One-way trafficNetherlands
Traffic rules
Netherlands
1. One-way traffic
One-way traffic means that vehicles on a road or carriageway may travel only in one designated direction. The permitted direction is normally indicated by traffic signs, lane arrows or road markings.
Some road users, such as cyclists or public-transport vehicles, may be allowed to travel in the opposite direction when signs expressly permit it. A one-way road does not by itself determine the speed limit, priority or parking rules.
How should I read a one-way restriction in the Netherlands?
Dutch signs distinguish a one-way road from an entrance closed to traffic from one side. The direction sign and any supplementary panel determine which road users are covered.
🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 3, 62, 67; Annex 1 C2–C5
🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990 — official Dutch legislative reference
Road with one-way traffic.
English • Traffic sign C3 • One-way road.
Nederlands • Verkeersbord C3 • Eenrichtingsweg.
Sources
🔗 Github.com • NDW (MIT)
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990, bijlage 1
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
SVG version by Bouwe Brouwer • Public domain • Source revision 2024-04-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.
No entry.
English • Traffic sign C2 • One-way road; entry from this direction prohibited for vehicles, horse riders and people leading riding or draught animals or livestock.
Nederlands • Verkeersbord C2 • Eenrichtingsweg, in deze richting gesloten voor voertuigen, ruiters en geleiders van rij- of trekdieren of vee.
May cyclists travel against the general traffic direction in the Netherlands?
A supplementary panel can exempt specified road users, such as cyclists, from the one-way restriction. Read the symbols and words actually displayed: a bicycle exemption must not be extended automatically to every moped or speed-pedelec category.
🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 3, 62, 67; Annex 1 C2–C5
🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990 — official Dutch legislative reference
Does one-way traffic give me priority or a different speed limit in the Netherlands?
A one-way restriction concerns direction. Continue to follow the applicable speed limit, signals, give-way or stop controls and junction-priority rules. Where authorised counterflow traffic exists, check for it before turning or crossing; your permitted direction is not automatic junction priority.
🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 3, 62, 67; Annex 1 C2–C5
🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990 — official Dutch legislative reference
