Trams, military convoys and funeral processions
Recognize a military convoy by the blue and green flags and know when you must let the entire convoy go first.
You may not cut through a military convoy at an equal-priority intersection. If the first vehicle has already passed, you must let the entire convoy go first.
For the theory exam, it is especially important that you know the recognition signs: blue at the front, green at the rear.
Priority rules for trams
At an equal-priority intersection, a tram always has priority over all other road users. This applies from both the left and the right.
At a priority intersection, the tram must still follow the traffic signs and yield lines / shark's teeth. A tram must also stop at a zebra crossing.
A tram is therefore not an exception to the signs; only to the rule about the right-hand side. If you are driving on a priority road, then the tram must give you priority. And just like you, a tram must stop for a stop sign, for yield lines / shark's teeth, for a zebra crossing, and for a vehicle with flashing lights and a siren.
When a tram is on a priority road, also pay attention to the rest of the traffic: if everyone is on the same priority road, then the tram goes first, then the through traffic (for example cyclists), and only last the driver who wants to turn off from that same road.
Rules for a military convoy
A military convoy is a group of military vehicles with special recognition signs. You are not allowed to cut through a military convoy at equal-priority intersections.
Once the first vehicle of the convoy has passed, you must let the rest of the convoy go first.
The important word is als. If the first vehicle of the convoy has not yet passed and you have priority, then you may simply drive — the convoy must continue to follow all normal traffic rules. Only once that first vehicle has passed do you let the entire convoy pass.
Memory aid for the end: the green flag works like a green traffic light. Only when the vehicle with the green flag has passed may you go again.
Recognition signs for a military convoy
- First vehicle: Two blue flags and a blue headlamp cover.
- Following vehicles: One blue flag on the right-hand side and a blue headlamp cover.
- Last vehicle: One green flag on the right-hand side and a green headlamp cover.
Rules for a funeral procession (mourning procession)
A funeral procession consists of vehicles that accompany a deceased person. Each vehicle has two special funeral flags.
You are not allowed to cut through a funeral procession at an equal-priority intersection if the first vehicle has already passed.
At a priority intersection or roundabout, a funeral procession must give priority to traffic on the main road.
The procession consists of a hearse and following cars and can vary from a few vehicles to a long line. It also often drives slowly. The two flags are on the left and right at the front of each vehicle; both the hearse and the following cars must display those official recognition signs.
Just like with a military convoy: if the first vehicle has not yet passed, then the normal priority rules apply and you may simply go.
Comparison table: Special traffic flows
| Type of special road user | Equal-priority intersection | Priority road (they have yield lines / shark's teeth) |
|---|---|---|
| Tram | The tram always has priority | The tram must give priority (signs apply) |
| Military convoy (first vehicle has passed) | May not be cut through | Convoy must give priority |
| Funeral procession (first vehicle has passed) | May not be cut through | Funeral procession must give priority |
| Military convoy or funeral procession (first vehicle has not yet passed) | Normal priority rules — if you have priority, you may simply drive | |
| Tram versus a vehicle with flashing lights and a siren | The tram gives priority to the priority vehicle | |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does a tram always have priority?
No, only at equal-priority intersections. At traffic signs, yield lines / shark's teeth and zebra crossings, the tram must follow the rules.
May you overtake a military convoy?
Yes, you may overtake a military convoy on a road with multiple lanes. You are only not allowed to cut between them at intersections.
How do you recognize the last vehicle of a military convoy?
The last vehicle of a military convoy has a green flag on the right-hand side.
May you pass a military convoy if the first vehicle has not yet passed?
Yes. As long as the first vehicle has not yet passed, the normal priority rules apply. If you have priority, you may drive. Only afterwards do you let the entire convoy go first.