Our north-western neighbor has a lot to offer for a shopping trip, a city break, a cycling vacation or a vacation by the sea. Not only the relatively short journey, but also its diversity make the Netherlands a popular destination with your own vehicle. But what traffic rules actually apply in the Netherlands, what speed limit applies and what about tolls and mandatory high-visibility vests? In the following, I will give you an insight into driving in our neighboring country – of course, I will also refer to caravans and motorhomes.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- Speed limit Netherlands
- Parking in the Netherlands
- Tolls in the Netherlands
- Dimensions of the vehicle size
- Blood alcohol limit Netherlands
- High visibility vests in the Netherlands
- Low emission zones in the Netherlands
- Summer tires, winter tires and snow chains in the Netherlands
- Emergency numbers in the Netherlands
- Driving with children in the Netherlands
- Other traffic rules in the Netherlands
- Good to know in the Netherlands!
Speed limit Netherlands
There are also speed limits in the Netherlands and these should be adhered to, otherwise it can get really expensive. But what are the maximum speeds in the Netherlands? You can find an overview of the speed limits here:
Maximum speed in the Netherlands for cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t
- In urban areas 50 km/h
- Out of town 80 km/h
- Expressways: 100 km/h
- Freeways: 100 km/h (temporary deviations upwards possible)
Speed limit in the Netherlands for motorhomes over 3.5 t up to 7.5 t
- In urban areas 50 km/h
- Out of town 80 km/h
- Expressways: 80 km/h
- Freeways: 80 km/h
Speed limit in the Netherlands for caravans and trailers up to 3.5t
- In urban areas 50 km/h
- Out of town 80 km/h
- Expressways: 90 km/h
- Freeways: 90 km/h
Speed limit in the Netherlands for caravans with trailers over 3.5t
- In urban areas 50 km/h
- Out of town 80 km/h
- Expressways: 80 km/h
- Freeways: 80 km/h
Info
Expressways in Holland are signposted with a white car on a blue background.
Parking in the Netherlands
There are special regulations in the Netherlands, not only for driving but also for parking. I present the most important ones here:
- Yellow marking means no parking.
- Blue marking means parking with parking disk.
- Stopping and parking is prohibited in the tunnel.
- Stopping and parking is prohibited at bus stops (black and white line).
- Parking violations are relatively expensive in the Netherlands.
Tolls in the Netherlands
There is no general toll obligation in the Netherlands; driving on the highways is generally free of charge. Exceptions are individual tunnels where a toll is charged, such as the Kiltunnel or the Westerschelde Tunnel. The amount of the toll depends on the length and height of the vehicle.
Dimensions of the vehicle size
In the Netherlands, a maximum width of 2.55 meters applies to trailers/caravans (with load) and a maximum length of 12 meters (including drawbar). Single-axle trailers up to 750 kg are an exception; these may be a maximum of 8 meters long. The combination may not exceed a maximum length of 18 meters. Exceptions are only possible after approval.
Blood alcohol limit Netherlands
A blood alcohol limit of 0.5 applies in the Netherlands, although lower values apply to novice drivers. The blood alcohol limit for novice drivers in the Netherlands and the other provinces is 0.2, which applies for the first five years – the exception is if the driver’s license was obtained under the age of 18, in which case the blood alcohol limit of 0.2 applies for seven years.
High visibility vests in the Netherlands
Contrary to the traffic regulations in Germany, a high-visibility vest is not compulsory in the Netherlands. However, it is recommended for your own safety. However, carrying a first aid kit and a warning triangle is mandatory in the Netherlands.
- Nach StVZO und EU Norm zugelassen
- Passt in viele vorbereitete Räume und Haltevorrichtungen der Fahrzeuge
- 1 x Erste Hilfe Kasten Auto mit Verbandsmaterial nach DIN 13164, erfüllt die Anforderung laut…
- Kleiner KFZ Verbandskasten, einer der kompaktesten Verbandskästen in Europa. Findet in jedem PKW…
Low emission zones in the Netherlands
There are low emission zones in some Dutch regions and cities. These also apply to foreign vehicles. Low emission zones are referred to as“milieu zones” in Holland and the other provinces.
Which vehicles are allowed to drive and which are not allowed to drive in these zones varies locally. In Amsterdam, for example, there is a ban on entry for motorhomes of class N1 with first registration before 2000 and, from fall 2020, also for diesel vehicles with Euro 0-3 standards.
You can find an overview of all zones and conditions here.
Summer tires, winter tires and snow chains in the Netherlands
- There is no general winter tire requirement in the Netherlands.
- The use of snow chains is not permitted in the Netherlands.
- Spikes may also not be used in the Netherlands.
- The vehicle tires must have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm.
Emergency numbers in the Netherlands
Info
Uniform emergency number: 112
Police: 112
Fire brigade: 112
Ambulance: 112
Non-emergency police: 0900 – 8844
From cell phone: Dutch area code 0031 + emergency number
ADAC breakdown assistance: 0049 89 22 22 22[/su_note]
Driving with children in the Netherlands
Children under the age of 18 and smaller than 1.35 meters must be transported in a child seat that corresponds to their weight and height.
Other traffic rules in the Netherlands
- Seat belts are compulsory in the Netherlands.
- Cell phones on the ear and in the hand are prohibited for the driver while driving and can be expensive. Hands-free systems are permitted.
- Pay attention to the signs when driving on traffic circles! The general rule in Holland is that the vehicle entering the traffic circle has right of way – even though there are now more and more traffic circles where the rules are similar to those in Germany. Please also pay attention to cyclists!
- Rail vehicles have right of way at intersections.
- Buses approaching from a lay-by have right of way.
- The use of speed camera warning devices is prohibited – even those built into navigation systems.
- Overnight stays in cars on roads and parking lots are not permitted.
- In the Netherlands, a breakaway cable / safety cable is mandatory for caravans (both braked and unbraked). You can find details about the breakaway cable here.
Good to know in the Netherlands!
- So-called shark’s teeth (white triangles) on the ground regulate the right of way.
- Red/white warning signs are not mandatory for roof or rear loading.
- Smoking in cars is still permitted in the Netherlands. However, the introduction of a smoking ban is under discussion.
- Be careful when driving other people’s vehicles or hiring out your own car, as owner liability applies in the Netherlands.
- Cyclists only have right of way if they are coming from the right, but you should always pay attention to them twice, especially when entering and exiting traffic circles, which you often pass in the Netherlands.
- Every country has its own special traffic signs. The Netherlands also has its own special features. Here you will find an overview of all traffic signs that are used in the Netherlands.
I hope this overview of traffic rules in the Netherlands is helpful for you. As you can see, the rules of the road in Holland are very similar to those in Germany, but it is still interesting to know a few things about driving and safety there. I wish you a good and safe motorhome or car trip in the Netherlands.
All information is as of September 2020.
Cover picture: (c) Tanja Klose
Letzte Aktualisierung der Preise am 2025-09-06 / Affiliate Links / Bilder von der Amazon Product Advertising API
