RoundaboutNetherlands
16. Roundabout
A roundabout is a circular road arrangement in which traffic travels around a central island in one designated direction. Vehicles enter and leave through connecting roads, and traffic signs or local rules determine who has priority.
Drivers should reduce speed, choose a suitable lane, observe all road users and signal as required when leaving. The direction of travel, entry priority, lane use and rules for cyclists and pedestrians depend on local traffic signs and regulations.
Wikimedia.org • G.Lanting • CC BY-SA
Who has priority at a roundabout in the Netherlands?
At a Dutch rotonde, read the priority signs and shark’s-teeth markings. The roundabout direction sign alone does not give circulating traffic priority, and a separate cycle crossing can have its own priority arrangement.
🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990 — official Dutch legislative reference
Mandatory roundabout direction.
English • Traffic sign D1 • Roundabout; compulsory direction of travel.
Nederlands • Verkeersbord D1 • Rotonde; verplichte rijrichting.
Warning for a roundabout.
English • Traffic sign J9 • Roundabout.
Nederlands • Verkeersbord J9 • Rotonde.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990, bijlage 1
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
SVG version by Bouwe Brouwer • Public domain • Source revision 2007-09-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.
How should you choose a roundabout lane in the Netherlands?
Choose your intended exit before entering and follow the lane arrows and destination signs. Keep to the marked route and make any permitted lane change only when safe; having priority over entering traffic does not give you priority to change lanes.
🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990 — official Dutch legislative reference
What should you check when leaving a roundabout in the Netherlands?
Check the lane you will cross or enter, signal the manoeuvre as required and look for cyclists and pedestrians at the exit. Obey any separate crossing controls and do not force an exit across another vehicle’s path.
🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990 — official Dutch legislative reference

Traffic rules
Netherlands