Top view of an intersection with white road markings and yield lines / shark's teeth

Road markings & Intersections

65 Questions
Hard
5 Parts

Everything about road markings, solid lines, lane positioning (voorsorteren) and priority at intersections for the CBR theory exam.

Chris Prosman Chris Prosman

Study material

What will you learn?

Road markings and intersections determine where you are on the road and the priority rules in traffic. Traffic signs on the road surface and instructions from traffic controllers override general traffic rules.

Road markings & Intersections at a glance

Overview Road markings & Intersections

The most important CBR rules for road markings and intersections are divided into 5 categories.

Topic Most important CBR rule
Solid line Never cross it or overtake over the line.
Lane positioning (voorsorteren) Take up position in time in the rightmost lane for your direction.
Priority junction (gelijkwaardig kruispunt) Drivers coming from the right have priority. Trams always have priority.
Driveway construction (uitritconstructie) Traffic leaving a driveway gives priority to all traffic.
Traffic controller (verkeersregelaar) Instructions override all lights, signs and rules.

CBR order of priority in traffic

  • 1. Instructions from authorised persons: Traffic controllers and police come above everything.
  • 2. Traffic lights: Light signals come above traffic signs and road markings.
  • 3. Traffic signs and symbols: Sign and line come above general rules.
  • 4. General traffic rules: The right has priority at a priority junction (gelijkwaardig kruispunt).

What is a solid line?

A solid line separates lanes or carriageways and may not be crossed.

You may not drive over it and you may not overtake if you would have to cross the line.

What is a broken line?

A broken line consists of short white dashes with large gaps.

You may cross this line to overtake or to change lanes.

Warning line on the road surface

A warning line has very short gaps between the white dashes and is often longer than the standard white line. This warns of an approaching dangerous situation, a changing road situation or a solid line. In this picture, A shows the normal broken line and B shows the warning line.

Broken line at A and warning line at B

With a warning line, overtaking is not forbidden — it is and remains a broken line. Still, it is sensible to wait until you are past the change on the road. The line is there for a reason: something changes further ahead.

The difference between white and yellow lines

Yellow lines and yellow road markings are used for temporary roadworks.

Temporary yellow lines always have priority over the normal white lines.

Temporary yellow lines over white lines during roadworks

During roadworks, the white lines are usually not removed: they simply remain visible under or next to the yellow ones. You are then required to follow the yellow markings. It works the other way too: if there is a white solid line, but the yellow marking indicates that you may change lanes, then you may do so.

Type of line Rule about crossing Is overtaking allowed?
Solid line Strictly forbidden No, never over the line
Broken line Allowed if safe Yes, if there is a clear way
Combined line Follow the line on your side Only from the broken-line side
Temporary yellow line Always follow yellow above white Depends on the type of yellow
Warning line Allowed; it remains a broken line May, but better to wait until after the change

Combined solid and broken line

With a double line, the rule applies to the line on your side of the road.

If the broken line is on your side, then you may change lanes.

If the solid line is on your side, then you may not drive over it.

Combined solid and broken line

Note that this works both ways: if you are driving alongside the solid-line side, you may not cross it, but the traffic on the other side may come onto your lane. So expect traffic that merges next to you, even if you yourself are not allowed to cross.

Hatched road markings and zigzag lines

A hatched road marking area consists of slanted white dashes on the road and is forbidden territory.

An exception applies when a rush hour lane is open across the hatched road marking area.

Hatched road marking area with slanted white lines

The name says exactly what the area does: it effectively pushes you away from the road. Practically that means: you cannot change lanes at the last moment in such a place. For a hatched road marking area, the same applies as for a solid line — you may not drive over it.

A zigzag line warns of a dangerous intersection or an approaching obstacle.

Zigzag line on the road surface

Often it is a busy intersection with a cycle path in front of it. The zigzag line does not forbid anything, but says: reduce your speed and pay extra attention.

What the lines tell you about who you can expect

Lines not only tell you whether you may overtake or change lanes. They also reveal what kind of road you are driving on, and therefore which road users you may encounter. On many roads, this is not indicated anywhere with a sign.

Only lines on the sides

If you only see (broken) lines on the sides of the road and the middle is empty, then this is an ordinary road where everyone may come: cars, but also cyclists, riders and pedestrians. You often see this in the countryside and in nature areas. Riders and pedestrians may walk in the verge (berm), but they are not required to — they may also just use the road.

Road with only broken side lines and an empty middle, with a cyclist and a pedestrian on the carriageway
Only side lines, no middle line: here you can expect all kinds of road users.

A double line in the middle

If there is a double line in the middle of the road, then only motor vehicles may drive there. Cyclists are not motor vehicles and therefore do not belong there. Whether that double line is solid or broken does not matter for this question: double is double.

Road with a double middle line on which only motor vehicles may drive
Double middle line: only motor vehicles. A speed sign of 70 km/h or higher often goes with this.

A green strip between the lines

If there is a green strip between the two lines, then you are driving on an autoweg. An autoweg has a minimum speed of 50 km/h, which means, for example, that agricultural vehicles and brommobielen may not enter.

Memory aid: the note of one hundred euros is also green — green = 100 km/h. 💶

Recognise two types of roads by the middle marking: with and without green colour in between

Sign G3: autoweg Sign G3 (Autoweg): the same road, but then with a sign instead of with a line.

CBR trap

  • ❌ Wrong: reading a warning line as a solid line and thinking that overtaking is forbidden.
    ✅ Correct: it is a broken line, so overtaking is allowed. It is only unwise, because something changes further ahead.
  • ❌ Wrong: during roadworks, following the white lines because they are still there.
    ✅ Correct: yellow always comes above white, even if yellow allows more than white.
  • ❌ Wrong: driving over a hatched road marking area in order to change lanes quickly at the last moment.
    ✅ Correct: a hatched road marking area is just as forbidden as a solid line. Only an opened rush hour lane is an exception.
  • ❌ Wrong: thinking that on a road with a double middle line you can also encounter cyclists.
    ✅ Correct: a double middle line means: only motor vehicles. Without a middle line, with only side lines, you can expect everyone.

You've covered Lines & Road markings (Solid, Broken & Yellow). Does it stick?

Road markings and roadside markings tell you where you may drive, when you may not cross, and where extra danger is present.

For the theory test, you mainly need to recognize quickly: which marking applies, whether you may cross it and whether a temporary marking takes priority.

Lane, carriageway, road and hard shoulder

Lane positioning is about the question of where you are going to drive. For that, you first need to know what the road is called that you are driving on. You can drive on all three, but they do not mean the same thing.

  • Lane: one lane that fits one line of vehicles.
  • Carriageway: all lanes for your direction together.
  • Road: the carriageway plus the hard shoulder.
  • Hard shoulder: the lane to the right next to the solid line. You may not drive there; you may only stop in case of a breakdown (autopech) or an emergency.
Motorway with lanes indicated as A, the carriageway as B and the entire road including the hard shoulder as C
A = the separate lanes, B = the carriageway, C = the road. The lane to the right of the solid line is the hard shoulder.

Keep as far right as possible

On all roads the rule is: keep as far right as possible. Whether you are driving on the motorway, on a woonerf or on a road with 50 to 80 km/h.

On the motorway that means: stay in the rightmost lane. You overtake on the left, and then you go back to the right as quickly as possible. Staying unnecessarily in the left lane is forbidden and can result in a hefty fine.

One important exception: if there are solid lines between the lanes, then you may not cross them and you must stay in your own lane until the line is broken again.

How do you position correctly for turning left?

If you want to turn left, you position as close as possible to the centre of the road.

On a one-way street you position all the way on the left side of the road in front of you.

Positioning against the centre of the road

Positioning to the left on a one-way street

How do you position correctly for turning right?

If you want to turn right, you position as far as possible on the right side of the lane in front of you.

Positioning for turning right

Lane positioning at cycle lanes

At a cycle lane with a solid line, you may never drive over the line.

Positioning at a cycle lane with a solid line

At a cycle lane with a broken line, you may use the lane to position yourself.

Always pay close attention to cyclists and snorfietsers coming up behind you before you move into position.

Positioning at a cycle lane with a broken line

Lane positioning for large vehicles

Lorries and buses have a large turning circle and need extra space in the bend.

When positioning, stay a little further behind the centre to give large oncoming vehicles space. In this case B is therefore correct because you give the bus more room to pass and to make the turn.

Making room for large vehicles

Situation Correct position for lane positioning
Turning left (two directions) Against the centre (the middle) of the road
Turning left (one-way street) All the way on the left side of the road
Turning right (normal) As far as possible on the right side of the lane
Cycle lane solid Stay next to the line; do not drive over it
Cycle lane broken Position on the cycle lane provided it is clear of cyclists
Roundabout with arrows on the road surface Follow the arrows, not the rule “as far right as possible”

Multiple lane positioning lanes

If there are multiple lanes for your direction, always choose the rightmost lane.

This keeps the left lanes free for other traffic that wants to overtake or turn off.

It is strictly forbidden to stop on a zebra crossing or right in front of an intersection.

This also applies if two or more lanes go in your direction: you choose the rightmost of them. If in such a case you are all the way on the left while the middle lane is also going in your direction, then you are positioning incorrectly.

Car standing in the left lane at a traffic light while the middle lane is also going in its direction
This is not how it should be: the middle lane is also going this way, so it is the rightmost lane for this direction.

Do not let yourself be confused by a lane where multiple directions are allowed — for example, a lane where you may turn left and go straight. Even then, you simply choose the rightmost lane that goes in your direction.

Traffic light with a lane where both turning left and going straight are allowed
A lane with two arrows simply counts as a lane for your direction.

The correct lane on the motorway

You do not only position at traffic lights, intersections and roundabouts. On the motorway you also consciously choose a lane. The rule is the same: as far right as possible of the lanes that go in your direction. You can read which lanes these are from the blue signs above and along the road.

Wayfinding above the motorway with three lanes A, B and C towards Nijmegen and Utrecht
Lane A is only there to overtake; B and C go in different directions.

Do you want to go to Nijmegen and do both left lanes go to Nijmegen and Utrecht? Then choose lane B: that is the rightmost lane in your direction. Lane C does not lead to your destination and lane A is only intended for overtaking.

Lane closed or an extra lane

Normally you read which lane you must have from the blue signs. But above the road, matrix signs (electronic signalling signs) may also be lit. They come before everything that the blue signs say.

A matrix sign can give a new maximum speed, but it can also indicate whether a lane is open or closed. If you see a red cross, then that lane is closed and you may not drive on it.

Matrix signs above the lanes with a slanted arrow and a red cross

The rush hour lane

A matrix sign can also open an extra lane. On some roads, during rush hour the hard shoulder then becomes a rush hour lane. On the matrix sign there is a green arrow pointing down ↓. That means you may drive over the white solid line and use the rush hour lane.

At that moment, the rush hour lane becomes the rightmost lane. And because you always have to keep as far right as possible, you are then even required to use it.

You can see that a rush hour lane is open in three ways: the green arrow on the matrix sign, a sign along the road with the text “rush hour lane open”, and a sign showing the number of lanes of the normal carriageway followed by a solid line with the rush hour lane next to it.

Matrix sign with a green arrow pointing down and the three rush hour lane signs: end of rush hour lane, rush hour lane open and rush hour lane closed
These three signs look similar: A = off the rush hour lane, B = rush hour lane open, C = rush hour lane closed.

Signs that say something about lanes

Above and along the road there are signs that use arrows to show what happens to the lanes. The direction of the arrows determines the meaning.

  • Merging: an arrow points towards the other arrows. A lane ends and merges.
  • Splitting: an arrow points away from the other arrows. The lanes split apart.
  • Tapering connection: all arrows point in the same direction and the middle one looks like a slanted T. The acceleration lane automatically becomes the main carriageway — you do not have to change lanes. The number of arrows indicates how many lanes are coming together.
Two lane signs next to each other: left a merging, right a splitting
If the arrow points towards the other arrows, it is a merging. If it points away from them, it is a splitting.
Lane sign with three arrows pointing in the same direction, with the middle one looking like a slanted T
The slanted T in the middle: a tapering connection of three lanes.

The white sub-sign underneath

Often a white sub-sign hangs under such a sign. For that there is a fixed rule:

  • If there are two arrows, then the sign applies immediately.
  • If there is only a distance, then the sign applies only after that distance.

A sign with “1.3 km” and two arrows therefore means: the next 1.3 kilometres there are two lanes. After that, something will probably change again — usually one lane less. A sign with “1.5 km” under a speed sign of 90 means: for the next 1.5 kilometres the speed limit is 90 km/h.

Two signs with a white sub-sign: one with two arrows and a distance, one with only a distance
Two arrows = it applies now. Only a distance = it applies further ahead.

Changing lanes

Changing lanes is not something you do just like that. Whether you are merging, overtaking or simply shifting over: first look carefully at who is driving around you, and then pay attention to the signs and the road markings.

For example, if there is a yellow sign indicating that the left lane ends, then you know that traffic on that lane must move to the right. Only then adjust your speed and give that driver space, so he does not have to cut you off.

Yellow sign along the road indicating that the left lane ends, with a blue car that must move to the right
The left lane ends: give the blue car space instead of driving it tightly.

Example situations

Situation 1 — three lanes to Utrecht

You have to go to Utrecht. On the sign above the road you see two arrows pointing straight ahead to Utrecht, and one arrow pointing straight ahead and to the right.

Correct choice: move into the most right of those three lanes.

Why: all three lanes go to Utrecht, so you are required to take the rightmost lane in your direction.

Situation 2 — one lane to Breda

Your destination is Breda and you are driving with a trailer. On the sign you can see that only one lane leads to Breda; further ahead, the block markings show that this is the leftmost lane in your direction.

Correct choice: move in time to the left lane.

Why: that lane is the only one that goes in your direction, and then it is also immediately the rightmost lane in your direction. Having a trailer makes no difference here.

Situation 3 — a split with block markings to Rotterdam

On the way to Rotterdam you come across a split: block markings divide the motorway into two parts. Both routes lead to Rotterdam. On the left sign it says that the left route is forbidden for lorries.

Correct choice: with a passenger car you may take both routes, and on the route you choose you keep to the right.

Why: if both routes go to your destination, you may choose. Lorries must keep to the right here.

You've covered Lane positioning & Lane use. Does it stick?

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Short answers to common questions about Road markings & Intersections.

How far is a railway beacon with three stripes from the level crossing?

Each diagonal stripe on a railway beacon represents 80 metres distance. Three stripes mean the crossing is 240 metres away.

What is the hierarchy between traffic controllers, traffic lights and road signs?

Instructions from traffic controllers override traffic lights and road signs. Traffic lights override road signs. Road signs override the general right-hand rule.

How do you recognize an exit construction on the exam?

An exit has continuous paving over the pavement or a lowered kerb. Drivers leaving an exit must yield to all other traffic.

May you drive on a cycle lane before turning?

You may drive on a cycle lane with a broken line to filter. With a solid line you may not drive on the cycle lane.

When does traffic from the right not have priority at an equal intersection?

Traffic from the right does not have priority when coming from an exit. A tram always has priority at an equal intersection.

What is the difference between a solid and broken line?

You may never cross a solid line. You may cross a broken line if it is safe to do so.

Keep practicing with up-to-date material

With this explanation you understand the basics of road markings, traffic lights and intersections. In traffic there are many exceptions, such as temporary markings, arrow lamps and instructions from traffic controllers; therefore practise in our app with the most up-to-date CBR information.

Ready to practise?

Test your knowledge of Road markings & Intersections with 65 practice questions in the app.

Your first quiz is free, no account needed. After that from €19.99 for 90 days of access.