Stopping: where is it allowed?

Where are you not allowed to stop in the Netherlands?

You may not stop in these places, not even briefly:

Example	No stopping here
	On a cycle lane, and on the carriageway next to a cycle lane.
	On a junction or a level crossing. No room on the other side? Then wait before it.
	On a zebra crossing, and within 5 metres before or after it.
	At a bus stop, except to let someone get in or out straight away.
	On the carriageway next to a bus lane.
	In a tunnel.
	Along a solid yellow line.
	At the no stopping sign (E2).
	On the carriageway of a motorway or autoweg.

Where you may not stop, you may not park either. Do you have to stop because traffic requires it, such as at a red light or in a queue? That is fine. The ban is about stopping by choice. Read more about the sign in parking signs.

Junction and zebra crossing: know the difference

You may not stop on the junction itself. Within 5 metres of a junction you may not park. So you may quickly let someone get out there, if you do not block anyone.

A zebra crossing is stricter. There you may not stop within 5 metres before or after it either.

Tunnel, level crossing and motorway

In a tunnel and on a level crossing you never stop by choice. Not on the carriageway of a motorway or autoweg either. You only use the hard shoulder, an emergency lay-by or the verge there if you break down or in an emergency.

Making a call or setting your navigation is not an emergency. Drive on to a car park.

RVV article 23: stopping · article 24: parking.

Can you stop on a cycle lane?

No. You may not stop on a cycle lane, not even to let someone get out. You may not stop on the carriageway next to a cycle lane either. So parking on a cycle lane is definitely not allowed.

You recognise a cycle lane by the bicycle symbols on it. It is often red. The line next to it can be solid or broken. The ban applies in both cases.

A cycle path (fietspad) is not the same as a cycle lane. A cycle path is a separate path with its own sign, apart from the carriageway. You may not drive a car there at all.

What is a fietssuggestiestrook (advisory cycle lane)?

A fietssuggestiestrook is a strip along the side of the road that looks like a cycle lane, but is not one. It has no bicycle symbols. It is often red and separated by a broken line.

An advisory cycle lane is simply part of the carriageway. You may drive on it and stop on it. Parking is allowed too, if no sign, line or other rule bans it.

Difference between a cycle lane and an advisory cycle lane

What do you see?	What is it?
	With a bicycle symbol: a cycle lane. Stopping is not allowed.
	Without a bicycle symbol: an advisory cycle lane (fietssuggestiestrook). Stopping is allowed.

Trick question in the exam. The CBR often shows a red lane that looks like a cycle path. Look for the bicycle symbol. Can you not see one? Then it is an advisory cycle lane and you may stop on it. Then still check for signs and lines.

Can you stop at a bus stop?

Only to let someone get in or out straight away. Waiting, parking and loading or unloading are not allowed at a bus stop.

The ban applies along the block markings on the kerb. No markings? Then it applies within 12 metres before and after the bus stop sign.

Is there a separate parking bay at the stop? You may park in it.

Bus lane and tram track

You may not stop on the carriageway next to a bus lane, not even to let someone get out. You may not drive a car on the bus lane itself, so you cannot stop there either. Never stop in a way that blocks a tram.

Can you stop on a priority road outside built-up areas?

Yes. Stopping on the carriageway of a priority road is allowed, also outside built-up areas. So you may let someone get in or out there.

Parking on that carriageway is not allowed outside built-up areas. Use the verge instead. You can read about it in parking rules.