Priority rules for trams

Does a tram always have priority?

No, but almost always. A tram cannot swerve, so it gets extra priority. But it must also follow signs, give-way markings, traffic lights and instructions.

A memory aid from the lesson: the tram is only afraid of sharks and zebras. That means give-way markings (haaientanden, "shark teeth") and pedestrians on a zebra crossing. Further down you read the other exceptions.

Dutch traffic rules (RVV 1990), articles 15 and 18.

Tram priority rules: when does a tram have right of way?

In short: the tram goes first. It waits at shark teeth (or a stop sign) and for pedestrians on a zebra crossing. Apart from that, like everyone else, it waits for a priority vehicle, at its own red tram light and when a traffic controller says stop.

In two places a tram gets more priority than a normal driver:

1. Equal junction: also from the left

Normally traffic from the right goes first. At an equal junction a tram always goes first, even when it comes from the left. So you wait, even if you come from the tram’s right.

2. A turning tram goes before traffic going straight on

Normally going straight on goes before turning. That rule does not apply to a tram. If a tram turns on your road, it still goes first, even when you go straight on. That also applies when you are both on a priority road.

After that, you solve the rest with the normal rules. A turning car still lets cyclists going straight on go first. Read more about those rules in the basic priority rules.

When does a tram not have priority?

In these situations the tram waits:

Picture	Situation	What applies?
	The tram has give-way markings, sign B6 or a stop sign	The tram gives way to traffic on the crossing road.
	A pedestrian crosses on the zebra crossing	The tram stops and lets the pedestrian go.
	A priority vehicle approaches	The tram also lets a vehicle with blue lights and a siren go first.
	A traffic controller or traffic light says stop	The tram also follows the controller and its own tram light.

Does the tram come from a side road with give-way markings while you are on the priority road? Then the tram waits for you. So always check first who has the signs and markings.

Does a tram have to stop at a zebra crossing?

Yes. Is a pedestrian crossing on the zebra crossing, or clearly about to cross? Then the tram stops, just like you. If there are traffic lights at the crossing, the tram follows its own tram light.

Who has priority, a tram or a pedestrian on a zebra crossing? The pedestrian. Read the rules for pedestrians in pedestrians and priority.

Is a tram a motor vehicle or a priority vehicle?

Neither. A tram is not a motor vehicle: Dutch law only calls vehicles that do not run on rails a motor vehicle. The tram driver is a driver, though. That is why the priority rules also apply to him.

A tram is not a priority vehicle either. That is only an emergency vehicle with blue lights and a siren. The tram does have its own priority rules, as you read above. Read more in priority vehicles.

Dutch traffic rules (RVV 1990), article 1 (definitions).

Traffic rules for trams and cars: stops, overtaking and rails

At a tram stop

Is a tram standing still with people getting on or off? If you pass on the side where they get off, let them get on and off first. Also watch for people crossing in front of or behind the tram.

May you overtake a tram on the right?

Yes. You may overtake a tram on the right. That is an exception to the rule that you overtake on the left. You do not have to: if there is too little room, you wait. All exceptions are in overtaking on the right.