Overtaking

Merging

Alternately getting in lane when two lanes merge into one lane. Usually the left lane merges into the right lane, but it could also be the other way around.

Overtaking vision

The minimum visibility required to determine that the entire overtaking manoeuvre is safe to perform.

When overtaking, you are passing another moving vehicle. This could be, for example, via another lane in the same direction or via the road section meant for oncoming traffic. Especially in the latter case, overtaking can be dangerous. The main rule for overtaking is that it should happen on the left.

Main rule when overtaking

Overtaking normally happens on the left.

Overtaking on the right mandatory

There are a few exceptions to the rule overtaking must be done on the left. In one of these situations, you are only allowed to overtake on the right. Overtaking on the left is in that case prohibited. This is when the driver you want to overtake has indicated they want to turn left and is pre-sorted to do so. If it is safely possible and useful, then you overtake this driver on the right. When doing so, you are allowed to use a cycle lane with a solid line, even as a driver of a moped, speed pedelec or brommobiel.

Overtaking on the right allowed

The other exceptions to the main rule that you must overtake on the left are:

• Cyclists (this also applies to snorfietsers) must overtake each other on the left, but may overtake other drivers on the right.
• Drivers may overtake a tram both on the left and right, depending on the space.
• Drivers that are on the right of the blocked markings may overtake drivers that are on the left of these markings.
• In case of a traffic jam on multiple lanes in the same directions, you are allowed to overtake both on the left and right.
• Just before and on a roundabout, you are allowed to overtake both on the left and right.

Overtaking prohibited

There are also situations where overtaking is definitely not allowed, on whichever side. Overtaking is prohibited in the following cases:

• Just before or on a pedestrian crossing (also called a zebra crossing).
• If you must cross a solid line between the lanes, unless there is a broken line on your side of the solid line.
• If this is indicated by signs.
• If you are being overtaken yourself.
• If it can cause danger or hindrance in any way, think of obscure places or during poor visibility due to fog or precipitation.

Overtaking safely

Overtaking is a dangerous manoeuvre. Especially if you must do this via the road section for oncoming traffic. If you misjudge an overtaking manoeuvre, it can have considerable consequences.

For mopeds and speed pedelecs, overtaking will usually happen on the cycle/moped path and for snorfietsers on the cycle path or the cycle lane. Keep in mind the width of the path or lane. Always pay attention to whether you can move to the side and whether you are not being overtaking yourself.

Signs that prohibit overtaking (signs F-1 and F-3) only apply among motor vehicles and therefore not to moped riders, snorfietsers and speed pedelecs. They may simply be overtaken.

As drivers of brommobielen follow the rules of motor vehicles and must be treated like such by other road users, they are not allowed to overtake (at sign F-1) or be overtaken (at signs F-1 and F-3).

Sometimes, the axis line is executed as a warning line. In that case, the line is broken, but the lines are thrice as long as the interruptions. You can find these lines in places where overtaking is more dangerous due to the road type, or in places where the situation changes shortly after. For example, to a solid line.