

Road markings as “road type hints” (60 / 80 / 100)

Outside built-up areas, markings can help you quickly recognise the typical road type: 60/80 roads often have no centre line, 80 roads often have a double centre line, and 100 roads (autowegen) often have a double centre line filled with green. These markings improve guidance and safety — but the actual legal speed comes from signs.

Maximum speed: always follow signs first

• If multiple speed limits are indicated (e.g., signs + lane controls), follow the lowest applicable limit.
• Even if the limit is high, you must drive at a speed that is safe for visibility and conditions.

Recommended speed (advisory sign)

• A recommended speed is not a mandatory speed limit.
• It appears where a higher speed would be risky (curve, exit, narrow section, complex junction).
• It’s sensible to follow it — and to reduce even more in poor weather/low grip.

How traffic signs apply (distance rule)

• Most signs apply from the sign’s location until the next junction/side road,
• or until a new sign changes the situation (e.g., a different speed limit sign).

Yield markings (shark teeth)

• Yield markings mean you must give way to traffic on the crossing road.
• Exam tip: combine this with cyclists and turning traffic — check both directions before proceeding.

Bike box (advanced stop line)

• Reserved space at traffic lights for cyclists and snorfietsers.
• It improves safety by moving cyclists ahead of vehicles and away from blind spots (especially near lorries).

Hatched markings (gore area) & dividers

• A hatched/gore area or divider marks a section you are not allowed to drive on.
• Often indicates a lane ends or a split/merge point — choose the correct lane early.
• Exception: you may cross a divider only when the rush-hour lane is opened and that divider is on the rush-hour lane.

Temporary yellow markings (roadworks)

• Temporary traffic signs and markings during roadworks have priority over normal situations.
• Follow the yellow markings even if they conflict with the usual white markings.

Yellow broken line (parking rule)

• No parking along the yellow broken line.
• 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.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using road markings as the “legal speed” instead of checking signs first.
• Ignoring that signs often end/ change after a junction unless repeated.
• Driving on hatched/gore areas or over dividers to “save time”.
• Late lane changes after arrows or solid line guidance starts.
• Parking on a yellow broken line (only stopping briefly is allowed).

FAQ

Relevant Dutch law (high-level references)

• RVV 1990: obligation to follow signs/markings; signs override rules (Art. 62–63).
• RVV 1990: yield markings (Art. 80).
• RVV 1990: parking restrictions from markings/signs (Art. 24).