Involuntary and voluntary stopping

Using the public roads does not only mean that you are driving on it, but also that you are stopped on it. There are many reasons to stop. We distinguish between voluntary stopping and involuntary stopping (stopping out of necessity).

Involuntary stopping

Involuntary stopping means that you stop out of necessity. This is the case, for example, if you must give way to someone or have to wait for a traffic light, if you are in a traffic jam or if the bridge is open.
The most important rule when involuntarily stopping is that you cause as little hindrance as possible. You are not allowed to block roads or paths. For example, you are not allowed to stop on an intersection, a level crossing, a cycle path, a cycle/moped path or a crossing. Sometimes, the places where you are not allowed to stop are indicated by a white cross on the road surface. When involuntarily stopping, you are also not allowed to be on the road section for oncoming traffic.

Stopping during a breakdown or an accident

Stopping during a breakdown or an accident falls under involuntary stopping, but there is one exception to it. During normal involuntary stopping, certain rules apply. For example, you are not allowed to stop on a bus lane or intersection. If you suddenly experience a breakdown or are involved in an accident, you may have little choice. Try to adhere to the rules of involuntary stopping as much as possible. If this is not possible, then focus on preventing hinder and danger. Try and place your vehicle as much to the side of the carriageway or in the verge.

Voluntary stopping

Stopping to let a passenger get on or off, or in or out, or to load or unload goods fall under voluntary stopping. For the latter, it is important to know that the goods must be of some weight or size. Stopping to post a letter does not fall under this. Normally speaking, it is allowed to use both sides of the road to voluntarily stop, but the right side of the road does have the preference because it is usually safer.

Stopping

Stopping the vehicle and immediately letting someone get on or off, or in or out, or to load or unload (bigger or heavier) goods.

Stopping is not allowed in the following places:

• on an intersection or level crossing;
• on a cycle lane or on the carriageway next to the cycle lane;
• on a crossing or within 5 metres from the crossing;
• in a tunnel;
• at the sign for a bus stop at the blocked markings or, if these markings are not present, within 12 metres of the bus stop sign;
  Do note, there is one exception: stopping to immediately let a passenger get on or off, or in or out, is allowed at a bus stop.
• on the carriageway next to a bus lane;
• next to a solid yellow line, usually present on kerbs.

You are also not allowed to stop in places where you are not allowed to come with your vehicle, such as hatched road markings, dividing points, and target group lanes for other target groups, such as a bus lane.

Sign E-2 indicates a prohibition to stop on the side of the carriageway the sign is placed at. Stopping is permitted in designated areas, such as parking spaces, parking lanes, parking bays and in the verge.