Following directives

It is mandatory for all road users to follow directions from authorised persons. These directions can be given in different ways. For example, by means of hand gestures or texts on an illuminated transparent. They always supersede traffic rules and road signs.

Authorised entity

The administrative body that is empowered to take decisions or issue decisions in a particular case. In this case, this refers to certain government entities that are allowed to take decisions in the field of traffic and traffic behavior.

Illuminated transparent

Lighting on a vehicle that only provides information about the destination or use of the vehicle, or that provides instructions for other road traffic.

Authorised people

The following people are allowed to give directives in traffic:

• competent and recognisable officials, such as police officers;
• soldiers of the Royal Netherlands Military Police (Marechaussee);
• escorts of rail vehicles such as a tram or a train;
• competent and recognisable traffic controllers.

Outside this group, as a driver (not as a pedestrian) you are also obliged to follow the instructions to stop of the crossing patrol (also referred to as lollipop man or lady). But this crossing patrol should not do anything other than stop you. Crossing patrols mostly help children crossing the street near schools.

Directives given via gestures

The way in which directions should be given is laid down in the law. For example, authorised persons can control traffic by means of gestures, but can also let you stop with a gesture. These gestures are explained later on.

Illuminated transparent

An illuminated transparent is the sign on the back or front of a service vehicle with which text can be displayed by means of red illuminated letters. This is also referred to as a ‘ticker’. Every road user is obliged to follow these directions.

For example, the sign may indicate ‘STOP POLITIE’, where it is mandatory to stop in a safe place as soon as possible. If it shows the words ‘VOLGEN POLITIE’, it means that you should not stop immediately, but follow the service vehicle.

Services other than the police may also use these illuminated transparencies, such as escorts for large transports. These instructions must also be followed.