Traffic lights

In addition to standard traffic lights, there are a number of other traffic lights. For example, tram and bus lights, level crossing and bridge lights and lane lights.

Tricolour traffic lights

These are the traffic lights that you encounter most in daily traffic. They are located at larger intersections and consist of the colours red, yellow (popularly called ‘orange’) and green.

The lights can be designed as a circle, but also as a directional arrow or another symbol such as a bicycle. In the latter cases, the traffic light applies only to the indicated direction, or to drivers of the indicated vehicles. A bicycle pictogram here also indicates mopeds, snorfietsen, speed pedelecs and disability vehicles.

The meaning of the colours is as follows:

• Red
  Stop. Driving is prohibited.
• Yellow
  Stop. Unless you are so close to the traffic light that you cannot stop in a reasonable way. Then you can drive on.
• Green
  Keep driving. Not driving on at a green light is prohibited.
• Flashing yellow light
  The traffic light is not working. Approach the intersection carefully. In this case, traffic signs and markings that regulate the priority are again applicable.

Turning right at red lights

In some cases, a sign with text is placed under or next to the traffic light:

• Cyclists can turn right (’Rechtsaf voor fietsers vrij’)
  Cyclists and snorfietsers may turn right, even at a red light.
• Cyclists and mopeds can turn right (’Rechtsaf voor (brom)fietsers vrij’)
  Cyclists, snorfietsers, moped riders, and speed pedelec riders may turn right, even at a red light. Brommobielen may not!

Beware! While turning right at a red light, traffic that has green light stil has right of way.

Traffic light with an arrow or a circle

Depending on the intersection, the shape of the traffic light bulbs may differ. Sometimes this is a directional arrow, sometimes a circle. At larger intersections with several pre-sorting lanes, you will often find lamps in the form of directional arrows. At smaller intersections without pre-sorting lanes, you will often find lamps in the shape of a circle.

If you want to turn right or left at a traffic light with a round lamp, then oncoming traffic or traffic alongside you can have green at the same time. Two rules then apply:

• Through traffic has right of way over turning traffic on the same road.
• Drivers turning right have right of way over drivers turning left.

This is often indicated by a sign under the traffic lights.

If you want to turn right or left at traffic lights with an arrow-shaped lamp, you will not have to deal with oncoming traffic or traffic next to you. You can then turn left or right unhindered.

Level crossing lights

These lights consist of two red lights that are off when no train is approaching and flash alternately when a train is approaching. In that case you are required to stop. Some level crossings still have a white light flashing to indicate that you can cross.

Bridge lights

Bridge lights consist of one or two red lights that are off when the bridge is closed and traffic can pass. When the bridge opens, these red lights light up or flash (with two lights) and then you have to stop.

Tram and bus lights (nine eye)

These traffic lights are especially for public transport vehicles and consist of nine round lights in a square plane. The top and bottom row of lights are white, the middle light is yellow, and the two lights on the left and right are red.

Trams and buses that use the lane to which this traffic light applies must follow these lights.

Yellow flashing light

A single yellow flashing light is sometimes used to warn of danger. This can, for example, warn of a pedestrian crossing or a level crossing. Depending on the situation, it may be smart to reduce your speed.

Red flashing light

There are also red lights that indicate that you are approaching a closed level crossing or an open bridge past an intersection. These red lamps indicate that you are not allowed to drive in the direction indicated. These intersections need not be further regulated by traffic lights. The red lamps are intended to prevent congestion at the intersection itself.

Pedestrian lights

Most pedestrian lights consist of a red and a green pedestrian lamp. In some pedestrian lights, the red lamp has been replaced by a yellow one, in the shape of a triangle with an exclamation mark.

Pedestrian light colours can be interpreted as follows:

• Green light
  Pedestrians may cross.
• Flashing green light
  Pedestrians may cross, but the light will switch to red very soon.
• Red light
  Pedestrians may no longer start crossing. Pedestrians who are already crossing should walk as quickly as possible.
• Yellow flashing light
  Pedestrians are allowed to cross but must give way to other traffic. Crossing is at your own risk.

Lane lights

These are the lights on electronic matrix signs. You will find these in more and more places above the lanes of autowegen and motorways. Different characters can be displayed with these lights.

Speed limit
In the lane you may not drive faster than the specified speed limit. This is not an advisory speed. In addition, it also means that the lane may be used. In case of a changing speed (for example in traffic jams) the speed is often combined with yellow flashing lamps on the sign.

Green arrow
The lane may be used.

White arrow
Advance notice red cross, the lane must be cleared as soon as possible. Often combined with yellow flashing lights on the sign.

Red cross
Using this lane is prohibited. It may only be used in an emergency.

The word ‘BUS’ or ‘LIJNBUS’
The lane may only be used by busdrivers. In case of the word ‘LIJNBUS’ the lane may only be used by drivers of public buses.

Matrix sign F-9
End of all prohibitions indicated by electronic matrix signs. Standard rules apply from here.

Other (warning) signs
Other signs may also appear on electronic matrix signs. Usually these are warning signs. As a result, you as a driver know why the speed limit goes down or why a lane is closed.