Roundabout Rules in the Netherlands 2025

Roundabout Rules in the Netherlands

Basic Rules

1. Yield to traffic on the roundabout
2. Drive counter-clockwise
3. Signal when exiting
4. Yield to cyclists on exit

CRITICAL: Cyclist Priority!

Most Dutch roundabouts have separate bike paths:

• When exiting, yield to cyclists on the bike path
• Check right mirror and blind spot
• Cyclists often travel fast
• This rule catches many foreign drivers

Types of Dutch Roundabouts

Standard (with separate bike path)

• Cyclists have their own path around roundabout
• You yield to cyclists when entering AND exiting
• Most common type

Turbo Roundabouts

• Spiral lane markings
• Choose lane before entering
• No lane changing allowed
• Very efficient for traffic flow

Small Roundabouts

• No separate bike path
• Cyclists use the road
• Standard rules apply

Step by Step

1. Approaching

   • Check for yield sign (voorrangsbord)
   • Select correct lane
   • Check for cyclists

2. Entering

   • Yield to traffic in roundabout
   • Yield to cyclists crossing entry

3. Navigating

   • Stay in lane
   • Signal right before exit

4. Exiting

   • Check for cyclists!
   • Signal right
   • Yield to cyclists on bike path
   • Exit safely

Common Mistakes

1. Not yielding to cyclists when exiting
2. Forgetting to signal when leaving
3. Wrong lane selection on turbo roundabouts
4. Not checking blind spot for fast cyclists