U-turnNetherlands

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

1. U-turn

A U-turn is a driving manoeuvre in which a vehicle turns around to travel in the opposite direction. It normally involves crossing part of the roadway and re-entering traffic facing the direction from which the vehicle came.

Before making a U-turn, the driver should check surrounding traffic, pedestrians and cyclists, signal when required and make sure there is enough visibility and space to complete the manoeuvre safely. U-turns may be prohibited by traffic signs or on particular types of roads.

Who must give way when making a U-turn in the Netherlands?

Turning around (keren) is a special manoeuvre under Article 54, so the driver must allow all other traffic to go first. The normal priority-from-the-right rule does not make a U-turning driver go first.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Dutch Government, Traffic Rules and Signs Regulations 1990 — Current RVV Article54 special manoeuvres, including reversing/U-turns/property exits; yield all other traffic.