Lights & Signals (traffic lights, headlights, indicators)

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This guide summarises the most important Dutch theory rules for lights & signals: traffic lights, headlights, fog lights, hazard lights, and when you must indicate. Use the quiz above to practise CBR-style questions.

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Key rules in 60 seconds

Priority order (always)

  • Instructions by authorised persons come first.
  • Then traffic lights.
  • Then traffic signs and road markings.
  • Finally, the general traffic rules.

Headlights

  • Use dipped headlights at night and whenever visibility is seriously reduced.
  • Use full beam only when it won’t dazzle others (switch off for oncoming traffic and when following closely).

Fog lights

  • Front fog lights: only when visibility is seriously reduced.
  • Rear fog light: only in dense fog or heavy snowfall when visibility is < 50 m (not in rain).

Indicators

  • Indicate in time when moving off, changing lanes, overtaking, turning, or leaving a roundabout.

Traffic lights

  • Green = go, Yellow = stop (unless stopping is not reasonably possible), Red = stop.
  • Arrow signals apply only to the direction shown.
  • Flashing yellow = danger point → proceed with extra caution and follow priority rules/signs.

Detailed guide

Headlights (exam-focused)

Dipped headlights

  • Mandatory in the dark, and used when visibility is poor.
  • If you use front fog lights, dipped headlights may be unnecessary on some cars (to reduce glare from your own lights).

Full beam headlights

  • Use on unlit roads for better visibility.
  • Do not use full beam: in daylight; when meeting oncoming traffic; when following a vehicle closely (to avoid dazzling).

Daytime running lights (DRL)

  • DRL improves daytime visibility, but it may not fully light the rear.
  • In poor visibility, use dipped headlights when needed.

Fog lights

Front fog lights

  • Allowed when fog/snow/heavy rain seriously reduces visibility.
  • Use them only when needed (they can dazzle in light mist).

Rear fog light (common exam trap)

  • Only in fog or heavy snowfall with visibility under 50 metres.
  • Turn it off immediately when visibility improves.

Hazard warning lights (alarm lights)

Use hazard lights to warn others when:

  • you are forced to stop due to a breakdown or accident,
  • you are a temporary obstacle,
  • there is sudden danger (e.g., traffic jam ahead, hard braking situation).

Direction indicators (turn signals)

You must indicate in good time when you:

  • move off from the kerb/parking spot,
  • change lanes,
  • overtake and return,
  • turn left/right,
  • exit a roundabout,
  • enter/leave a road in a way that changes direction clearly.

Traffic lights (what CBR tests most)

Standard (circular) traffic lights

  • Green: proceed.
  • Yellow: stop (unless stopping is not reasonably possible).
  • Red: stop at the stop line.

Traffic lights with arrows

  • The light applies only to the direction of the arrow (left/right/straight).

Flashing yellow

  • Warns of a dangerous point → extra caution required.
  • Priority is then determined by signs, markings, and the general rules.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using rear fog light in rain.
  • Using full beam when you could dazzle others.
  • Forgetting to indicate when leaving a roundabout.
  • Treating flashing yellow like “green” instead of “danger + caution”.

FAQ

What does a flashing amber/yellow traffic light mean?
A dangerous point—slow down, be cautious, and follow signs/priority rules.
When must you use dipped headlights?
In the dark and whenever visibility is seriously reduced.
When can you use the rear fog light?
Only in dense fog or heavy snowfall when visibility is less than 50 metres.
Who has priority: police instructions or traffic lights?
Instructions of authorised persons come first.

Relevant Dutch law (high-level references)

  • RVV 1990: dipped/full beam rules (Art. 32), fog lights (Art. 34), indicating (Art. 55), traffic lights/flashing yellow (Art. 68 & 75), order of precedence (Art. 84).
  • WVW 1994: general duty to avoid danger/hindrance (Art. 5).
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