Road (surface) markings

In addition to traffic signs and traffic lights, traffic is also controlled by markings on the road surface. These can be markings such as lines, but also road-painted numbers that indicate the speed limit or markings such as priority triangles and arrows.

Edge line

Line on the edge of the carriageway.

Centre or axis line

Line in the middle of the carriageway, marking the separation between your side of the road and that of oncoming traffic.

Lane line

Line that divides a carriageway or part of the road for one direction into lanes.

Solid line

Edge lines, axis lines and lane lines can be implemented as a solid line. Solid lines may not be crossed. In the case of a solid axis line, you may not drive at the left of this line (on the side of the oncoming traffic). In case of a solid line you may not change lanes or overtake.

The following exceptions apply:

• An edge line may be crossed, for example to park in the verge.

• A solid line between the carriageway and the adjacent refuge, hard shoulder, or rush hour lane may be crossed if you have to use this refuge or lane.

• If there is a broken line on your side of the solid line, you may cross the solid line.

• Drivers who are allowed to use a cycle lane with solid line may cross this solid line, for example to overtake another cyclist.

Broken lines and warning lines

If an axis line or lane line is implemented as a broken line, it may be crossed. In that case, if you can do so safely, you may overtake or change lanes.

Normally, with a broken line, the line is shorter than the space between the lines. If the line is longer than the space between the lines, you should see the broken lines as warning lines. This means that you are allowed to overtake, but that overtaking is more dangerous here than with a normal broken line.

Hatched road markings

These surfaces consist of oblique lines and may not be driven on. For example, hatched road markings are used in places where a lane ends and drivers have to merge into an adjacent lane.

Dividing point

You will find a dividing point especially at the acceleration and deceleration lanes of autowegen and motorways. This should not be crossed.

Pre-sorting lanes, deceleration lanes and arrows

Pre-sorting lanes are located at (large) intersections and divide the carriageway into lanes for different directions. Arrows on the lanes indicate the direction. Block marking is applied between the lanes in different directions. Exceeding this block marking is allowed until the block marking transitions into a solid line. At the intersection, drivers are obliged to follow the direction indicated by the arrow on the pre-sorting lane used. Pre-sorting before turning left and then driving straight ahead at the intersection is therefore not permitted.

A special arrow that can appear on the pre-sorting lane is an arrow with a hammerhead symbol. In most cases, this indicates that there is a side road ahead of the turn. You may not turn into this side road.

Deceleration lanes are lanes adjacent to the main carriageway that are used to exit the main carriageway, primarily on autowegen and motorways. These lanes are also separated from the main carriageway by block marking.

As soon as there are arrows on the deceleration lane, you may no longer return to the main carriageway from the deceleration lane. This rule is there to prevent traffic jams from being passed over a deceleration lane or weaving lane (combined acceleration and deceleration lane).

Stop line (yield line)

At an intersection where the sign ‘STOP’ is placed, a stop line must be placed on the road surface. Drivers must stop in front of the stop line, regardless of whether other traffic is present or not.

Usually stop lines are applied in such a way that you have a good view from the stop line of the situation for which you have to stop, such as an intersection or crossing. The line at a traffic light is also called a stop line. In that case, you only have to stop in front of the stop line if the traffic light is yellow or red.

Priority triangles (shark teeth)

These are white triangles that are placed on the road surface. Priority triangles mean: ‘give priority to drivers on the intersecting road.’ They are usually used in conjunction with sign B-6, but this is not mandatory. Even without this sign, they have the same meaning.

Before you reach the priority triangles, the priority situation is sometimes already announced by means of a large warning triangle on the road surface.

Bus lanes and bus carriageways

This is a lane or carriageway with the word ‘BUS’ or ‘LIJNBUS’ (public bus) applied. A bus lane is separated from the rest of the carriageway by a broken or solid line.

In the case of the word ‘BUS’, only drivers of buses (including coaches) and public buses may use this lane.

In the case of the word ‘LIJNBUS’, only drivers of public buses may use this lane.

Emergency vehicles are also allowed to use the bus lane or carriageway as they do not have to adhere to closed declarations, provided they have an urgent task to fulfil.

Cycle lanes and suggested (cycle) lanes

A cycle lane can be separated by a broken or solid line. In addition, a symbol of a bicycle must be affixed to the road surface. If this is not the case, then this is a suggestion (cycle) lane and no official cycle lane.

Suggestion (cycle) lanes have no legal meaning. They can be used by anyone. You are even allowed to stop and park on it.

A special type of cycle lane is the bike box. This is an extended cycle lane in front of the normal presorting lane. The purpose of this area is to keep vulnerable road users, like cyclists, more safe and visible to the other drivers while waiting at the traffic light.

Yellow lines on the side of the road

Solid and broken yellow lines can be found on kerbs or carriageway edges. Next to a broken yellow line, only parking is prohibited. Next to a solid yellow line, not only parking but standing still is also prohibited.

Yellow lines on the road surface

Yellow lines can also be seen on the road surface as temporary lines and markings during roadworks. These then go above the local white lines and markings. Be aware that maximum speed limits are often lower here, and lanes can be narrower. Especially the left lane on motorways during road works.

Blue lines

Blue lines are used on the road in parking bays and parking lanes where the use of a parking disc is mandatory.

Blocked or checkered markerings

You will find this marking on the pavement at bus stops and it shows which space the bus needs to be able to stop at the bus stop. The blocked markings immediately indicates a prohibition. You may not stop at this marking, except for picking up or dropping of passengers.

Block marking

This is different from blocked markings at bus stops. Block marking is encountered on the carriageway between two lanes, for example at acceleration, deceleration and weaving lanes and pre-sorting lanes.

Zigzag lines

These are lines that have been placed on the road to warn you of a dangerous point. This could be a crossing point or a dangerous intersection, for example. This marking says nothing about the prevailing priority, but in that case it is wise to reduce your speed.

Auxiliary markings

This includes markings applied to the road as an aid. For example, the speed limits that are applied to the road surface. But also the lines that indicate that you enter or leave a zone and the lines that mark a speed bump are classed as auxiliary markings.

Speed limit markings

Especially on newer roads you can tell the speed limit by looking at the markings (lines) on te road. Those markings are not legally binding, but suggest a speed limit. The actual speed limit should always be indicated by signs.

Autoweg (100 km/h)

An autoweg with a single carriageway has solid edge lines, and two solid or broken axis lines. Between those white axis lines lies a green line.

Road outside built-up area (80 km/h)

A 80 km/h road normally has broken edge lines, and one or two solid or broken axis lines. There is no green line between the axis lines.

Reduced speed road outside built-up area (60 km/h)

A road within a 60km-zone normally has broken edge lines, which are placed slightly further from the verge. Sometimes the road has red suggestion (cyle) lanes. There is no axis line. And sometimes the lines are not present at all.