Priority signs in Group B establish the flow of traffic at intersections and other conflict points by indicating who must yield and who has right of way. These signs help prevent confusion, ensure smoother movement through junctions, and reduce the risk of collisions. Understanding this group is essential for confident navigation and for answering theory-exam questions involving right-of-way rules.
An explanation of how Priority Signs (B) road signs apply in real traffic situations in the Netherlands. Learn where these signs are typically placed, what drivers are expected to do when they appear, and how correct reactions help you stay safe, avoid fines, and succeed in your Dutch driving theory exam.
Priority signs are fundamental to navigating almost any junction or intersection. You'll encounter the 'Priority Road' sign (B1) on roads that are designated as having the right of way, letting you proceed without yielding to traffic on side roads. Conversely, the 'End of Priority Road' sign (B2) signals that this advantage is over, and you may need to yield. At intersections where priority isn't automatically granted, you'll see 'Priority Intersection' signs (B3, B4, B5) that clearly show which direction of traffic has precedence. The most critical signs for yielding are 'Give Way' (B6) and 'Stop' (B7); these demand that you actively yield or stop your vehicle to allow other traffic, pedestrians, or cyclists to pass safely before you proceed. Recognizing these signs is paramount at every junction, from busy city streets to quieter rural crossings, ensuring you make the correct decisions to avoid collisions.
An overview of the key learning outcomes when studying the Priority Signs (B) road sign category. Understand the main concepts, sign meanings, and traffic situations covered here so you can recognise patterns, answer theory questions more confidently, and build a solid foundation for safe driving in the Netherlands.
Browse every road sign in the Priority Signs (B) category. Each sign includes a clear meaning, purpose, and examples of how it is used in the Netherlands, helping you build strong recognition skills and a detailed understanding of this group of Dutch traffic signs.
The B1 Priority Road sign means you have the right of way.
The B2 sign marks the end of your priority on the road.
The B4 sign means traffic from the left must yield at this intersection.
You have priority at this intersection where a side road joins from the right.
Master the B6 Give Way Sign: Your Key to Safe Junction Navigation
Clear answers to common questions about the Priority Signs (B) road sign category. Use this FAQ to review tricky rules, understand how these signs appear in exam scenarios, and remove confusion that often leads to mistakes in the Dutch driving theory exam in the Netherlands.
A 'Give Way' sign (B6) means you must yield to other traffic that has priority. You don't necessarily have to stop if the way is clear, but you must be prepared to stop if necessary. A 'Stop' sign (B7), however, requires you to come to a complete halt at the stop line or before entering the intersection, and only proceed when it is safe to do so, after yielding to all other traffic.
Not necessarily. A 'Priority Road' sign (B1) or a sign indicating priority from the right or left (B4, B5) means you generally have the right of way over traffic on intersecting roads. However, always remain vigilant. Other signs, traffic lights, or the presence of emergency vehicles can override standard priority rules. Your primary responsibility is always to drive safely and avoid collisions.
If you see a 'Priority Intersection' sign (B3, B4, or B5), pay close attention to the diagram on the sign. It shows the shape of the intersection and which road has priority. If you are on the priority road, you can proceed cautiously. If you are on a road that must yield, slow down, look carefully in both directions (especially for cyclists or vehicles from unexpected directions), and only proceed when you are certain it is safe and there is a sufficient gap in traffic.
A frequent trap involves questions about roundabouts or situations where signs might be obscured. Always remember that on a standard roundabout, traffic already on the roundabout generally has priority. Also, be aware that signs indicating priority can be complemented or superseded by traffic lights. If the question shows both, you must follow the traffic light signals. Examiners also test if you understand that a 'Stop' sign requires a full stop, even if no one is around.
The 'Priority Road' ends when you see the 'End of Priority Road' sign (B2). This sign looks like the 'Priority Road' sign (B1) but with a diagonal red bar through it. Once you see this sign, you no longer have automatic priority over traffic from side roads, and you should prepare to yield or stop as indicated by subsequent signs or general traffic rules.
