Road Markings

Dutch road marking questions are common in the theory exam because many learners focus on traffic signs and forget that the markings on the road can already decide the correct answer.
This guide explains the most important road markings in the Netherlands in a simple way for Category B theory practice.

Key rules in 60 seconds

Detailed guide

1) Why road markings matter so much in the Dutch theory exam

• Many learners look first at traffic signs, but road markings often decide the answer even before the sign does.
• A continuous line, shark teeth, a stop line, or a lane arrow can completely change what is allowed.
• This is why Dutch theory questions often test whether you notice the road surface details, not only the vehicles.

2) Continuous lines mean strong restriction

• A continuous line that is not the road edge may normally not be crossed.
• You may also not drive on the left of that line when it separates lanes or opposing traffic directions.
• In exam questions, this often appears as a trap where the manoeuvre looks possible but the line makes it illegal.

3) Shark teeth mean give way

• Shark teeth are one of the most important Dutch road markings to recognise quickly.
• They mean you must give way to traffic crossing in front of you.
• In Dutch practice, they are frequently used at intersections and cycle crossings, so learners should always check for them before answering a priority question.

4) Stop signs work together with the stop line

• When a stop sign applies, you must stop behind the stop line.
• This sounds simple, but it is often tested in image questions where the vehicle stops too far forward.
• The correct answer is not only “must stop”, but also where the stop must happen.

5) Lane arrows are instructions, not suggestions

• If arrows are marked in your lane at a junction, you must follow that direction.
• That means you cannot simply choose another turn because the road looks open.
• Lane arrows are especially important near busy intersections, multi-lane junctions, and exit lanes.

6) Hatched and diagonally striped areas are not normal driving space

• Drivers may not normally use diagonally striped sections or dividers.
• These markings are there to separate flows of traffic or protect space around merging and diverging areas.
• Many learners drive mentally “through” these spaces in exam questions, which leads to the wrong answer.

7) Bus lane markings change who may use the lane

• A lane marked BUS may only be used by the road users allowed by that marking.
• A lane marked LIJNBUS is also restricted and is not a normal lane for ordinary drivers.
• This is important in theory questions because the road may look wide enough, but the marking still makes the lane unavailable to you.

8) Road markings often work together with signs

• In many Dutch traffic situations, the correct answer comes from the combination of a sign and a road marking.
• For example, a give-way sign with shark teeth or a stop sign with a stop line makes the situation immediately clear.
• That is why learners should avoid answering too fast from memory and instead read the whole road scene.

9) Best method for road marking questions

• Step 1: Look at the road surface before looking at the vehicles.
• Step 2: Check for continuous lines, shark teeth, arrows, stop lines, and hatched sections.
• Step 3: Then check whether a traffic sign confirms or changes the situation.
• Step 4: Only after that decide what is allowed.
• Step 5: If a marking clearly restricts the manoeuvre, do not answer from intuition.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Crossing a continuous line because the road looks empty.
• Missing shark teeth in a priority question.
• Stopping too far forward at a stop sign.
• Ignoring lane arrows at an intersection or exit.
• Treating a bus lane or hatched area like a normal traffic lane.

FAQ

Relevant Dutch law

• RVV 1990, Art. 76: continuous lines may not normally be crossed.
• RVV 1990, Art. 77: drivers may not use diagonally striped sections or dividers.
• RVV 1990, Art. 78: lane arrows and exit-lane directions must be followed.
• RVV 1990, Art. 79: if stopping is required, drivers must stop behind the line at a stop sign.
• RVV 1990, Art. 80: give-way road markings require drivers to give way to vehicles crossing in front of them.
• RVV 1990, Art. 81: BUS and LIJNBUS lanes are restricted to the traffic allowed by law.