Driving in the Netherlands: Road Rules and Regulations

From the artistic streets of Amsterdam to the historic windmills of Kinderdijk and the coastal dunes of Zeeland, the Netherlands is a country that blends the urban with the rural making it a rewarding country to drive through.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, understanding Dutch driving lws and requirements is essential. This handy guide provides key information and practical tips to help you prepare for your road trip through the Netherlands.

Emergency Telephone Number in the Netherlands

Emergency telephone are located along major roads and motorways and connect directly to emergency services.

The number for the emergency services is 112 which can be dialed from anywhere in Europe to reach the police, fire brigade or ambulance in the Netherlands.

Operators will be able to answer in Dutch or English, and sometimes in German or French.

Dutch Driving Licence Laws

To drive in the Netherlands you must be 18 years or older and hold a full, valid driving licence. Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required for most visitors but is recommended if your licence is not in English or Dutch.

If you plan to stay longer than 185 days, you might need to exchange your licence for a Dutch one.

What You Cannot Bring Into The Netherlands

When entering the Netherlands, certain items are restricted or prohibited.

You cannot bring:

• Meat or meat products
• Milk or dairy products

You cannot bring the following items without a phytosanitary certificate:

• Fresh fruit (except bananas, coconuts, dates, pineapples and durians)
• Vegetables
• Plants or plant products

Documents You Need to Drive in the Netherlands

If you’re driving a UK-registered vehicle, it can be temporarily imported for up to six months within a 12-month period. Make sure to always carry:

• A full, valid UK driving licence
• Passport or valid ID card
• Motor insurance certificate
• V5 vehicle registration document

If your number plate doesn’t include a UK or EU identifier, display a UK sticker when driving in the Netherlands.

Compulsory Equipment for Driving in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has fewer mandatory items than some European countries but the following are recommended or required:

• Warning triangles are required in case of breakdown or accident
• Reflective jackets are strongly recommended for use when exiting the vehicle on busy roads
• Headlamp beam deflectors are required for vehicles with left-hand headlights
• First aid kits and fire extinguishers are recommended but not compulsory

Dutch Rules of the Road

Seat Belt Law in the Netherlands

Seat belts must be worn by drivers and all passengers. If you fail to comply you may receive a fine.

What Side of the Road do They Drive on in the Netherlands?

They drive on the right-hand side of the road in the Netherlands.

How to Overtake in the Netherlands

If you want to overtake, you should do so on the left. When you’re passing cyclists or mopeds, you should maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 metres.

Overtaking is prohibited at the following:

• Pedestrian crossings
• Junctions or intersections where visibility is limited
• Near bends or hill crests

Who Has Priority in the Netherlands?

Vehicles coming from the right have priority unless otherwise indicated.

Those who always have priority include:

• Trams
• Buses leaving a stop
• Pedestrians at crossings
• Emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens

Using Your Horn in the Netherlands

Using your horn is restricted to emergency situations only and it’s illegal to use your horn in built-up areas unless it’s to prevent an accident.

Dutch Traffic Light System

The Netherlands uses the standard three-colour traffic system which is sometimes supplemented by directional arrows.

Speed Limits in the Netherlands

Dutch Speeding Fines

Fines are strict and can be issued on the spot with penalties increasing with the severity of the offence and can reach €1,000 or more for serious speeding.

Are Speed Camera Detectors Allowed?

Devices that detect or interfere with speed cameras are strictly prohibited. GPS navigation systems that provide general speed limit information are allowed.

Travelling with Children in the Netherlands

Children under 18 years old and shorter than 135 cm must use an approved child seat or restraint.

If the airbag is active rear facing seats are not allowed in the front.

Sharing the Road with Cyclists

The Netherlands is one of the most bike friendly countries in the world and they famously have more bicycles than residents. This means that when you’re driving in the Netherlands, it’s important to be aware of cyclists at all times, particularly during rush hours in urban areas.

• Make sure to yield to cyclists when they have right of way especially at crossings marked with white bicycle symbols.
• Don’t stop or park on red-coloured cycle lanes.
• Check for cyclists before you open car doors or making turns.

Driving Penalties and Fines

On-the-spot Fines

Police may issue on-the-spot fines for offences such as speeding, parking violations or not wearing a seat belt.

Minimum and Maximum Fines

Fines range from €50 to €1,000, depending on the nature and seriousness of the offence.

Vehicle Confiscation

In serious cases such as driving under the influence or driving uninsured, vehicles may be impounded or confiscated.

Parking in the Netherlands

Parking Regulations

Always park on the right-hand side of the road in the direction of traffic, unless signs state otherwise.

Don’t park within 5 metres of an intersection or pedestrian crossing.

Keep your engine switched off when you’re parked.

Paid Parking

Most cities in the Netherlands will use pay-and-display machines or mobile apps. All blue zones will require you to display a parking disc in your windscreen which shows your arrival time.

Disabled Parking Access

The Netherlands recognises the European Blue Badge. Disabled spaces are marked with the international wheelchair symbol.

Toll Roads in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has very few toll roads but there are a few exceptions. These include:

• The Westerschelde Tunnel (N62)
• The Kiltunnel near Dordrecht

Toll payments can be made by cash or card at automated booths.

Alcohol Limits

Legal Limit

For private drivers the legal limit is a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05%.

Professional or novice drivers (those who have been driving for less than five years) have a maximum BAC of 0.02%.

Random Breath Tests

Police can conduct random breath tests at any time. Driving under the influence can lead to hefty fines, licence suspension and even in extreme cases, imprisonment.

Fuel

Petrol stations are common with many of them operating 24/7 on motorways – please note that some petrol stations in rural areas might close overnight.

Unleaded petrol (E10 and E5), diesel and LPG are all available.

Hiring a Car in the Netherlands

• The minimum age of hiring a car in the Netherlands is usually 21+ but this may vary by provider
• You will need to have held a full, valid licence for one year
• A credit card in the main driver’s name is typically required
• You should ceck with your rental company if you plan to travel outside the Netherlands
• Purchase a car rental excess insurance policy for additional protection

Taking the time to familiarise yourself with Dutch driving laws so you know what to expect as well as having the proper documentation will allow you to enjoy a safe journey through the Netherlands. Don’t forget your excess insurance for rental cars from Cover4Rentals too so you can enjoy peace of mind on the roads as well.