Driving on the right-hand side and giving way
•In the Netherlands, traffic must keep to the right.
•Traffic from the right always has the right of way at road junctions and side roads, unless traffic signs or markings indicate otherwise.
•You must give way to other traffic when merging or entering a roundabout.
•Ambulances, police vehicles, and fire engines with blue flashing lights and sirens always have the right of way.
Other traffic rules:
•You must stop for a red traffic light.
•In a car, you are obliged to wear the seat belt, also as a passenger.
•A vehicle changing direction must indicate its direction. A motor vehicle does so by means of an orange flashing light. A cyclist extends his or her arm.
•Pedestrians should walk on the pavement and cross on a zebra crossing. When there is no pavement, it is recommended that you walk on the left side of the road
•Walking and cycling on motorways, main roads, railways, and tram tracks puts your life at risk. Therefore, it is prohibited.
•As soon as dusk is falling, all vehicles must turn on both front and rear lights. This also applies to cyclists.
-For violation of the rules, the police may fine you.
Traffic signs
In the Netherlands, you will see several traffic signs that are different from those in your country of origin. A number of important traffic signs can be found in the booklet 'Traffic in the Netherlands: safe walking and cycling'.
The website www.rijksoverheid.nl provides detailed information in English about the Dutch traffic rules and signs. This information includes the booklet 'Traffic in the Netherlands: safe walking and cycling'.
