Following directions
It is mandatory for all road users to follow directions given by authorised persons. These directions can be given in multiple ways, for example, through hand gestures or texts on an illuminated transparent. They always supersede traffic rules and traffic signs.
- Competent authority
The governing body empowered to make decisions or orders in a particular case. In this case, this refers to certain government entities that are allowed to make decisions on traffic and conduct in traffic.
- Illuminated transparent
Lighting on a vehicle providing information only on the destination or use of the vehicle or displaying instructions to other traffic.
Authorised persons
The following persons are allowed to give directions in traffic:
- authorised and as such recognisable officers, such as police officers;
- military officers of the Royal Military Police;
- escorts of railway vehicles such as a tram or train;
- authorised and as such recognisable traffic controllers.
Outside of this group, as a driver (so not as a pedestrian), you are also required to follow the direction to stop when given by a crossing patrol (also known as a lollipop man or woman). But they may not do anything else than stop you.
Directions in the form of gestures
The way in which directions are given is established by law. Authorised persons can regulate traffic by means of gestures, but also make you stop on the side of the road with a gesture. These gestures are explained further on.
Illuminated transparent
An illuminated transparent is a sign on the front or rear of a service vehicle, with which text can be displayed by means of red illuminated letters. This is also called an ‘illuminated news ticker’. Every road user is required to follow these directions.
For example, the sign can indicate ‘STOP POLITIE’ (stop police), where it is required to stop in a safe place as soon as possible.
If the words ‘VOLGEN POLITIE’ (follow police) are indicated on the sign, it means that you should not immediately stop, but follow the service vehicle.
Other services than the police are allowed to use these illuminated transparents, such as escorts of larger transports. These directions must also be followed.
If the illuminated transparent indicates ‘STOP POLITIE’ (stop police), you must stop in a safe place as soon as possible. Because it is mirrored, you can read it in your mirrors. In this case, the police vehicle often follows you.
If the illuminated transparent indicates ‘VOLGEN POLITIE’ (follow police), then you must keep following the police car.
This sign only applies to the vehicle directly behind the police car.