Overtaking in the Netherlands: when is it allowed and when not? (theory B)

Overtaking is one of the moments in traffic where things can go wrong fast, which is why it shows up in the CBR car theory exam (B). The basic rule is short, but there are exceptions and places where overtaking is banned. Here is everything in one place, with the article from the Dutch traffic rules (Reglement verkeersregels en verkeerstekens 1990, RVV 1990) for each rule.

The basic rule: overtake on the left

• Overtaking is done on the left (RVV 1990, art. 11(1)).
• Signal: if you want to overtake another motor vehicle, you use your indicator (art. 55).
• Changing lanes is a special manoeuvre: you let other traffic go first (art. 54).
• Then move back right: drivers keep to the right as much as possible (art. 3(1)).

When may you overtake on the right?

• Traffic turning left: a driver who has moved to the left and signals left is overtaken on the right (art. 11(2)).
• Trams may be overtaken on the right (art. 11(5)).
• Block markings: if you are to the right of a block marking (for example on an exit lane), you may overtake traffic to the left of that marking on the right (art. 11(4)).
• Traffic jams may be overtaken on the right (art. 13(2)).
• Cyclists overtake each other on the left, but may overtake other drivers on the right (art. 11(3)). Keep that in mind when you turn right.

Where are you not allowed to overtake?

• Just before or on a zebra crossing: overtaking a vehicle just before or on a pedestrian crossing is prohibited (art. 12).
• Solid line: you may not cross it. Where a solid and a broken line run side by side, you may only cross from the side of the broken line (art. 76).
• Sign F1: motor vehicles may not overtake each other; sign F2 ends that ban. Sign F3 bans lorries from overtaking motor vehicles; F4 ends it (RVV 1990, annex I).
• When you can't see far enough: you must always be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear (art. 19). So overtaking before a bend, a hilltop or with oncoming traffic is a bad idea. And you may never cause danger (Road Traffic Act 1994, art. 5).

An exam trap: sign F1 and cyclists

Sign F1 applies to motor vehicles overtaking each other. Under RVV 1990 (art. 1), mopeds (bromfietsen) and bicycles are not motor vehicles. So sign F1 does not ban overtaking a cyclist or moped rider. A solid line still applies, and you must do it safely with enough room.

Tip from The Bro School

For an overtaking question in the exam, run through three checks: 1) Is there a ban (sign F1/F3, solid line, zebra crossing)? 2) Is this an exception where overtaking on the right is allowed (left-turning driver, tram, traffic jam, block marking)? 3) Is it safe, can you see far enough? Practise questions like these with our theory packages, in Dutch, Arabic or English.

Source: RVV 1990, art. 1, 3, 11, 12, 13, 19, 54, 55, 76 and annex I (signs F1–F4) and Wegenverkeerswet 1994, art. 5 (wetten.overheid.nl, consulted 28-10-2026)