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RoundaboutNetherlands

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

16. Roundabout

A roundabout is a circular road arrangement in which traffic travels around a central island in one designated direction. Vehicles enter and leave through connecting roads, and traffic signs or local rules determine who has priority.

Drivers should reduce speed, choose a suitable lane, observe all road users and signal as required when leaving. The direction of travel, entry priority, lane use and rules for cyclists and pedestrians depend on local traffic signs and regulations.

Roundabout on Dorpstraat. (Ulvenhout, Netherlands)
Wikimedia.org • G.Lanting • CC BY-SA
Who has priority at a roundabout in the Netherlands?

At a Dutch rotonde, read the priority signs and shark’s-teeth markings. The roundabout direction sign alone does not give circulating traffic priority, and a separate cycle crossing can have its own priority arrangement.

🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 15, 18, 47, 54–55, 80; Annex 1 D1

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

How should you choose a roundabout lane in the Netherlands?

Choose your intended exit before entering and follow the lane arrows and destination signs. Keep to the marked route and make any permitted lane change only when safe; having priority over entering traffic does not give you priority to change lanes.

🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 15, 18, 47, 54–55, 80; Annex 1 D1

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

What should you check when leaving a roundabout in the Netherlands?

Check the lane you will cross or enter, signal the manoeuvre as required and look for cyclists and pedestrians at the exit. Obey any separate crossing controls and do not force an exit across another vehicle’s path.

🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 15, 18, 47, 54–55, 80; Annex 1 D1

🔗 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 ...