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Right of way at an uncontrolled junction: traffic from the right goes first (with animations)

By Mustafa Aybek · maker of Rijtheorie Hub · sources: RVV 1990, cbr.nl · last updated 2026-09-07

Right of way is the biggest topic in the theory exam, and the uncontrolled junction (gelijkwaardige kruising) is the base that every other rule builds on.

Animation from the app: Uncontrolled junction: traffic from the right goes first

At an equal (unmarked) intersection with no signs and no shark's-teeth: traffic coming from the RIGHT goes first.

Picture this: your right hand always holds an invisible sign saying 'ME FIRST'. On a bare junction with no signs, the car to your right waves that sign at you — you touch the brake and politely wave them through.

Exception: This rule does NOT apply to trams: a tram almost always goes first, even from the left. And note: 'right before left' only holds at a truly equal junction with no signs or road markings.

Equal (uncontrolled) intersections: the vehicle from the right goes first

At an equal intersection with no signs or markings, right always goes first.

No signs, shark's teeth, lights or priority road = equal
Traffic from the right has priority (Article 15 RVV 1990)
Applies to cars, motorcycles, mopeds and cyclists
Road width or busyness does not matter
Priority must be given, never taken
Amsterdam grids: nearly every junction equal, scan right

Exceptions and pitfalls

Cyclists and scooters/mopeds coming from the right ALSO have priority — this is by far the most common mistake in Amsterdam.
A wider, busier or 'more important-looking' road gives NO priority if there are no signs or markings; the shape of the road does not count.
The right-hand rule applies ONLY at equal intersections — the moment there are shark's teeth, signs, traffic lights or a priority road, it no longer applies.
Giving way ≠ taking way: if you have priority but the other driver does not stop, you must still brake to avoid a collision (liability is a separate matter).
At a T-junction the right-hand rule ALSO applies unless otherwise indicated; the through (straight) road has NO automatic priority.

Cyclist from the right

Animation from the app: Cyclist from the right

A cyclist is a driver too: coming from the right, they go first.

Most people scan a bare junction for cars only. The RVV has no 'minor' drivers: a bike from the right has exactly the same claim as a lorry from the right.

Exception: On a cycle path alongside a priority road the signs of that road apply — then the priority sign decides.

T-junction

Animation from the app: T-junction: traffic from the right goes first

At an unsigned T-junction the through road has NO automatic priority: right goes first.

This is the trap most people fall into. You are on the 'big' straight road and it feels like the main road — but with no sign and no shark's teeth, only the side traffic comes from counts.

Exception: If there are shark's teeth, a priority sign or traffic lights, those decide — not the shape of the junction.

Turning left: straight on goes first

Animation from the app: Turning left: oncoming traffic going straight goes first

When you turn left, you first let oncoming traffic go — cars, motorbikes, cyclists and pedestrians going straight ahead.

Turning left is a big arc straight across the other lane. Think of crossing a river: you wait until every boat heading straight at you has passed, and only then row calmly to the far bank.

Exception: The classic trap: people watch for oncoming cars but forget the fast cyclist or moped going straight on the cycle path you cross — look there extra carefully. And oncoming traffic that is ALSO turning left you usually pass front-to-front (offset).

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