Bromfiets or snorfiets: who rides where? (theory B)

You see both on Dutch roads: the bromfiets (moped, moped scooter) and the snorfiets (light moped). They look alike, but they don't ride in the same place or at the same speed. This comes up in the theory B exam: at a traffic sign, you as a car driver need to know whether to expect a moped next to you on the road, or a light moped on the cycle path. Here are the rules, with sources.

The difference in short

• Snorfiets: a moped that, according to the vehicle register, is built for a maximum of 25 km/h (RVV 1990, art. 1). Recognisable by its blue number plate.
• Bromfiets: maximum design speed 45 km/h, with a yellow number plate (Rijksoverheid).
• For both: at least 16 years old and an AM licence. A valid B (car) licence is also enough (Rijksoverheid).

Where does the snorfiets ride?

The rules for cyclists apply to snorfiets riders, unless stated otherwise (RVV art. 2b). So:

• Mandatory cycle path (sign G11) or cycle/moped path (sign G12a): the snorfiets rides there (art. 5(1)).
• No G11 or G12a path? Then on the road (rijbaan) (art. 5(2)).
• Optional cycle path (sign G13): allowed, but a snorfiets with a combustion engine only with the engine switched off (art. 5(3)).
• Extra sign under G11: the road authority can send snorfiets riders to the road. This is shown on an additional sign (onderbord) below the G11 sign (art. 5(8)). Amsterdam and Utrecht do this, for example (Rijksoverheid).
• Snorfiets riders may not ride two abreast; cyclists may (art. 3(2)).

Where does the bromfiets ride?

• On the cycle/moped path (G12a) (art. 6(1)).
• No G12a path? Then on the road (art. 6(2)).
• A bromfiets may not use the mandatory cycle path (G11) or the optional cycle path (G13): art. 6 only names the cycle/moped path and the road (Rijksoverheid). Only a G11 sign? Then the moped rides on the road, next to you.

How fast may they go?

• Snorfiets: 25 km/h everywhere (art. 22(d)).
• Bromfiets inside built-up areas: 30 km/h on the cycle/moped path, 45 km/h on the road (art. 20).
• Bromfiets outside built-up areas: 40 km/h on the cycle/moped path, 45 km/h on the road (art. 21).

Helmet

The rider and any passengers of a bromfiets and of a snorfiets must wear an approved, well-fitting helmet that is properly fastened (art. 60(1)).

What does this mean for you as a car driver?

• G11 sign without an extra sign: cyclists and snorfiets riders on the cycle path, mopeds on the road.
• G11 sign with an extra sign for snorfiets riders: expect snorfiets riders on the road too.
• G12a sign: mopeds and snorfiets riders use the path.

Tip from The Bro School

In an exam question, look at the sign first and then at any extra sign below it. If there is a two-wheeler in the photo, check the colour of the number plate: yellow is a bromfiets, blue is a snorfiets. You can practise exam-style questions in our theory packages. The CBR car theory exam has 50 questions; you need 44 correct, within 30 minutes.

Source: Reglement verkeersregels en verkeerstekens 1990 (RVV 1990), art. 1, 2b, 3, 5, 6, 20, 21, 22 and 60; Rijksoverheid: snorfiets and bromfiets.