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manual de trafic

theory B

Driving-license B

<>

VERJO,,.

Authors
VERJO traffic editors group
ing. C.G.C.P. Verstappen
Based on the work of J.F. Verstappen
Translation
T.C. Warnock

Edition
25th revised edition September 2015
History
First edition September 1987
Second revised edition February 1990
Third completely revised edition September 1991
Fourth revised edition January 1993
Fifth revised edition August 1994
Sixth revised edition October 1995
Seventh completely revised edition May 1996
Eighth revised edition January 1997
Ninth revised edition December 1997
Tenth revised edition March 1999
Eleventh revised edition December 1999
Twelfth revised edition May 2001
Thirteenth revised edition February 2002

Fourteenth revised edition October 2002


Fifteenth revised edition June 2003
Sixteenth revised edition September 2004
Seventeenth revised edition September 2005
Eighteenth revised edition November 2006
Nineteenth revised edition March 2008
Twentieth revised edition October 2009
Twenty-first revised edition September 2010
Twenty-second revised edition September 2011
Twenty-third revised edition September 2012
Twenty-fourth revised edition March 2014
Twenty-fifth revised edition September 2015

Updated to include the latest revisions of the Traffic Legislation and the exams to September 2015.
Legislation is regularly altered and/or expanded. Use then a recent publication. On our web site www.verjo.nl
you can browse our list of books and see which publications are usable.

<s>

Uitgave van:

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5272 PB Sint-Michielsgestel

Telefoon (073) 551 47 26

www.verjo.nl

All rights reserved.


No parts of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by
any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior permission in writing
of the publisher VERJO bv.
In spite of the care taken in compiling this publication, the publisher and editorial group recognize that imper
fections can occur. For this the publisher and editorial group cannot accept any responsibility.

ISBN 978-90-5862-321-8

Traffic m anual
driving license B

complete theory for driving license B

VER JO

Preface
This edition is updated with the latest changes to traffic regulations (such as seat
belt regulations, new road markings etc.) and exams. This up to date theory book is
designed for those wishing to study the traffic rules and/or pass the CBR theory exam
It seems logical that your attitude, knowledge and skill meet high demands, before you
may drive a car on public roads. Next to the knowledge and application of the traffic
rules it is important to be able to anticipate traffic situations which are to be taken into
account in your decisions and actions. Only then can the chaos be limited and a great
deal of human suffering avoided! The drawings below speak for themselves.

People may know each other.


But do they know the rules of the road?

Or are people unable to apply the


rules of the road?

Above all account must be taken of the actions of others. Everyone sometimes makes
a mistake. Be aware of this and most of all do not get angry with others. Try to accept
the mistakes of others an avoid an accident. It can always happen to you.
Much care has been taken in compiling this book and the whole supported by photos,
drawings and summaries. We hope that this renewed edition fulfils your expectations
and any comments which could lead to the improvement of this text book will be
gratefully received. Finally we wish success to all who use this book, both for study
and then for the much sought after driving licence.
Traffic editors group

READ THIS VERY CAREFULLY !!!


There are several words which are difficult to translate in English. The CBR theory
examination uses the Dutch word and not the English translation.
we use:

the CBR exam uses:

so
so
so
so
so
so

called
called
called
called
called
called

erf
autoweg
brommobiel
snorfiets'
'snorfietser'
'autosnelweg'

so
so
so
so

called
called
called
called

'APK'
'LEMA'
'EMA'
'EMG'

home zone or precinct


motor road
four wheel moped
light moped
light moped rider
motorway
mot test / periodic vehicle
inspection
light course EMA
drunk driver remediation
problem driver remediation

index
keywords......................................................................................................6
1
2
3
4

road-users................................................................................................... 7
vehicles, definitions.................................................................................... 9
roads, definitions....................................................................................... 14
general rule............................................................................................... 20

5
6
7
8

position on the road..................................................................................22


observation technique..............................................................................27
oncoming traffic, overtaking, traffic jam s...............................................33
priority........................................................................................................ 41

9
10
11
12

changing direction....................................................................................49
speed......................................................................................................... 54
stopping.....................................................................................................62
parking....................................................................................................... 65

13
14
15
16

lights and signals...................................................................................... 71


motor road, motorway.............................................................................. 77
home zone (precinct)............................................................................... 84
roundabout................................................................................................ 86

17
18
19
20

traffic signs (on posts or gantries).......................................................... 90


road markings........................................................................................... 95
traffic lights.............................................................................................. 102
directions................................................................................................. 105

21
22
23
24

different road-users.................................................................................107
miscellaneous regulations..................................................................... 121
driving under influence...........................................................................130
traffic accident....................................................................................... 134

25
26
27
28

documents..............................................................................................145
measurements and loads...................................................................... 152
technical requirements...........................................................................160
mobility and the environment.................................................................170
appendix I - traffic signs

178

keywords
A

advisory speed 60
airco 174
APK-certificate 163

hard of hearing 110


hard shoulders 16
headrest 126
hinder 21

joining 79

reaction time 28
reaction-distance 57
rear light 74
registration card 150
registration certificate 149
restricted vision 115
revolution counter 174
road surface 22
road user 7
rush hour lane 16, 25

blind spots 31
blocking 41
braking distance 57
bridge lights 102
broken line 95
bus 12
bus carriageway 17, 25
buslane 17, 24, 25
busstop 64, 120, 122
busy traffic 56
C

chassis 163
connecting roads 19, 99
cruise control 174
cutting through 45
cycle path 17
cyclists 112

I
indicator 38, 120, 122
inhabited areas 18
intersection 41
invalid carriage 10, 24, 115
J

lane 15
lane lights 103
leaving 15, 80
level crossing lights 103
light moped 9
local roads 101
local traffic 8
M

danger 20
danger recognition 31
daylight driving light 74
deceleration lane 15
decisive driving 109
defensive driving 109
diagonal stripes 15
dipped lights 73
dividing point 15
driver 8
driveway 52, 123
driving license 145

main beam 73
maximum speed 59
military convoy 45, 48
mobile phone 124
moped 9
motor carriage 9
motor vehicle 10
motor road 14
motorway 14
N

number plates 150

O
E

edge line 92
electrical equipment 175
emergency parking area 16
equal drivers 44
equal roads 44
equestrian 24, 118
exceptional manoeuvres 122
exit 65, 121
F

following distance 40, 57, 58


four wheel moped 9, 23, 114
front fog lamp 74
funeral procession 46, 50, 112,

122
G

queue 40

observation area 30
observation technique 30
observe 27, 72
on board computer 174
oncoming traffic 33
one way street 52
overtaking 35
P

parking area 68
parking bay 16
parking disc 69
parking lane 16
pedestrian 7, 23, 110
pedestrian crossing 97
pre-positioning lanes 99
priority vehicle 11, 46, 110
public transport bus 12

school crossing patrol 106


seating 124
seat belts 124
sharks teeth 41
slow vehicles 39
social driving style 110
solid line 96
space cushion 59
stopping 63
stop line 97
stop signal 106
stopping distance 57
suggestion lane 18
symbols 91
T

tapers 81
target group lane 16, 25
temporary yellow lines 96
thinking ahead 107
through roads 19, 99
tire pressure 176
tolerance 108
towing 121
traffic 7
trailer 12, 74
tram 45, 50
tunnels 63, 127
turbo roundabout 89

U
unsurfaced roads 45
V

verge 34
vulnerable road-users 39
W

warning lines 97
warning triangle 123
weather conditions 55

GPS navigation system 174


Z

zipping 82

1 road-users
To understand and to put into practice the traffic rules, you must fully appre
ciate the meaning of frequently used definitions, such as Road-users, Drivers
and Roads etc. With this knowledge all road-users apply the rules in a uniform
manner. In short these are the basics necessary to safely participate in traffic.
The definitions can be subdivided as follows:
road-users
vehicles (chapter 2)
roads (chapter 3).
Traffic
Means all road-users.
Road-users
Everyone using the road.
Road-users are divided into:
pedestrians and
drivers, these are:
- cyclists, light moped riders
- moped riders
- drivers of a four wheel moped
- drivers of disabled carriages
- drivers of motor vehicles
- tram drivers
- equestrians
- leaders of horses or cattle
- drivers of horse drawn vehicles
- drivers of hand carts.

Motor vehicle

Pedestrian.

Cyclist

Moped rider

Tram

Light moped rider.

Disabled carriage

Pedestrians
These are persons on foot. The rules for
pedestrians are also applied to:
persons on foot who push a bicycle,
a light moped, a moped, a motor
cycle, a perambulator (pram) or
a small vehicle such as, a wheel
barrow, a childs tricycle, etc.
persons who propel themselves by
in-line skates, skateboards and chil
drens scooters
drivers of a disabled carriage if they
are using a footpath or pavement, or
while they are crossing the road.
Pedestrian groups
Pedestrian groups (for example marching columns, processions and funeral
processions) which use the carriageway must follow the rules for drivers of carts.
Drivers
Are all road-users except pedestrians.
Bestemmingsverkeer (local traffic)
Drivers whose destination is this road or in its direct vicinity where this
sign is placed may enter this road. Drivers of public transport buses
may always enter this road. All other drivers are forbidden to enter any
road indicated by this sign. Thus using a local traffic only road to avoid
a traffic jam is not allowed.

Summary
It has become clear that the difference between pedestrians and drivers is very
important and that together they are road-user and traffic participant. Drivers excercise an influence over the vehicle or animal they steer or lead. Pedestrians are all
persons who are not drivers.

vehicles, definitions

Now that you know what a road-user is, we will take a look at a few vehicles.
Vehicles
Bicycles, mopeds, light moped, disabled carriages, motor vehicles, trams, trailers
and carts.
If a vehicle has a licence then the type of the vehicle is mentioned on the licence.
Power assisted cycle (e-bike)
These are cycles which are fitted with an electric assistance motor. To enable the
electric motor to work the cyclist must keep pedalling. Cyclists with pedal assis
tance must follow the same rules as cyclists.

motor carriages
Motor carriages are mopeds, light mopeds, four wheel mopeds, disabled
carriages with motor and all motor vehicles, except power assisted cycles.
Moped and light moped (snorfiets)
a moped is recognisable by the rear mounted yellow registration plate.
a light moped is recognisable by the rear mounted blue registration plate.

J15 VER
VER
J15
-J

Registration
plate without
Euro logo for
mopeds and
four wheel
mopeds.

J15 VER
VER
J15

Registration
plate without
Euro logo for
light mopeds.

Fourheel moped (brommobiel)


This is a moped with more than two wheels and is fitted with bodywork. A four
wheel moped is not a disabled carriage because it is wider than 1.10 m. The
driver of a four wheel moped follows the rules for passenger cars.

A four Wheel moped is recognised by the round


plate with a red border showing the number 45.
A four wheel moped must be fitted with a yellow
(moped) registration plate.
The driver of a four wheel moped follows the rules
for passenger cars.

Disabled carriage
a vehicle equipped for the transport of a disabled person
not wider than 1.10m
with or without a motor
constructed for a maximum speed of 45 km/h
is not a moped.

A disabled carriage.
A scootmobiie is a disabled carriage.
Disabled carriages do not have a registration plate, but they do have an insurance plate.

Special light mopeds


These are for instance the segway or the stint. The driver of a segway is seen as
the driver of a motor carriage and follows the rules of a light moped.
The driver does not have to have a driving licence. Wearing a helmet is not
compulsory but it is wise to do so. A special light moped does not have a blue
licence plate. The minimum age is 16 years (except disabled people when using
the pavements (sidewalk or footpath).
The special light mopeds can also be used as a disabled carriage.
The driver must have a card which states that he is disabled. In which case the
driver may be younger than 16 years and he must use the sidewalk or footpath.
The maximum speed here is 6 km/h.

A segway is a selfbalancing

motor vehicles
Motor vehicles are motorized vehicles, except mopeds, disabled carriages and
cycles with pedal assistance, not intended to be propelled along rails.
So: trollybusses, tractors, motor mowers and motorized shopping trollies, are also
motor vehicles.
Passenger car (car)
A passenger car is a motor vehicle with four or more wheels and constructed
and built for the carriage of persons, with no more than 8 seats, not including the
driver. In any case a vehicle is a passenger car if this is shown on the registration
papersAcard.

Passenger car.
Remark
Vehicles such as tractors, disabled
carriages and four wheel mopeds are
not passenger cars.

Priority vehicle
This is a motor vehicle using the approved optical and audio signals 1)
Optical signal: blue rotating, flashing, or winking light. During daylight flashing
headlights are allowed.
Audio signal: two-tone siren.

All road users (drivers and pedestrians) must, in all situations, allow drivers of
priority vehicles to go first, and do so in a safe manner.

These signals may only be used by


priority vehicles to emphasize that
they are performing an urgent task.
') Authorised to use these signals are police, military police, fire brigade, ambulance service, blood transfusion
services, other emergency service authorised by the Minister.

Truck (Lorry)
This is a motor vehicle, not equipped for the transport of people, of which the
maximum permitted weight exceeds 3500 kg.
Motorcycle
This is a motor vehicle with two wheels with or without a sidecar or
trailer. A motorcycle has a yellow registration plate with a Euro logo.

r is

I VE-RJ

Bus
This is a motor vehicle equipped for transport of more than 8 persons excluding
the driver.
Public transport bus
This is a motor vehicle used for public transport.

trailer
A trailer

is a :
vehicle which is propelled by another vehicle
vehicle designed to be coupled to a motor carriage
towing dolly
semi-trailer (rear portion of an articulated truck).

The motor vehicle being towed is


defined as a trailer.
Remark
Both drivers must have a driving
licence.

Two examples of mid axle trailers.

r\

Summary

vehicles

other vehicles

motor carriages

carts

bicycle
power assisted cycle
disabled carriage (without engine)
tram
train
subway

motor vehicles

moped
four wheel moped
light moped
disabled carriage
(with motor)
segway

motorcycle
car
truck
bus
trolley bus
tractor

HO

mechanical digger
road-roller
fork lift truck
motor mower
electric shop on wheels
hand cart with motor-assistance

trailer
horse drawn cart
hand cart

definitions

You have now seen how the many road-users with their vehicles are classified. To
participate in traffic we have to use different types of roads. To use these roads
correctly it is important to know what a road is, which types there are and the
various parts into which a road is divided.
Roads and parts belonging to roads are:
all roads or paths which are open to public traffic
bridges and culverts which lie in the road
paths, edges and verges which belong to the road.
Motor roads
Roads indicated by sign G3.

A 12
Motorways
Roads indicated by sign G1.
A motorway can also be recognised by the A number sign.
Remarks
Car parks, petrol stations and bus stops along the motor road or motorway are
not part of the motor road, or motorway.

subdivisions of the road

lane
ditch

service road

lane

carriageway

median strip

carriageway

moped
path J

carriageway
road

In short we can say that a road is:


everything which lies between the front garden or facade left and the front garden or facade right, or:
everything between a ditch on one side and the ditch on the other side.

Carriageway
Every part of the road designed for driving vehicles, with the exception of cycle
paths and cycle/moped paths.

Remarks
If the carriageways are separated by a median strip, then both carriageways
belong to the same road and only the right hand carriageway may be used. If
the separation of a road into carriageways is unclear (e.g. a wide median strip or
vegetation in the median strip) then road signs D2. C2 or C5 are placed to indi
cate if entry is permitted or prohibited.

D2

Entry only
permitted
to the right
hand side
of the sign.

Entry
permitted
on both
sides.

Express carriageway
The carriageway not including the acceleration or deceleration lanes. The part of
the motor road or motorway meant to be used by traffic continuing these roads.
Lane
Part of the carriageway marked by a solid or broken line forming a lane which is
wide enough to be used by drivers of vehicles with more than two wheels.
Entry / Acceleration lane
Part of a road used by drivers
wishing to join the carriageway
next to it and separated from
the carriageway by block
markings on the road surface.
Exit / Deceleration lane
Part of a road used by
drivers wishing to leave
the carriageway next to it
and separated from the
carriageway by block markings Here yu see 3 road with separated express carriageways,
.
r
lanes, entry- and exitlanes.
on the road surface.
y
Diagonal stripes and dividing point
Diagonal stripes and dividing
points may not be used except
when they lie in a rush hour lane,
bus carriageway or bus lane.
Diagonal stripes are part of the
carriageway on which diagonal
stripes are painted.
A dividing point is a multi-sided
area on the road surface that
occurs at divisions or merging of
roads, lanes or carriageways.
Diagonal stripes.
Use forbidden.

Dividing point.
Use forbidden.

Emergency parking bay or hard shoulders


Part of the carriageway separated by a solid line that is intended for use only in
an emergency. They are not part of the motor road or motorway. This is not valid
if a hard shoulder is opened for use as a rush hour lane.
The right hand hard shoulder when it is opened as a rush hour lane becomes the
right hand lane.
An emergency parking bay alongside
a motorway or motor road is always
indicated by these information signs.

Parking lanes or parking bays


Surfaced areas next to the carriageway intended to be used for stopping or
parking vehicles. These can be indicated with or without a P sign.

target group lanes and road sections


To increase safety and traffic flow target group lanes have been created. These
may be used by the target group indicated.
Rush hour lanes
Rush hour lanes are mostly opened during rush hours. When and over which
distance the rush hour lanes can be used, will be indicated by signs or overhead
electronic lane signs. These electronic signs also indicate a different speed limit
as soon as rush hour lanes open or close.
The signs below indicate respectively the opening and closing of the rush hour
lane.

Target group lanes for trucks and buses


These may only be used by trucks and buses

ultqezonderd

Bus carriageways and bus lanes


Indicated by the word BUS may only be used by all buses and trams
Indicated by the word LIJNBUS may only be used by public transport buses
and trams

Bus carriageway
A carriageway indicated by the word BUS or
LIJNBUS.

Bus lane
A part of the carriageway indicated by the word
BUS or LIJNBUS and separated by a solid or
broken line.

Tram lane
A separated tram lane is used by trams. Other vehicles are forbidden to use
them, unless they have exemption (permit) (for example taxis and public trans
port buses).
Diversion strip
These are hard shoulders alongside
narrow roads. These can be used to
safely make room for oncoming traffic.
Allowed to be used by all traffic.
A diversion strip is marked by signs L20 and
L21 (one for each side of the road).

Passing lane
This part of the road is solely intended for trac
tors and restricted speed vehicles. These vehi
cles must drive on this part of the road so other
traffic can overtake them in a safe way. Other
fh
road users are not allowed to use this part of the road.
Cycle/moped path
A separate path indicated by sign G12a.

Compulsory cycle path


a separate path indicated by sign G 11. or
part of the carriageway separated by a solid or broken
line and indicated by sign G11.
Voluntary cycle path
In most cases a separate path which is indicated by sign G13.

G13

IUHH1UI

Cycle lane
Part of the carriageway marked by a solid or broken line and within this lane a
symbol of a bicycle. These cycle lanes are normally on the right hand side of the
carriageway, but can be in another position.
Suggestion lane
This lane looks like a cycle lane but does not have a bicycle symbol on the lane
surface. The suggestion lane has no status in law (a cycle lane does).
Every driver is allowed to use it.
Cycle street
A cycle street is designed as a cycle route but all traffic is allowed.
The use of motorvehicles is discouraged by the design. The cycle
street has no legal significance. Cycle streets are often found in
inhabited areas to give them a more earless character.

areas and road types


Inhabited areas
Inhabited areas are connected areas build for living, shopping, or working.
Access to an inhabited area is for motor traffic entering or leaving the area. In
such an area be alert for all types of road users. They have no side lines but
suggestion lanes can be found often.
Through traffic must, where possible, use connecting roads and through roads
To encourage this speed bumps, road narrowing, entrance/exit constructions
and speed restrictors are used. Roads in inhabited areas are generally called
'erftoegangswegen', or home zone acces roads.
To avoid placing signs on every corner in the whole area, signs are mostly only
placed at entrances and exits to and from the area, concerning the entire area.
Examples of inhabited areas are:

30 km/h zone
These are designated by using a zone sign and lie
mostly within the built up area. It is clearly a living area
but not a home zone as such.

60 km/h zone
These are indicated with a zone sign and are always
outside the built up area. Mostly they are in country
areas, often with narrow roads where 80 km/h would
be too fast.

Other zones
For example a parking zone or a
pedestrian zone.

Home zone (precinct) (erf)


A home zone (precinct) is an area within the
built up area which is clearly a housing area.

G5

Connecting roads
Connecting roads form a connection between inhabited areas and through
roads, also between neighbouring inhabited areas.
These roads allow for good accessibility. To increase the safety of road users,
target group lanes and special parts of the road can be used. The road can
also be divided into a main carriageway and a parallel road. They have broken
sidelines. This way each road user has a safe position on the road. Connecting
roads are often priority roads. Most serious accidents occur on connecting roads
outside the built up area (80 km/h roads). Specially concerning trucks at cross
ings or roundabouts.

Through roads
-----------------

------------:----------------- j---------------------------- j|-------- :

------------- --------------

Through roads are designed for travelling at speed over longer distances.
These roads may only be used by drivers of certain motor vehicles. They have
solid sidelines. Pedestrians, cyclists, moped riders, light moped riders, drivers of
four wheel mopeds and tractors may not use these roads.
Examples of through roads are motor roads and motorways.

4 general rule of behaviour


Everyperson has an equal right to a safe use of the road
On participating in traffic we have to be aware of various traffic rules. These rules
are not sufficient to give a solution for every situation. Above all we, as partici
pants, must be able to trust each other.
This asks of everybody - including your passengers - the correct mentality to
ensure that we can safely venture into the traffic and arrive home safely.
Every road-user should behave with the general rule in mind.
To obtain a clear picture of what is meant by this general rule we will look at it
more closely.

General rule of behaviour


Every person is forbidden to behave in such a way that:
danger on the road is caused or could be caused, or
traffic on the road is hindered or could be hindered.

Danger caused or could be caused


Not just danger to third parties but also to oneself, such as:
entering a corner at high speed and loosing control. Also when no other
road-users are involved.
causing unnecessary risks by, for example, stopping just before or after
acceleration or deceleration lane
map reading while driving, hands free telephoning, sms messaging,
drinking coffee, operating a radio or navigation system. This can make
you lose concentration. This can cause you to swerve and that can be
dangerous. Stop at a safe place to avoid danger or nuisance.

Wrong
Allowing insufficient room when overtaking
cyclists. You affect the safety of the cyclists.

Correct
Allowing sufficient room when overtaking cyclists
(1 to 2 m depending on the speed when over
taking).

Traffic is hindered or could be hindered


Here are a few examples of hinder:
parking in a narrow street opposite another car
parking or stopping just past a corner where the view is obstructed
parking in a narrow street opposite a driveway
parking on tram tracks if a tram is hindered
positioning at a junction in a narrow road in a way that makes it difficult
for large vehicles to corner
not or insufficiently moving to the side with oncoming traffic
to stop on the carriageway in a way that forces other traffic to use parts
of the road causing danger or hindrance
a passenger throwing garbage out of the window.

Wrong.

Driving on in a narrow street to the


junction and in doing so making it difficult
for a large vehicle to corner. The other is
unnecessarily hindered.

Correct.

Stopping several metres before the


junction, thus allowing the large vehicle
to take the corner

Wrong.

Parking in a narrow street opposite


another parked car.

Wrong.

Parking/stopping just after a corner


with an obstructed view on a narrow
road.

General
If you are confronted by traffic situations for which there are no
regulations, you must ensure that action taken cannot create danger
or hindrance.
Summary
This general rule is meant to remind everybody as road-user of their personal
responsibilities.
So: Safe and responsible participation in our traffic is the task of every roaduser!!!

5 position on the road


For everybody to safely and smoothly participate in traffic, there is for every
category of road-user a separate part of the road allocated for their use. Drivers
of motor vehicles use the carriageway.
Main rule
Drivers must keep as far as possible to the right.
Be careful! It states as far as possible and not extreme right. In other words: If
there are cars parked on the right side of the road with a short distance between
them, it does not mean that you have to zig-zag in and out between the cars.
Keep a little more than a doors width distance.

You also have to take into consideration, cyclists, moped riders, invalid carriages
and pedestrians if they are using the carriageway. Give them enough space,
especially if they have to ride or walk round parked cars. Here it is not neces
sary to move to the right between mopeds and cyclists. Try as much as possible
to drive in a straight line. This contributes to a much calmer appearance to the
traffic situation. On roads divided by lines into 2 or more lanes, your position
should be in the middle of the lane. If the carriageway is not divided into lanes,
then your position on the road is as far as possible to the right. On narrow country
roads, for example in the polders or farming areas, it is often better to drive in the
middle of the road.
Road surface edges
Be aware of sharp road surface edges. Especially if these are not level with the
verge. This is not ideal if, when passing another vehicle, you have to partially use
the verge, so be careful. Drive very slowly and steer carefully back onto the road
surface. If you do this at high speed there is a major chance that you will have to
steer too much. The wheels can suddenly grip the road, shooting you across the
road against a tree or into a ditch.
So in this situation it is sensible to adjust your speed dramatically.

Exceptions to keeping as far as possible to the right


in a traffic jam
for the left hand cyclist of two cyclists, riding alongside each other in the same
lane (it is prohibited for two other drivers to drive next to each other)
when overtaking
near or on a roundabout. This is only valid for drivers of motor vehicles and
four wheel mopeds
when passing traffic islands on which these
signs (D2 or D3) are placed
on a secondary road running parallel and to the left of the
main carriageway if sign C5 is placed (without this sign it is
forbidden to enter the road from this side).
when turning left and pre-positioning the vehicle

Here are you pre-positioned so you do not


have to keep as far as possible to the right.

Pedestrians
They use the pavement or footpath1). If there is no pavement or footpath they use
the cycle path or the cycle/moped path.
If there is no cycle path they use the verge or the extreme edge of the
carriageway, this can also be a cycle lane.

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Groups of pedestrians
May use the carriageway if they form a formation, procession or funeral procession.
Drivers of four wheel mopeds
Four wheel mopeds follow the rules for drivers of motor cars. So their position on
the road is the same as for motor cars.
) Pedestrians who move using something to propel themselves (not a vehicle) use the cycle path, cycle/
moped path, a pavement(sidewalk) or footpath. If these are not available then they use the carriageway.

Cyclists and light moped riders (snorfietsers) 1)


They use the compulsory cycle path, cycle/moped path or
cycle lane. If these are not present, then they may use the
carriageway.
A non-compulsory cycle path may be used by cyclists and
light mopeds that have switched off their internal combustion
motor. Light mopeds with an electric motor may ride here.

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Special light moped (e.g. segway)


They use the cycle path, cycle/moped path or the cycle lane. If these are not
available then they may use the carriageway. The maximum speed is 25 km/h.
Disabled people may also use the pavement (sidewalk)/footpath, but are then
restricted to a maximum of 6 km/h.
Moped riders 1)
They use the cycle/moped path. They use the carriageway if
there is no cycle/moped path. In most cases where a cycle/
moped path joins the carriageway it passes through a verge.

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Indication sign
Extra indication that the moped rider
has to use the carriageway or the
cycle/moped path. Be careful! The
moped riders can swerve over the
broken white line. (Anticipate the
unexpected).

Drivers of disabled carriages


Using their own initiative may choose to use the pavement, footpath, cycle lane,
cycle path, cycle/moped path or the carriageway. A disabled person may decide
for himself which part of the road is safest for him. The part of the road that a
disabled person uses decides if he is a driver or pedestrian.
Equestrians (horse riders)
They use the horse track. If there is no horse track they use the
verge or the carriageway.
Other drivers who are not named
Drivers of motor vehicles, four wheel mopeds, leaders of horses or cattle and
drivers of horse drawn or hand carts use the carriageway. These drivers and
equestrians may not use the cycle lanes which are marked by a solid white line.
Cycle lanes with a broken line and suggestion lanes may only be used when
driving if the situation warrants it.
1) Exception: cyclists, light moped riders and moped riders on more than two wheels or with a trailer which
including the load is wider than 75 cm may use the carriageway.

This can be the case when pre-positioning, making room for oncoming traffic or
overtaking drivers who have pre-positioned to make a left turn. It goes without
saying that cyclists, light moped riders and drivers of invalid carriages may not
be hindered.

target group lanes and carriageways


A target lane is a lane where traffic signs indicate that its use is restricted to one
or more vehicle categories (except for drivers with dispensation).
To increase safety and traffic flow there are target group lanes for certain road
users.
Right hand side target group lanes which are part of the carriageway and right
hand side target group carriageways must be used by the group targeted.

Bus carriageway. Prohibited for


passenger cars. Only busses (public
transport busses and coaches) may use
this right hand bus lane.

Bus lane only for public transport


busses. Prohibited for passenger cars
and coaches.

Bus lanes
indicated by the word BUS may be used by all buses and trams. Use
forbidden for other vehicles (except for those with dispensation)
indicated by the word LIJNBUS may only be used by public transport buses
and trams. Use forbidden for other vehicles (except for those with dispensa
tion).
Target group lane for trucks and buses
These may only be used by trucks and buses.
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Passing lane
This lane may only be used by vehicles with speed restricted
up to 25 km/h. This creates a safe overtaking opportunity for
the rest of the traffic.
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Rush hour lanes


A rush hour lane is a hard shoulder which during the rush hour is used as a
temporary extra lane. Signs show when and over which distance the rush hour
lane may be used. If right hand rush hour lanes are open then they must be
used. The position on the road is always as far as possible to the right. An other
speed limit may apply if the rush hour lanes are open. When the rush hour lane is
closed you must filter into the normal lane. The solid white line by rush hour lanes
may be crossed to enter or leave the lane.
If there is a dividing point or diagonal stripes these may be used.

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