Who Has Priority: The Bicycle or the Car? 81% Get This Wrong!
In daily traffic, there are situations that cause surprising confusion for many road users. One example is a T-junction, where a car wants to turn left and, at the same time, a cyclist from the opposite direction wants to turn right onto the same road.
Although many people think this scenario is straightforward, over 80% make a mistake here. The answer lies in a specific traffic rule that few people truly understand.
Why yielding sometimes feels counter-intuitive
Traffic rules exist to provide structure and safety, but they can sometimes conflict with what you intuitively think you should do—especially in unclear situations or when multiple traffic flows cross each other.
A typical example is a T-junction with a car turning left and a cyclist turning right from the opposite direction. It seems like a simple corner, but there’s a specific rule behind it that’s important to know.
T-junctions: more complicated than you think
At a T-junction, you might quickly assume that the driver on the main road always has priority. But that’s not always the case. In this scenario, you see a learner car waiting to turn left. At the same time, a cyclist approaches from the other side, wants to turn right, and enter the same road as the car. Who gets priority?
Car versus cyclist: who does what?
The car makes a wide left turn, the cyclist makes a short right turn. They approach from opposite directions and both want to enter the same road. This situation seems simple, but legally it is not always clear-cut.
Some might think: the car is bigger, is coming from the right, or is on the main road, so it should have priority. But that’s not correct here. The key concept is “the short turn goes before the long turn.”
The crucial traffic rule: short turn before long turn
What many people don’t know is that when turning, road users making a short turn (right turn) go before those making a long turn (left turn). In practice, this means someone turning right may go ahead of someone turning left—even if that means a cyclist goes before a car. This is called the “short turn before long turn” rule.
It’s not about who is faster, bigger, or on the main road (unless signs indicate otherwise). The main factor is which direction you’re turning and how your routes cross.
Vulnerable road users often have extra protection
Besides the turning rule, there’s another aspect: protection for vulnerable road users, like cyclists. They don’t have the bodywork or crumple zones of a car and are at much greater risk in a collision. The law takes this into account.
That’s why, when the rules allow for interpretation, the benefit of the doubt often goes to cyclists and pedestrians. It’s not only a matter of law, but also of common sense and traffic ethics.
What if you get it wrong?
If you don’t give the cyclist priority in this situation—even though they’re entitled to it—and an accident occurs, the responsibility almost always lies with the motorist. Especially if you’re in a driving school car, you’re expected to know and demonstrate safe, rule-abiding behavior.
Even if the cyclist is acting somewhat 'recklessly,' as a driver, you are expected to be extra alert. Cyclists and pedestrians generally get the benefit of the doubt in the eyes of the law due to their vulnerability.
Yielding is more than following rules
Driving isn’t just about literally applying the rules. Responsible road behavior also involves looking ahead, anticipating others, and understanding you’re not alone. A left turn may seem simple, but a wrong decision here can have big consequences.
Making eye contact with cyclists, slowing down, and being attentive are essential. The risk often comes just when you think: “I have priority.”
Why does 81% get it wrong?
The main mistake is assuming “the car always has priority” or “I’m on the main road.” However, in this case, it’s the turning direction that matters.
Additionally, Dutch traffic education focuses mostly on cars, while most people start cycling and have little practice with such complex situations. Add stress, unclear situations, or being in a rush—and the chance of mistakes skyrockets.
A helpful tip to remember
Use this mnemonic: Short turn before long turn.
That is: whoever is turning right goes first—applies not only between cars, but also between bikes and cars.
So what’s the right answer?
The cyclist has priority. Because they're making a short right turn, they go before the motorist who wants to make a left turn. This also applies to driving school cars and when there are no explicit road markings.
Conclusion
In traffic, knowledge is power. This scenario shows the importance of truly understanding the rules—especially when it concerns vulnerable road users like cyclists. Next time you face this situation, remember: short turn goes first. Cyclists before cars. Always.