Police & Signals (authorised persons, priority vehicles)

This guide explains the most important Dutch theory rules about authorised persons, emergency vehicles, and military convoys: the order of priority, blue lights and siren, warning lights, and how to react safely in real traffic situations.

Why this topic matters

Many learners answer these questions too quickly because they focus only on the vehicle type. In Dutch theory, the real key is the order of traffic control, the signals being used, and whether you can make space safely without creating a new danger.

Key rules in 60 seconds

What the exam asks most often

• Who has priority if a police officer and traffic lights give different instructions?
• When does an emergency vehicle actually have priority?
• Are amber flashing lights a priority signal?
• How do you recognise a military convoy?
• What are you allowed to do when a convoy is crossing or passing?

Detailed guide

Order of instructions

One of the most important theory rules is the order of traffic control. If different signals seem to conflict, always follow them in the same order.

• If an authorised person gives instructions, those instructions come first.
• If there is no authorised person, traffic lights come before signs and markings.
• Signs and road markings come before the normal priority rules.

Emergency vehicles

In Dutch theory, a vehicle is only treated as a priority vehicle when it uses both the required optical and sound signals. The most important exam clue is therefore not the type of vehicle, but the combination of signals.

• Blue flashing lights + siren = priority vehicle.
• You must give way and let it pass if this can be done safely.
• Do not panic, brake harshly, or swerve without checking your surroundings.

Amber flashing lights

Amber flashing lights are warning signals. They can be used for roadworks, slow-moving operations, or unusual hazards, but they do not give the vehicle emergency priority.

What to do when an emergency vehicle wants to pass

• 1) Check mirrors and the situation around you.
• 2) If possible, make space in a calm and predictable way.
• 3) Keep a free path open where safe.
• 4) Do not create a new dangerous situation to help.
• 5) Look out for a second or third emergency vehicle.

Military convoy

A military convoy has its own recognition system. Since 2025, only the first and last vehicle carry flags. Theory questions often test whether you recognise the convoy correctly and whether you know that other road users must not cut through it.

How to recognise a military convoy

• First vehicle: blue flag at the left front.
• Last vehicle: green flag at the left front.
• Middle vehicles: no flags.

Military convoy priority logic

• Other road users must not cut through a military convoy.
• If the first vehicle enters on green, the rest of the convoy may continue as a unit.
• If a traffic control applies to you directly, you must still obey it.
• At controlled junctions, traffic lights and signs remain important.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Treating amber flashing lights as an emergency-priority signal.
• Thinking every police or ambulance vehicle automatically has priority.
• Making space in a dangerous or unpredictable way.
• Cutting into a military convoy once it is passing through.
• Forgetting that several emergency vehicles may be following each other.

Quick FAQ

Relevant Dutch law and rules

• RVV 1990: order of precedence between authorised persons, lights, signs, and rules.
• RVV 1990: priority vehicles use the prescribed optical and sound signals.
• Military convoy rules: other road users may not cut through a convoy, and convoy recognition was updated in 2025.