Challenge
The name 'tram/bus light' sounds like it only applies to two vehicle types. The CBR exam designer knows you take that name literally — and tests exactly the driver who happens to be, lawfully, on that same lane. Four special lights, four sets of their own rules: tram/bus, level crossing, bridge, lane.
Read this section on its own page: Challenge: Special lights: tram/bus, level crossing, bridge and lane
The model
Tram/bus light: white=go, yellow/red=stop — and applies to you too if you are lawfully on that bus lane. Level-crossing light: white flashing=no train, red flashing=stop. Bridge light: red (flashing)=stop. Lane light: green arrow=follow, white arrow=pre-warning, red cross=do not follow.
Read this section on its own page: The model: Special lights: tram/bus, level crossing, bridge and lane
Core
The tram/bus light applies to tram and scheduled-bus drivers following the indicated direction, but ALSO to drivers of other vehicles lawfully using that same bus lane or bus strip — the name does not cover the full scope. At a level crossing the intuition flips: white flashing means 'no train is approaching', so you may proceed; only red flashing means stop. At a bridge it is simpler: red or red flashing always means stop, without the level crossing's white-flashing-means-go nuance. In lane signalling (also called a matrix sign) the white arrow — not a yellow one — is the pre-warning for a red cross; the red cross itself bans the lane completely, even in a jam. A bicycle light within this whole system stays separate: it only applies to cyclists, moped riders on a cycle/moped path and mobility scooters.
Read this section on its own page: Core: Special lights: tram/bus, level crossing, bridge and lane
Why it matters
These lights govern physically different risks: a missed red level-crossing light can mean a collision with a train; an ignored red cross on the A12 near Apeldoorn during rush hour turns a closed lane into a surprise for the driver behind you. These are not decorative variants of the ordinary traffic light — each regulates its own, real-life situation.
Read this section on its own page: Why it matters: Special lights: tram/bus, level crossing, bridge and lane
Source: RVV 1990 art. 70 · RVV 1990 art. 71 · RVV 1990 art. 72 · RVV 1990 art. 73 · RVV 1990 art. 74 · checked 2026-10-22
Frequently asked questions
‘Tram/bus lights apply only to trams and scheduled buses; other vehicles may ignore them’ – is that true?
No. Tram/bus lights ALSO apply to drivers of other vehicles lawfully using a bus lane or bus strip the light relates to. If you are permitted on that lane, the light applies to you too
‘At a level crossing, a white flashing light means there is danger and you must stop’ – is that true?
No. A white flashing light at a level crossing means exactly the opposite: no train is approaching, you may proceed. Only the red flashing light means stop
‘A red cross above a lane means you may still use that lane when it is busy and the other lanes are jammed’ – is that true?
No. A red cross means the lane may NOT be used, full stop. The hard shoulder may only be used in genuine emergencies (breakdown, accident), not for ordinary congestion
‘A yellow flashing arrow pointing diagonally down is, in lane signalling, the pre-warning for a red cross’ – is that true?
No. The pre-warning for a red cross is a WHITE arrow, not a yellow one. Colour codes differ per sign system
‘At pedestrian lights, a flashing green means pedestrians may no longer start to cross’ – is that true?
No. Flashing green in fact means crossing is still allowed; it only warns that the red light will appear soon. Only red means you may no longer start
