Overtaking rules: when may you overtake on the right?

What is overtaking on the right, and what is passing?

Overtaking on the right means: driving past a vehicle on its right while it goes the same way. You do not have to change lanes for this. If you stay in your lane and drive faster past a slower car on its right, you are also overtaking on the right. Some people call this “passing on the right”, but under the law it is overtaking on the right.

Passing means driving past something that is standing still, such as a parked car or a lorry that is loading. It must still be safe. Never drive past a vehicle that has stopped for pedestrians crossing.

Overtaking on the left: how do you do it safely?

You overtake on the left (Article 11 RVV). This is how:

• Look ahead, in your mirrors and over your shoulder (blind spot).
• Check you have enough space to pass and get back in, without speeding.
• Signal.
• Only change lanes once the other traffic has gone first.
• Leave enough space to the side, especially for a cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider.

On a road with three lanes you normally overtake using the middle lane. Only use the left lane when you need to.

When do you move back to the right?

Move back to the right as soon as it is safe. Can you see the front of the overtaken car in your rear-view mirror? Then there is usually enough space. That is a help, not a guarantee. Signal again and do not cut in. Afterwards, do not stay in the left lane without reason.

When may you overtake on the right?

You may overtake on the right in five situations. Dutch learners remember them as Foute Rijders Blijven Traag Links:

Picture	Situation	Condition
	F: queue (file)	If your lane moves a bit faster in a queue, you may pass on the right. Do not keep changing lanes.
	R: roundabout (rotonde)	Just before and on a roundabout you may overtake on the right. Follow the arrows.
	B: block markings (blokmarkering)	You are to the right of the block markings, the other driver to the left.
	T: tram	You may overtake a tram on the right. Watch out for passengers and pedestrians.
	L: vehicle ahead turning left (linksaf)	It has moved to the left to turn and signals left. Only a flashing indicator is not enough.

Even then it must be safe and your route must be allowed. For a vehicle turning left, do not drive over the pavement, the verge or a cycle lane with a solid line. Cyclists have their own rule: they may overtake other drivers on the right. That does not apply to you in a car.

Overtaking on the right with a tram, block markings or on the motorway

Yes. You may overtake a tram on the right (Article 11 RVV). May you overtake a tram on the left? Yes, that is allowed too, because overtaking on the left is the normal rule. Choose the side with enough safe space. Who has priority with a tram is explained under trams.

Yes, if the block markings are between you and the other vehicle. You drive to the right of the blocks, the other one to the left. On an exit lane this is usually the case. Then you may pass the traffic on the main carriageway on the right. Read more under block markings.

Only in a queue or to the right of block markings. So you do not overtake a lorry or slow car in the left lane on the right. Everything about overtaking on the motorway is under overtaking on the motorway.

May you overtake on the right if someone stays in the left lane?

No. Someone who stays in the left lane without reason is not an exception. Outside the five situations you do not overtake them on the right. Keep your distance and wait. Do not honk, flash your lights or tailgate to make them move over.

An open peak-hour lane (spitsstrook) is a normal lane. It gives you no extra reason to overtake on the right.

What is the fine for overtaking on the right?

€9 administration costs are added. Source: OM fines book 2026 (Dutch).

Overtaking signs · Overtaking on the left and right · Overtaking by situation · Road markings when overtaking · Getting in lane