Use of traffic lights

In addition to the normal traffic lights, there are a few other traffic lights. For example, tram and bus lights, level crossing and bridge lights and lane lights.
If there are traffic lights, the traffic signs, markings and rules that regulate priority no longer apply.

Three coloured 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 (sometimes 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 only applies to the indicated direction or to the drivers of the indicated vehicles. With this, a bicycle symbol also indicates a snorfiets, moped, speed pedelec and disability vehicle. This depends on which vehicles may use the road section for which the traffic light applies.

The meaning of the colours is as follows:

• Red
  Stop. Driving on is prohibited.
• Yellow
  Stop, unless you are so close to the traffic light that stopping is no longer reasonable. Then you are allowed to drive on.
• Green
  Drive on. Not driving on while this is possible, is prohibited.
• Flashing yellow light
  The traffic light is out of order. Approach the intersection with caution. Now, the traffic signs and markings that regulate the priority apply.

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’
  Here, cyclists and snorfietsers may turn right, even when the traffic light is red.
• Cyclists and moped riders can turn right – ‘Rechtsaf voor (brom)fietsers vrij’
  Here, cyclists, snorfietsers, moped riders and speed pedelec riders may turn right, even when ther traffic light is red. Brommobielen may not turn right!

However, you do have to give way to traffic that does have a green light.

Traffic lights with an arrow or a circle

Depending on the intersection the shape of the traffic light lamps can differ. Sometimes it is a directional arrow, sometimes a circle. At larger intersections with multiple pre-sort lanes, you will find lamps in the shape of directional arrows more often. At smaller intersections, without pre-sorting lanes, you will find lamps in the shape of the circle more often.

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

Then, two rules apply:

• Through traffic on the same road goes before traffic turning off.
• Drivers turning right go before drivers turning left.

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

If you want to turn left or right at a traffic light with a directional arrow lamp, then you will not have to deal with oncoming traffic or traffic alongside you. You can 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.

Automatic flashing light installation

The automatic flashing light installation is almost nowhere to be found in the Netherlands anymore. The difference with the current level crossing lights is that there is white flashing light as long as no train is approaching. As soon as a train is approaching, the white light goes out and the red lights start flashing.

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 and you must stop.

Tram and bus lights (nine eye)

These lights consist of night round lights in a square plane. The upper and lower row of lights is white, the middle light is yellow, and the lights left and right of that are red.

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

Yellow flashing light

To warn of a dangerous point, a single yellow flashing light is sometimes used. For example, it can 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 level crossing or an open bridge past an intersection. These red lights indicate that you are not allowed to drive on in the direction displayed. These intersections do not need to be further regulated by traffic lights. The red lamps are intended to prevent congestion at the intersection itself.

Pedestrian light

Most pedestrian lights consist of a red and a green light in the shape of a pedestrian. At some pedestrian lights the red light is replaced by a yellow one, in the shape of a triangle with an exclamation mark.

The colours of the pedestrian light mean:

• Green light
  Pedestrians may cross.
• Green flashing light
  Pedestrians may still cross. The light will turn red very soon.
• Red light
  Pedestrians may no longer start to cross. Pedestrians who are already crossing should walk as quickly as possible.
• Flashing yellow light
  Pedestrians may cross but must give way to all other traffic. Cross at your own risk.