Turn rules in the Netherlands
CRITICAL: Cyclists have priority!
The Netherlands has the world's best cycling infrastructure. When turning:
- ALWAYS yield to cyclists going straight on bike paths
- Check mirrors and blind spot for cyclists
- This is the most common cause of accidents
Basic priority rules
- Equal intersections: Traffic from right has priority
- Priority roads (haaientanden): Main road has priority
- Traffic signs override basic rules
Making turns
Right Turns
- Signal right
- Check for cyclists on bike path
- Yield to cyclists and mopeds
- Complete turn to right side
Left Turns
- Signal left
- Move to center of road
- Yield to oncoming traffic
- Yield to cyclists from both directions
Priority signs
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Haaientanden (shark teeth) | You must yield |
| Yellow diamond | You have priority |
| B6 (Stop) | Full stop, yield to all |
| B7 (Yield triangle) | Give way |
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Special Dutch situations
Fietsstraten (Bicycle Streets)
- Cyclists have full priority
- Cars are "guests"
- Cannot overtake cyclists
Shared Spaces (Woonerven)
- Walking pace required
- Pedestrians have priority
- Play streets common in residential areas
Common mistakes
- Not checking for cyclists when turning right
- Ignoring haaientanden (yield marking)
- Not yielding to cyclists on roundabouts
- Underestimating cycling traffic volume
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