Lights & Signals (traffic lights, headlights, indicators)

This guide explains the most important Dutch theory rules about lights and signals: traffic lights, headlights, fog lights, hazard lights, and when you must indicate. These are common Category B exam topics and often appear in practical road-situation questions.

Why this topic matters

Lights and signals are not only about knowing what each light means. In theory questions, you also need to understand priority, visibility, timing, and how to communicate clearly with other road users.

Key rules in 60 seconds

What the exam asks most often

• Who has priority if traffic lights and signs seem to conflict?
• When must you use dipped headlights?
• When is the rear fog light allowed?
• When must you indicate on a roundabout?
• What does a flashing yellow light mean?

Detailed guide

Priority and traffic control

One of the most common theory mistakes is answering too quickly when several traffic controls appear at the same time. Always think in the same order: authorised person first, then traffic lights, then signs and road markings, and only after that the general rules.

Headlights

Dipped headlights

• Use them in the dark.
• Use them when visibility is poor, for example in bad weather or reduced sight conditions.
• They are the normal safe choice when extra visibility is needed.

Full beam headlights

• Useful on dark roads when no other road users are being dazzled.
• Do not use full beam when meeting oncoming traffic.
• Do not use full beam when driving close behind another vehicle.

Daytime running lights

• They improve daytime visibility.
• On some cars, daytime running lights do not fully light the rear, so they are not always enough in poor visibility.

Fog lights

Front fog lights

• Allowed when fog, snowfall, or heavy rain seriously reduces visibility.
• Do not use them unnecessarily in light mist or clear conditions.

Rear fog light

• Only for fog or snowfall with visibility under 50 metres.
• Do not use it in normal rain.
• Turn it off as soon as visibility improves.

Hazard warning lights

Hazard lights are used to warn other road users about an unusual or dangerous situation.

• Use them if you are forced to stop because of a breakdown or accident.
• Use them if your vehicle creates a temporary obstacle.
• Use them to warn others of sudden danger when appropriate.

Direction indicators

Indicators help other road users understand what you are about to do. In theory questions, timing matters: signal clearly and early enough, but not so early that it becomes misleading.

• Indicate when moving off from the kerb or parking place.
• Indicate when changing lanes.
• Indicate when overtaking and when returning.
• Indicate when turning left or right.
• Indicate when leaving a roundabout.

Traffic lights

Standard traffic lights

• Green: you may proceed.
• Yellow: you must stop, unless stopping is no longer reasonably possible.
• Red: you must stop at the stop line.

Arrow signals

• An arrow signal applies only to the direction shown.

Flashing yellow

• It warns of a dangerous point.
• Proceed with extra caution.
• Then follow the signs, road markings, and general priority rules that apply.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using the rear fog light in rain.
• Using full beam when you can dazzle others.
• Forgetting to indicate when leaving a roundabout.
• Treating flashing yellow as if it means normal priority or free passage.
• Ignoring the order of precedence between traffic control systems.

Quick FAQ

Relevant Dutch law and rules

• RVV 1990: headlights, fog lights, indicators, traffic lights, and the order of precedence between traffic controls.
• General road safety principle: always avoid dazzling others and always adapt your signalling to the situation on the road.