Giving way to buses and trams

Here you will find an overview of the most important rules about giving way in interaction with buses and trams in traffic.

Giving way to the bus

On roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h or lower, drivers must give way to buses when the bus driver signals that the bus intends to leave the bus stop.

The bus driver should use the turn signal indicator and avoid creating a dangerous situation. Even if the bus driver does not use turn signals, the driver must give way if the situation clearly shows that the bus is about to leave the stop. This applies regardless of whether or not the bus stop is in a lay-by (bus bay). You also need to be prepared to stop for pedestrians who may be stepping out into the road.

Giving way to the tram (streetcar)

You are required to give way to the tram and must allow it free passage, regardless of whether you are walking, driving or cycling.

Pedestrians at pedestrian crossings without traffic lights must wait until the tram has passed before they cross the street.

Driving a car, you have a duty to drive in a way that does not obstruct the tram. As a general rule, cars are required to give way, even at intersections where the tram comes from the left. However, tram drivers must follow traffic lights and signs. For example, this means that the tram must give way when it enters a roundabout, or when it enters a priority road.

You are also required to give way

  • when you come from a side street, regardless of whether the tram comes from the right or left
  • when you are turning at an intersection where the tram passes
  • if you are going to overtake a tram that is at a stop

It is illegal to overtake the tram before a pedestrian crossing, and when visibility is obscured.

Give the tram enough space

Trams cannot swerve to avoid a hindrance and need plenty of space, especially in curves and roundabouts. If other road users get too close or block the tracks, dangerous situations and delays may occur. 

  • Parking too close to the tram track; collisions between the tram and the parked cars. The tram needs at least 70 centimetres on each side of the tracks on a straight road and up to 1.3 metres at a bend. If cars are parked too close to the tram track, this may result in major delays for the tram. 
  • Driving too close to the tram at a bend. A car driving too close to the tram at a bend may be hit by the rear of the tram. The rear of the tram will swing out up to 1.3 metres outside the tracks at a bend.
  • Trams in roundabouts. The tram has a different driving pattern at roundabouts than other vehicles, in that it runs through the central traffic island. The tram is required to give way when entering the roundabout, and other road users are required to give it free passage out of the roundabout.

The tram takes a long time to brake

Trams cannot swerve away, and they need a long distance to stop. In addition, they carry many passengers. It is therefore important that other road users give way as required, both to avoid accidents and to ensure mobility for the tram. Sudden braking may lead to passengers on board falling and injuring themselves, and a collision may have serious consequences in terms of damage and injury.

Giving way