While the Netherlands has a pretty good public transport system and people here love cycling, driving remains a popular way of getting around. Our driving section covers everything you need to know about using a car and driving in the Netherlands - from driving licences to traffic fines.
First things first, you should acquaint yourself with the driving rules in the Netherlands, as there may be a few that differ from those in your home country.
In the Netherlands, you are not obliged to carry safety items in your car. However, it is advised to make sure your car contains the following:
Please note that while you are not obliged to have a warning triangle in your car, in certain situations it is mandatory to use one, for instance, if your hazard lights are not working.
In December 2019, the Dutch government decided to reduce the maximum speed on motorways from 120 or 130 km/h to 100 km/h during the day between 6am and 7pm. Between 7pm and 6am, you are allowed to drive at 120 or 130 km/h on motorways (depending on the road).
In the Netherlands, there is no minimum speed you need to adhere to. However, if you drive so slowly that you obstruct or endanger other traffic, you may get a fine. On motorways, there is a minimum construction speed (how fast a vehicle must be able to drive in order to be allowed to drive on a particular road).
Here's an overview of the speed limits (in km/h) for different types of roads in the Netherlands:
| Motorways | Expressways | Outside built-up areas | Inside built-up areas | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles | 130 | 100 | 80 | 50 |
| Trucks and buses | 80 | 80 | 80 | 50 |
| T100 buses | 100 | 100 | 80 | 50 |
| Company vehicle category campers, heavier than 3.500kg | 80 | 80 | 80 | 50 |
| Passenger cars, commercial vehicles, T100 buses and motorcycles with trailer, under 3.500kg | 90 | 90 | 80 | 50 |
| Passenger cars, commercial vehicles, T100 buses and motorcycles with trailer, over 3.500kg | 80 | 80 | 80 | 50 |
| Trucks and buses (excluding T100) with a trailer | 80 | 80 | 80 | 50 |
| Microcars | - | - | 45 | 45 |
| Motor-assisted bicycles, agricultural vehicles and motor vehicles with restricted speed | - | - | 25 | 25 |
It is prohibited to drive a vehicle if you are under the influence of a substance that you know (or should know) can impair your driving skills (drugs, certain medication, too much alcohol). This pertains to all drivers, including cyclists.
The maximum permitted blood alcohol level is 0,5 per mille. This also applies to cyclists. However, stricter rules apply to novice drivers; for them, the maximum permitted blood alcohol level is 0,2 per mille.
It is prohibited to hold a mobile electronic device while driving a vehicle or to clamp it between your ear and shoulder. This also applies to cyclists. You are allowed to hold your mobile phone when the vehicle is not moving.
The use of a dashcam is not prohibited in the Netherlands. However, if you plan on publishing the images, you must take the privacy of the people in the images into consideration.
Drivers and passengers on motorcycles and mopeds (bromfiets) must wear safety helmets. As of January 1, 2023, you must wear a safety helmet on a light moped (snorfiets) as well. Not doing so could result in a fine of 100 euros.
It is forbidden to ride on the cycle path with a moped (bromfiets). Moped drivers must use the bicycle/moped path. If there is none, they are allowed on the road.
Please note that the maximum speed limit for mopeds is 45km/h on roads (within and outside built-up area). On the bicycle/moped path, it's 30km/h in a built-up area and 40km/h outside a built-up area.
For an overview of all the traffic rules in the Netherlands, you can download the PDF Road Traffic Signs and Regulations in the Netherlands or view the most up-to-date version on the government’s website (in Dutch). Make sure you know the traffic rules in the Netherlands - you don’t want to get a traffic fine.
If you are going to be driving in the Netherlands, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the kinds of roads you will be driving on.
The Netherlands has one of the world’s most dense road networks with 139.000 kilometres of public roads, including at least 3.530 kilometres of motorways and expressways. The country also has one of the densest motorway networks in the world with a motorway density of 64 kilometres per 1.000 square kilometres. Most roads also support cyclists, except for motorways and expressways.
There are different types of roads to be found in the Netherlands:
The Dutch designation for motorways is autosnelwegen or snelwegen, and they are numbered and signposted with an A and up to three digits. These roads may only be used by vehicles that are capable and legally allowed to go at least 60 kilometres per hour (km/h). The maximum speed on motorways is 100 km/h between 6am and 7pm, and 120 or 130 km/h between 7pm and 6am.
Here are some notable motorways in the Netherlands:
With a traffic volume of 140.000 vehicles a day, this is the busiest Dutch motorway.
With 110.000 vehicles a day, this is the busiest four-lane motorway in the Netherlands.
This is the widest motorway in the Netherlands with 16 lanes (4+4+4+4).
On average, the busiest motorways can be found in the province of Utrecht, as major motorways A1, A2, A12, A27 and A28 run through it.
Expressways that do not (fully) meet motorway standards are called autowegen. These roads are numbered as well and usually signposted with an N (non-motorway) and up to three digits, and almost all of these roads are national or provincial roads. The maximum speed limit for N-roads is indicated by signage and varies depending on the road’s location.
Stadsroutes (city routes) are a type of arterial road or city ring road. These roads are numbered from 100 or 101 and signposted with an S. These types of roads can be found in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Almere, Zaanstad, Heerlen and Nijmegen. The maximum speed on S-roads is 50 km/h, except for arterials with a dual carriageway (70km/h).
It’s also worth acquainting yourself with the different kinds of traffic signs you are likely to encounter on Dutch roads. Our guide to Dutch road signs walks you through the most important points.
What happens when you violate Dutch traffic rules? How much will you be fined? Will you have to go to court? It all depends on the offence. The more serious the violation, the higher the fine. Learn more about traffic fines in the Netherlands.
Whether or not you are allowed to use your foreign driving licence to drive a car in the Netherlands depends on a number of things. After arriving in the Netherlands, new expats can use their driving licence for a certain period of time. The length of validity of the licence depends on the country of issue.
Are you planning to stay in the Netherlands long-term? If so, it might be worth exchanging your foreign driving licence for a Dutch one. Read more about using a foreign driving licence in the Netherlands or exchanging your licence for a Dutch one (including taking the Dutch driving tests).
If you are looking to get your own set of wheels in the Netherlands, you might consider buying a car. Are there any requirements expats need to be aware of when buying a car here? And how does it work when you want to buy a second-hand car? Find out all you need to know about buying a car in the Netherlands.
If you want your own car but don’t want to buy one outright - for instance if you’re not sure how long you’ll remain in the Netherlands - you could always consider leasing a car instead! To be able to lease a car in this country, you will need to adhere to a few requirements, however. Find out more about car lease in the Netherlands.
If you buy a car in the Netherlands, or import one here from abroad, you’ll need to register the vehicle at your local vehicle registration office, an RDW testing centre, or a vehicle registration service desk. If you buy a car from a dealership, they may handle the paperwork for you, but otherwise you’ll be responsible for transferring ownership to yourself. Find out how to register a vehicle in the Netherlands.
As the owner of a vehicle in the Netherlands, you may be required to pay vehicle taxes to the Belastingdienst, including:
Find out more about these different types of taxes, who has to pay them, and how to pay, on our page on motor vehicle taxes in the Netherlands.
On top of this, WA or motor vehicle insurance is compulsory for all drivers. If you drive a vehicle in the Netherlands, you need to purchase at least third-party liability insurance. Read more about car insurance in the Netherlands.
If you have a vehicle registered under your name in the Netherlands, you are personally responsible for making sure it undergoes a periodic vehicle inspection (APK). This inspection needs to be carried out by a garage or testing station which is approved by the RDW. Your vehicle needs to be tested annually or every two years to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy, safe for the environment, and registered correctly. Find out more about the periodic vehicle inspection in the Netherlands.
If you are relocating to this country for a longer period of time, you may want to import your car to the Netherlands. If you want to drive your car legally, there are a couple of things you need to do. They include registering your car, paying the necessary taxes and getting a Dutch licence plate.
Finally, before you hit the road, you should know where and how you can refuel your car. How much does it cost to refuel your car in the Netherlands? What type of fuel is available at petrol stations in the Netherlands? Where is your nearest recharging point for electric cars or hybrid cars in the Netherlands?
Petrol stations in the Netherlands are usually located in and around major cities, and along motorways. Shell owns the largest number of petrol stations in the Netherlands, followed by Tinq.
Most petrol stations are open 24/7, or at least between the hours of 7am and 8pm Monday to Friday. On weekends, opening times may vary as some stations are closed on Sundays.
Many fuel pump stations in the Netherlands are self-service pumps. Generally, you can pay with a bank card, credit card or fuel card at the pump. During regular opening hours you can pay with cash as well. At some fuel stations you can pay via mobile app.
When it comes to fuel prices, in the Netherlands, prices are generally higher at fuel stations on the motorway. On Saturdays, the highest discounts are given, while it’s hard to find discounted prices on Mondays. Also, refuelling in the morning is often more expensive than refuelling in the evening.
Furthermore, fuel costs are updated regularly in the Netherlands. You can check the up-to-date price per litre in Europe here. Please note that the stated prices are the recommended retail prices and indicative.
There are various types of fuel available in the Netherlands, including:
The Netherlands features one of the densest networks of charging points for electric vehicles in the world, with more than 60.000 public charging points. There are also around 1.800 high-power charging points, where you can recharge your car in around 30 minutes. There are various apps available that show an up-to-date overview of recharging points in the Netherlands.
If your car breaks down while you are on the road, it is important to put it as far to the right as possible, with the wheels turned to the right. You should also turn on your hazard lights. All occupants should get out of the car on the right-hand side and get behind the guardrail, if possible, to wait for roadside assistance. If you are in a life-threatening situation, always call emergency number 112 first.
Roadside assistance or pechhulp can be called in in various ways, for instance, via your car dealer, lease company, car insurance, ANWB Wegenwacht or Route Mobiel. The roadside assistance service can help fix your car or they can tow the car for you when this is not possible.
For up-to-date traffic information, including traffic jams and accidents, you can check the site of Rijkswaterstaat.