Trams in the Netherlands: priority, overtaking and tram stops
At junctions you give way to trams, also when they come from your left. You may overtake a tram on the right. When you pass a stationary tram on the side where passengers get on and off, you give them the chance to do so. Tram and bus lanes are not for cars, and the tram signals with white bars are not for you.
Priority: the tram goes first
The general rule at Dutch junctions is that traffic from the right goes first. Trams are an exception: drivers give way to a tram, wherever it comes from (article 15). The rule for turning does not apply to tram drivers either (article 18), so a tram that turns does not give way to you going straight on.
Traffic lights and directions from a police officer come before these rules. Many tram crossings have lights; then you follow the lights.
Overtaking a tram
You normally overtake on the left. A tram is the exception: you may overtake it on the right (article 11), which is often the only side where there is room. Keep enough distance from the rails, and watch for passengers at stops.
Tram stops
Many tram stops have a platform in the middle of the road. Where they do not, passengers cross the road to get on or off. If you want to pass a stationary tram on the side where passengers get on and off, you must give them the chance to do so (article 52). In practice you stop and wait until the doors are clear.
Tram lanes, bus lanes and tram signals
| What you see | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| A lane with the word BUS | Only for buses and trams. Not for cars (article 81). |
| A lane with the word LIJNBUS | Only for scheduled buses and trams. |
| Signals with white bars or dots | Tram (and sometimes bus) signals. You follow the normal traffic lights. |
| Rails in your lane | Take care in the wet and with narrow tyres; cross rails at as wide an angle as you safely can. |
The exam trap: a tram coming from the left at a junction without signs or lights. Normally traffic from the right goes first, but a tram is the exception. The tram goes first.
More on the general priority rules: priority rules in the Netherlands. Trams at roundabouts: roundabouts in the Netherlands.
Frequently asked questions
Do trams always have priority in the Netherlands?
At junctions, yes: you give way to trams, also when they come from your left. Where traffic lights or a police officer direct traffic, you follow those.
Can I overtake a tram on the right?
Yes. Overtaking normally happens on the left, but you may overtake a tram on the right.
What do I do at a tram stop without a platform?
If you want to pass a stationary tram on the side where passengers get on and off, you must give them the chance to do so. In practice: stop and wait until they have crossed.
Can I drive on a tram or bus lane?
No. A lane marked BUS may only be used by buses and trams; a lane marked LIJNBUS only by scheduled buses and trams.
Do tram traffic lights apply to me?
No. Trams often have their own signals with white bars or dots. Those are for trams (and sometimes buses); you follow the normal red, amber and green lights.
Sources, checked on 3 November 2026:
Written by Nawfal Serraji, traffic law specialist and founder of HaalTheorie.