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MergingNetherlands

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Netherlands. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Netherlands

43. Merging

Merging is the process of joining a stream of traffic from another lane or road, such as when an entry lane joins a motorway or when two traffic lanes become one. The merging driver must observe surrounding traffic, signal when required and enter an appropriate gap safely.

Drivers already in the continuing traffic lane should remain alert to merging vehicles and avoid unnecessarily preventing them from joining. Special zipper-merging rules may apply when traffic is heavily congested and a lane ends.

Merging
The left lane ends and merges with the other lane. (Rijksweg 2, Gelderland, Netherlands)
Wikimedia.org • Maurits90 • CC0
Who gives way when entering the carriageway from an acceleration lane in the Netherlands?

Entering from a slip road, merging into a traffic lane and changing lanes are special manoeuvres under Article 54. The driver carrying out the manoeuvre must let other traffic go first.

🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 19, 54–55; Annex 1 J17–J19 and L5

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990 — official Dutch legislative reference

Does using the indicator give a merging driver priority in the Netherlands?

No. Article 55 requires the appropriate signal for major lateral movements, but signalling does not remove the duty to let other traffic go first when performing a special manoeuvre.

🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 19, 54–55; Annex 1 J17–J19 and L5

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990 — official Dutch legislative reference

1 Netherlands 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Cycling street 10 Pedestrian zone 11 Slope 12 Bus stop 13 Dead end 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Priority road 18 Railway crossing 19 School area 20 Overtaking 21 Crossing animals 22 Roadworks 23 Weight limit 24 Radar speed sign 25 Selective barriers 26 Low-emission zone 27 Priority at the next junction 28 Traffic lights 29 Traffic lights warning 30 Road markings 31 Speed feedback 32 Traffic mirror 33 Emergency telephone 34 Cycling route 35 Parking 36 No parking 37 No stopping 38 Park and ride 39 Kiss and ride 40 Parking disc 41 Disabled parking 42 Traffic management 43 Merging 44 Reversing 45 Uncontrolled crossroad 46 Advisory cycle lane 47 Rush-hour lane 48 Emergency exit 49 Oversize load 50 City limit 51 Parking zone 52 Axle weight limit 53 Licence plate 54 Charging station 55 Dangers 56 Equestrian trail 57 Cyclist 58 Truck 59 Bus 60 Police 61 Ambulance 62 Bicycle parking station 63 Tram lights 64 European emission standard 65 Pothole 66 Path 67 Particulates 68 Air pollution 69 Rush hour 70 Road code 71 Street gutter 72 Cargo bike 73 Forestry vehicle 74 Construction vehicle 75 Semi-trailer truck 76 Trolleybus 77 Speed pedelec 78 Delivery vehicle 79 Idling 80 Tow truck 81 Four-wheel drive 82 No vehicles 83 Bicycle 84 Motorcycle equipment 85 Rail track 86 Caravan 87 Trailer 88 Tow hitch 89 Fire truck 90 Siren 91 Convoy 92 Emergency vehicle lighting 93 Agricultural machinery 94 Electric bicycle 95 Electric vehicle 96 Pedelec 97 Quadricycle 98 Microcar 99 All-terrain vehicle 100 Van ...