Netherlands checklist car: what is mandatory in the car in the Netherlands?

You are not obliged to take safety items in your car in the Netherlands, but we do recommend you do so. A first aid kit, a warning triangle and a safety vest on board of your car could be a life saver for you or your family.

Mandatory in the car in the Netherlands, checklist

As a driver in the Netherlands, you are not obliged to have specific safety items in your car. We do of course recommend you do.

• Warning triangle – You do not need a warning triangle in the car in the Netherlands, but if your car or camper is stationary on the road due to a breakdown or an accident and is an obstacle to traffic, you are obliged to warn other road users with a warning triangle. If the warning lights are working and switched on, you do not need to place a warning triangle. If the warning lights are not working, you should place a warning triangle about 30 m behind your car. Make sure that the triangle is clearly visible to other traffic. You do not have to mark a motor vehicle on two wheels with a warning triangle.
• Safety vest – It is not mandatory to have a safety vest in the car or to use a safety vest in the event of a breakdown or accident. We recommend you to bring a safety vest for every passenger.
• Spare bulbs – You don’t need to have spare bulbs in the car. But if you are put aside by the police because of a broken lamp, you can often avoid a fine by replacing the lamp on the spot.

Other items to take with you in the car in the Netherlands

• You do not need to have a first-aid kit or fire extinguisher in the car in the Netherlands.
• Spare glasses – It is not mandatory to bring spare glasses in the Netherlands, but we recommend drivers with a driving license stating that they wear glasses or contact lenses (restriction code 01) to bring spare glasses.

Here you will find more information about The Netherlands.