Netherlands traffic rules
Which traffic rules apply in the Netherlands? We have listed the most important general rules for you.
Traffic rules in general
Some important general traffic rules of the Netherlands are mentioned here, including a number of traffic regulations that may deviate from your home country.
Drive safely
- In the Netherlands it is forbidden to behave in such a way that you endanger or hinder other road users (or could do so).
Driving and alcohol in the Netherlnds
- 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 to such an extent that you can no longer drive the vehicle properly. This means that all drivers, including cyclists, are punishable if they drive a vehicle under the influence of (too much) alcohol, drugs or certain medicines.
Alcohol in traffic in the Netherlands
- The maximum permitted blood alcohol level is 0.5 per mille (or 220 micrograms per liter of exhaled air in a breathalyzer). This also applies to cyclists.
- Stricter rules apply to novice drivers; for them, the maximum permitted blood alcohol level is 0.2 per mille.
- The lower limit of 0.2 per mil also applies if there is alcohol use in combination with drug use.
Drugs in traffic in the Netherlands
- It is prohibited to drive a vehicle under the influence of hard drugs or soft drugs, such as cocaine, XTC and cannabis.
- The presence of drugs in the body can be determined by means of a saliva test.
- A police officer can also recognize drug use by external characteristics. A doctor or nurse can then draw blood from the driver and have this blood sample tested.
- There are strict legal limits on drug use in traffic.
Medicines in traffic in the Netherlands
- It is forbidden to drive a vehicle under the influence of drugs that reduce the reaction time, such as sleeping pills, sedatives, muscle relaxants and medicines for hypersensitivity.
- You can recognize these medicines by a yellow warning sticker on the packaging.
Mobile phone in traffic in the Netherlands
- It is prohibited to hold a mobile electronic device (for example, a mobile phone, tablet or media player) while driving a vehicle. For example, you are not allowed to make handheld calls, use apps, read your email or send text messages while driving. This also applies to cyclists since 1 July 2019.
- It is also prohibited to clamp the phone between your ear and shoulder while driving.
- Hands-free calling is allowed. Operation via the dashboard or the steering wheel and also voice control are allowed.
- You can hold your phone while the vehicle is stationary.
Basic traffic rules for traffic in the Netherlands
- You have to drive on the right and overtake on the left.
Priority
- At an equivalent intersection (where there are no right-of-way signs, shark teeth or traffic lights), you must give way to drivers ahead of you from the right. There are two exceptions to this general priority rule:
- If you are driving on an unpaved road, you must give way to drivers on a paved road.
- You must always give way to trams, even if they come from the left.
- Drivers who turn must let all road users go straight ahead, including pedestrians (in short: straight ahead on the same road takes precedence). This does not apply to tram drivers.
- You have to let go of priority vehicles that carry optical and sound signals, such as a police car, fire truck or ambulance with siren and flashing light.
- In the city limits areas, you must give way to the driver of a bus who indicates with his direction indicator that he wants to leave the bus stop.
- You must let pedestrians cross, or are about to cross, on a pedestrian crossing (zebra crossing)
- When performing a special maneuver, such as pulling away, reversing, or turning, you must give way to all other traffic. Even if, for example, you enter an entrance, leave an exit, enter or exit or change lanes, you must give way to other traffic.
Roundabouts in the Netherlands
- Most roundabouts in the Netherlands have priority signs and shark teeth for drivers approaching the roundabout. This means that drivers who want to enter the roundabout must give way to drivers who are already on the roundabout.
- Please note: If there are no priority signs or other traffic signs at a roundabout, drivers from the right have right of way. Drivers already driving on the roundabout must then give way to drivers entering the roundabout.
- Only when you leave the roundabout, you are required to indicate direction to the right.
- Pedestrians on a pedestrian crossing and cyclists on a red bicycle lane on the roundabout have right of way. Cyclists, moped riders and pedestrians who follow the road at a roundabout in the built-up area also have priority over cars that turn (straight ahead on the same road).
- Note: Not all road users are aware of the (often complicated) right of way situation at a roundabout. Therefore, if in doubt, do not take right of way and pay close attention to other traffic.
To take over in the Netherlands
- You have to overtake on the left.
- You can overtake on the right in the following situations:
- When a driver takes a left lane and indicates he wants to go to the left.
- If you are driving to the right of a block marker (for example, at an entry or exit lane).
- If you want to pass a tram.
- In a traffic jam.
- Just before or on a roundabout.
- Cyclists must overtake other cyclists on the left, but are allowed to overtake drivers of other vehicles on the right.
- Overtaking is prohibited on or just before a pedestrian crossing.
- A solid line between two lanes means that overtaking is prohibited.
Standing still
- You are not allowed to stop your vehicle in the following places:
- At an intersection or level crossing.
- Along a yellow solid line.
- At, or within 5 meters of, a crosswalk.
- In a tunnel.
- At a bus stop at the level of the checkered marking or, if this marking is missing, within a distance of 12 meters from the sign indicating a bus stop.
- On the roadway along a bus lane.
- On a bicycle lane or on the roadway along a bicycle lane.
Parking
- You are not allowed to park your vehicle in the following places:
- Less than 5 meters from an intersection.
- For an entry or exit.
- Outside the citi limits on the carriageway of a priority road.
- Along a broken yellow line.
- At a loading and unloading location.
- In a parking lot for permit holders without a permit.
- In a parking lot intended for a category of road users to which you do not belong.
- You are also not allowed to double park your vehicle.
- If a parking facility has parking spaces, you may only park in those spaces.
- In a parking disc zone (recognizable by a sign and parking spaces with a blue line) you are only allowed to park with a parking disc behind the windscreen on which the arrival time is indicated. You may not use a parking disc with a mechanism that automatically shifts the time of arrival during parking.
Light and sound signals
- You may only use light and sound signals to avert imminent danger.
- It is therefore prohibited to use light and sound signals, for example to greet other road users or to alert other road users to a speed trap.
Traffic lights
- With a three-color traffic light, a green light means that you can continue and a red light that you must stop. Yellow light also means that you must stop, unless you are so close to the traffic light that it is not reasonably possible to stop.
- If a sign is placed next to a three-colored traffic light with the text Right turn for cyclists and moped riders free, the yellow and red lights do not apply to cyclists, moped riders or drivers of a disabled vehicle who want to turn right. These must then give right of way to other traffic in the right way.
- If at a pedestrian crossing the red pedestrian light has been replaced by a yellow flashing light (triangle with exclamation mark in it), you may cross as a pedestrian, but you must let other traffic lead.
Lanes
- An emergency lane may only be used in the event of a breakdown and other emergencies. For example, it is forbidden to stop on the hard shoulder to make a phone call.
- A rush-hour lane (emergency lane or lane on the left) is only opened as an extra lane at busy times. When the rush-hour lane is open, you may drive over the solid line. Because you have to drive on the right as much as possible, with a rush-hour lane on the right, you have to drive on the rush-hour lane (emergency lane) as much as possible.
- When inserting via an insertion lane, you must give way to traffic on the through lane and you are obliged to indicate direction. You may overtake slower traffic on the right on the insertion lane.
- Once you are on an exit lane, you must keep following it and you may not re-merge.
- By zippers is meant desired driving behavior when merging lanes: drivers must alternately merge into the through lane in the omitted lane. You are advised to continue driving in the lost lane for as long as possible. Traffic signs indicate the desired riding behavior:
- Zippers after 300 m: at this sign in the disappearing lane, start by adapting your speed to that of the traffic in the through lane and make room for joining drivers in the through lane.
- Zips from here: only at this sign in the disappearing lane, start to merge into the through lane.
- A matrix board above a lane can indicate, among other things:
- Green arrow: it is allowed to use the lane.
- Maximum speed: there is a temporary speed limit on the lane (if a lower speed limit is indicated on road signs, the lower speed applies).
- White arrow: you have to leave the lane because a little further on the lane is closed (indicated with a red cross).
- Red cross: it is prohibited to use the lane.
- BUS or LINEBUS: Only buses are allowed in the lane.
- White circle with a line through it: end of the prohibition for the lane.
Particularities
- Police officer and traffic warden
- You are obliged to follow the instructions of a police officer or traffic warden.
- These directions take precedence over traffic rules and traffic signs.
- Funeral procession and military column
- Road users are not allowed to cut through a funeral procession or military column.
- You can recognize a funeral procession or military column by flags placed on the vehicles:
- A funeral procession consists of a number of motor vehicles one behind the other, each with two black flags.
- In a military column, the front vehicle has two blue flags, each subsequent vehicle has a blue flag and the rear vehicle has a green flag.
Speed limits in the Netherlands
100 km / h on motorways during the day
- In December 2019, for environmental reasons (to reduce nitrogen emissions), it was decided to reduce the maximum speed on motorways from 120 or 130 km / h to 100 km / h during the day between 06:00 and 19:00.
- Between 7 pm and 6 am, the current speed limits will continue to apply and you are allowed to drive at 120 or 130 km / h wherever this is allowed.
- The speed reduction will be indicated by road signs and will take effect on March 16, 2020 at 6 AM (the new speed limit signs will be posted between Thursday evening March 12 and Monday morning March 16).
Speed signs
- In principle, the generally applicable speed limits stated in the table apply on all roads, but if a different speed limit applies, this is indicated by a traffic sign. This can be a white round sign with a red border (A1) on the side of the road or a matrix sign (A3) above the road.
- Note: If there are road signs or matrix signs that indicate a speed limit, these signs always precede the generally applicable speed limits.
- If a certain maximum speed only applies for a certain part of the day, this is indicated with a sign. So if on certain motorways you are only allowed to drive 130 km / h between seven in the evening and six in the morning, this will be indicated by the A1 traffic sign 120 with the under sign 6-19h.
Stripes on the road
- Lines on roads outside built-up areas indicate the maximum speed on those roads.
- Note: If there are road signs or matrix signs that indicate a speed limit, these signs always precede the lines.
- Stripes on both sides and in the middle of a road indicate the maximum speed on that road as follows:
- Continuous edge stripes and two (continuous or interrupted) middle stripes with a green filling: 100 km / h.
Interrupted edge lines and two (continuous or interrupted) central lines without filling: 80 km / h.
- Interrupted edge lines and no middle lines: normally you are allowed 80 km / h here, but often the sign is 60 km / h here.
- The speed limit on a particular road is also indicated on the hectometre signs along the road.
Advisory speed
- In some places a recommended speed is indicated by blue square road signs with white text (A4). Often it is indicated on another road sign why you are advised to drive slower than the speed limit at that place. This usually involves a sharp bend, but an advisory speed may also apply in other dangerous traffic situations.
- In principle, you can drive faster with a sign that indicates an advisory speed. However, this is strongly discouraged. For example, at higher speeds you can fly out of a corner or not brake in time for a traffic situation that you cannot yet see.
Minimum speed
- There is no minimum speed on the roads in the Netherlands.
- Note: If you drive very slowly and thus obstruct or endanger other traffic, you may be fined.
- There is a minimum construction speed on motorways and motorways (how fast a vehicle must be able to drive at least to be allowed to drive on a particular road):
- You may only drive on motorways if your vehicle can and is allowed to drive at least 50 km / h.
- You can only drive on motorways if your vehicle can and is allowed to drive at least 60 km / h.
Traffic rules car
Traffic rules car in the Netherlands
Lighting
- It is not mandatory to use light during the day in clear weather.
- You must use dipped beam when visibility is severely restricted during the day and at night (after sunset).
- You may drive at night with high beams if only low beams do not provide sufficient visibility, but driving high beam is prohibited in the following cases:
- If you meet another road user.
- If you are driving a short distance behind another vehicle.
- In fog, snowfall or rain, if visibility is seriously obstructed, you may use fog light at the front. In that case you do not have to use dipped beam.
- A rear fog lamp may only be used when visibility is less than 50 m through fog or snowfall. Note: The rear fog light must not be used in rain.
- It is prohibited to use fog lights unnecessarily because these lights are very bright and can hinder other road users in normal visibility.
Windows
- The windscreen and side windows next to the driver must not be damaged or discolored and not be fitted with unnecessary objects obstructing the driver’s view.
- When pasting or coating windows, the light transmission of the windscreen and the front side windows may never fall below 55%. The rear window may, however, be provided with a film or coating that does not or little translucent. The vehicle must then have a right exterior mirror.
Mirrors
- Passenger cars taken into use after January 25, 2010 must be equipped with a left exterior mirror, a right exterior mirror and an interior rear-view mirror. However, if the interior mirror does not allow a view to the rear, it does not need to be present.
- Passenger cars taken into use before this date must at least have a left-hand exterior mirror and an interior rear-view mirror. However, if the driver cannot sufficiently see the road behind the car through the rear-view mirror, the car must also be fitted with a right-hand rear-view mirror. If the interior mirror does not allow a view to the rear, it does not have to be present.
- The mirror glass of the mandatory mirrors must not show any signs of breakage and must not be seriously weathered.
Tires
- The legal minimum tread depth of a tire is 1.6 mm. Tire replacement is recommended below 2 millimeter tread depth.
- The direction of rotation indicated on the tire must correspond to the direction of rotation of the wheel.
Passengers
- You may not transport more people than there are seats in the car. The registration certificate states how many seats the car has.
- As a basic rule, every passenger of a car or camper is required to wear a seat belt.
- Whether and where seat belts should be present depends on the age of a car.
- Whether and where seat belts should be present in a camper depends on the age of the camper, but also on whether the camper is classified as a passenger car or commercial vehicle.
Children
- The basic rule is that children under 1.35 m must be in an approved and appropriate child restraint system. Child seats with ECE labels are approved. Appropriate means that the child restraint system must be adapted to the height and weight of the child. Children from 1.35 m and adults must use the seat belt.
Load
- The load that you take with you in or on the car or camper must not obstruct the driver’s view.
- Safely secure the load and make sure that the load does not endanger anyone in or outside the car or RV, damage public or personal property, or fall onto the road.
- The cargo must not cover the number plate, lighting, retro reflectors and direction indicators.
- Cargo may not be transported directly on the roof, but only in or on a designated load carrier such as a roof box or a roof rack.
Dimensions
- The weight of the load must not exceed the load capacity of the car or camper.
- A car or camper, including load, may not be wider than 2.55 m (2.20 m on unpaved roads). Traffic sign C18 can impose a different maximum width.
- A car or camper, including load, may not exceed 4 m. Traffic sign C19 may impose a different maximum height.
Bicycle carrier
- Bicycle carriers placed on the towbar may only be used for bicycles.
- You may not transport more bicycles on the bicycle carrier than for which the bicycle carrier is made.
- Bicycles may protrude a maximum of 20 cm on both sides up to a maximum width of 2.55 m (mirrors are not included). A marker sign on the side is not necessary.
- If the bike carrier covers part or all of the car’s license plate, you must attach a white license plate to the carrier. If the bicycle carrier also covers all or part of the lighting, retro reflectors and direction indicators, then you must also fit a lighting bar with license plate, lighting and reflectors on the carrier.
- A bicycle carrier is not counted as a trailer, so you do not need to install an extra rear fog light.
Dashcam
- The use of a dashcam is not prohibited in the Netherlands. When publishing the images, you must take into account the privacy of people.
Traffic rules caravan and trailer
Dimensions, maxima in the Netherlands
- Width combination (mirrors excluded): 2.55 m
- Height combination: 4 m
- Trailer length (drawbar included): 12 m
- Length combination: 18 m
- The maximum width of a car with caravan or trailer is 2.55 m on paved roads, but only 2.20 m on unpaved roads.
- The maximum height of a caravan and a trailer is 4 m.
Cargo on a trailer
- Cargo on a trailer must be properly secured.
- Note: It is mandatory to properly cover loose cargo that cannot be secured with a net or tarpaulin if there is a risk that this cargo will fall or blow off the trailer.
Particularities
- If you are driving with a combination (car with caravan or trailer) that is longer than 7 meters on a motorway with three or more lanes, you may only use the two most right lanes. In that case, it is prohibited to drive in another lane. This prohibition does not apply if you have to pre-sort. information, contact the Federal Ministry of Transport of Austria or visit bmvit.gv.at.
Traffic rules motorcycle
Traffic rules motorcycle in the Netherlands
- Here the most important traffic rules for riding a motorcycle are given.
- Exactly the same rules apply to a motor scooter as to a motorbike.
Helmet
- Wearing a helmet is mandatory for both driver and passenger.
Lighting
- You must use dipped beam when visibility is seriously impaired during the day and at night (after sunset).
- You are advised to always use your low beam (or daytime running light) on the motorcycle during the day because it makes you more visible in traffic. On motorplatform.nl you will find tips on how to stand out better in traffic.
Mirrors
- Both a left mirror and a right mirror are mandatory on a motorcycle (taken into service after 16-6-2003).
Passengers
- You may only transport a passenger on the motorcycle if it has a seat intended for a passenger.
Children
- Children transported on the motorcycle must wear an approved helmet and must only sit in a passenger seat.
- The law does not provide specific information for the transport of children on a motorcycle. There are no rules regarding age, height or the use of child seats for transporting children on the motorcycle. You must therefore assess for yourself whether it is safe to transport the child. Pay extra attention to foot protection and let the child wear appropriate protective clothing.
Trailer
- It is allowed to connect a trailer to a motorcycle.
- The maximum width for motorcycle trailers is 2 m and the maximum height 1 m.
- The trailer must have a number plate and lighting.
- You may only tow a trailer with a motorcycle with a sidecar if the wheel of the sidecar car has a brake.
Traffic jam
- You are allowed to drive slowly between the cars on your motorcycle in a traffic jam.
- The speed difference between the engine and the cars in a traffic jam must not exceed 10 km / h.
Code of Conduct
- There are no specific rules for traffic jams in the law, but a code of traffic congestion has been drawn up which is supported by the main road safety organizations.
- This code of conduct includes the following warnings and rules for motorcyclists in traffic jams:
- Keep in mind that you are relatively poorly visible to motorists and that motorists often have difficulty estimating your speed.
- Drive slowly between the vehicles. The difference in speed should not be more than 10 km / h.
- Be extra vigilant for drivers suddenly changing lanes or opening their doors.
- If you are the last vehicle in a traffic jam, use your hazard lights or your brake light to warn the traffic behind you. Preferably stand between the waiting cars if possible, because that is safer.
- For traffic jams on highways with more than two lanes, use the space between the cars on the two leftmost lanes.
- Re-insert when the traffic jam gets going again, using your turn signals.
- The code of conduct also includes warnings and rules for motorists to ensure that they give attention and space to motorcyclists in a traffic jam. You can find the code of conduct at motorplatform.nl/over-ons/samspel-in-de-file.
Towing or dragging a motorcycle in the Netherlands
- You may not tow a motor vehicle with a motorbike and your motorbike may not be towed by another vehicle.
Parking
- Where possible, you should park a motorcycle in a parking space, just like a car.
- In many municipalities it is allowed to park your motorcycle on the sidewalk. You must not endanger others and your parked motorcycle must not hinder pedestrians and wheelchair users. A motorcycle with a sidecar is therefore often not allowed on the sidewalk.
- In municipalities where special motorcycle parking spaces are available, parking on the sidewalk is sometimes not allowed.
- If in doubt, ask the municipality whether you can park on the sidewalk.
Trike and quad
- The traffic rules for a trike and a quad differ per type.
- Trike: rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/bijzondere-voeruigen/vraag-en- Antwoord/wat-zijn-de-verrekenregeling-voor-een-trike.
- Quad: rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/bijzondere- feduigen/vraag-en- Antwoord/wat-zijn-de-verrekenboeken-voor-een-quad. driver.
Traffic rules moped
Traffic rules moped in the Netherlands
- Here are some important traffic rules for mopeds and light mopeds. The difference between a moped and a light moped is in the construction speed, that is, the speed for which the vehicle is made.
- Also for a quad or trike that is approved as a moped, the same rules apply as for a moped.
By law, a microcar is also a moped, but a number of different rules apply, which are discussed separately below. - For a disabled vehicle with a motor and a maximum speed of 45 km / h, such as a scooter, special rules apply, which are also mentioned separately below.
Drive safely in the Netherlands
Driving and alcohol
- For drivers of a moped, light moped, quad, trike, microcar or disabled vehicle, the maximum permitted blood alcohol level is 0.5 per mille (or 220 micrograms per liter of exhaled air in a breathalyzer).
- If you are a novice driver of a vehicle that requires a driver’s license, a stricter limit applies and the maximum permitted blood alcohol level is 0.2 per mille.
- Note: If you obtain your AM driver’s license before your 18th birthday, you will be a starting driver for 7 years. If you are 18 or older when you get your driver’s license, you will be a starting driver for 5 years.
Mobile phone
- Drivers of a moped, light moped, quad, trike, microcar or disabled vehicle should not hold a mobile phone or other electronic device while driving.
Moped
- To be able to drive a moped, you must be at least 16 years old and you need a moped driver’s license (AM driver’s license). If you are in possession of a car driving license (driving license B) or motorcycle driving license (driving license A), you do not need a separate moped driving license.
- The moped has a small yellow number plate.
Helmet
- You must wear an approved moped helmet (standard ECE 22.05) on the moped. Any passenger must also wear an approved moped helmet.
Lighting
- For a moped, low beam is mandatory at night and during poor visibility during the day.
Mirror
- Mopeds taken into use after December 31, 2006 must at least be fitted with a left exterior rear-view mirror.
Passengers
- You may only take a passenger on a moped if there is a seat intended for a passenger.
Children under 8 years of age may only be transported on the back of a bicycle or moped if there is a safe seat with adequate support for back, hands and feet. In practice, this means that children must be transported in a suitable child seat. - Children transported on the back of a moped must wear an approved helmet (check that the European quality mark, a circled E with a number, appears on the label).
- To prevent a child’s foot from getting caught in the spokes, it is wise to provide a good spoke shield. This is a hard plastic screen placed between the footrest and the wheel.
- Children may not be transported in the cargo bed of a moped or box.
Trailer
- You may tow a trailer, as long as it is no higher and wider than 1 m.
- With a moped with trailer, which, including the load, is wider than 0.75 meters, you may also use the roadway.
- You are not allowed to transport people in a trailer that is pulled by a moped.
Place on the road
- It is forbidden to ride on the cycle path with a moped.
- You must ride on the mandatory bicycle / moped path if available or otherwise ride on the roadway.
- When driving a moped on the moped / cycle path, you must obey the rules for cyclists, but when driving on the road, you must obey the rules for cars and motorcycles and this means, among other things, the following:
- You may not overtake on the right (unless you want to pass left-turning traffic).
- You are not allowed to use bicycle lanes on the road (and therefore not pre-sort on bicycle lane).
Riding side by side
- You are not allowed to ride a moped in pairs next to each other or next to a cyclist.
Parking
- You can park a moped on the sidewalk, footpath, roadside or other designated places.
Light moped
- To be able to drive a moped, you must be at least 16 years old and you need a moped driver’s license (AM driver’s license). If you are in possession of a car driving license (driving license B) or motorcycle driving license (driving license A), you do not need a separate moped driving license.
- The moped has a small blue license plate.
Helmet
- You do not have to wear a helmet on a moped.
Lighting
- For a light moped, low beam is mandatory at night and during poor visibility during the day.
Mirror
- Mopeds taken into use after December 31, 2006 must at least be fitted with a left exterior rear-view mirror.
Passengers
- You may only take a passenger on a scooter if there is a seat intended for a passenger.
- It is forbidden to transport a passenger on the luggage carrier of a moped.
- Children under 8 years of age may only be transported on the back of a moped if there is a safe seat with adequate support for back, hands and feet. In practice, this means that children must be transported in a suitable child seat.
- Children who are transported on the back of a moped do not need to wear a helmet.
- To prevent a child’s foot from getting caught in the spokes, it is wise to provide a good spoke shield. This is a hard plastic screen placed between the footrest and the wheel.
Trailer
- You may tow a trailer with a moped, provided it is not higher and wider than 1 m.
- You are not allowed to transport people in a trailer that is pulled by a moped.
Place on the road
- With a light moped you must ride on the mandatory cycle path or bicycle / moped path if available or otherwise on the roadway.
- Note: If you are driving a moped with a combustion engine, you may only ride on an optional cycle path with the engine switched off.
Riding side by side
- You are not allowed to ride a light moped in pairs or next to a cyclist.
Parking
- You can park a light moped on the sidewalk, footpath, roadside or other designated areas.
Light moped in Amsterdam
- In Amsterdam, since April 8, 2019, you are no longer allowed to use a moped (or scooter) in the area within the A10 ring road on the cycle path, but you must ride on the roadway (or on a mandatory moped path if available). Only in a few busy streets in this area moped riders have to ride on the cycle path (see amsterdam.nl/snorfiets-rijbaan/kaart-snorfietsers).
- Since you have to ride on the road as a light moped rider, this also means that you must wear an approved helmet (standard ECE 22.05).
Trike and quad
- The traffic rules for a trike and a quad differ per type.
Microcar
- A microcar is a moped with more than two wheels that resembles a small passenger car and has a construction speed of 45 km / h. A microcar has a small yellow license plate.
- A microcar can be recognized by a round white sticker (or round white sign) with a red border with the indication 45 (km).
- To be able to drive a microcar, you must be at least 16 years old and you need a moped driving license (AM). If you are in possession of a car driving license (driving license B) or motorcycle driving license (driving license A), you do not need a moped driving license.
Note: A microcar is not the same as a disabled vehicle.
Seat belts or helmet
- In a microcar you have to wear seat belts, but you don’t need a helmet. If you drive an open moped car without seat belts, an approved moped helmet is mandatory.
Lighting
- For microcars, low beam is mandatory at night and during poor visibility during the day.
Mirror
- Microcars with closed bodywork taken into service after 31 December 2006 must have an interior rear-view mirror and a left-hand exterior mirror or a left-hand and right-hand exterior mirror.
Place on the road
- It is forbidden to drive on the cycle path with a microcar. You are only allowed to drive on the roadway.
- As a microcar driver you must follow the traffic rules for passenger cars and motorcycles.
However, it is prohibited to drive a microcar on motorways, motorways and roads that are closed to slow traffic. - It is allowed to drive a microcar on an 80-kilometer road, but on many busy 80-kilometer roads, a microcar is banned via the sign C9 (road closed to tractors, mopeds, bicycles and microcars).
Disabled vehicles
- A disabled vehicle with a motor is a vehicle that is designed to transport a disabled person, is not wider than 1.10 m and has a maximum speed of 45 km / h.
- Examples of disabled vehicles with a motor are: an electric wheelchair, mobility scooter or closed disabled vehicle, such as the Canta.
- Please note: A microcar is not a disabled vehicle, even if it is equipped for the transport of a disabled person.
- If the disabled vehicle can go faster than 10 km / h, you must be at least 16 to drive it (exemption for younger drivers is possible).
- For a disabled vehicle without a motor, the traffic rules apply to pedestrians (on the footpath) or cyclists (on cycle path and carriageway).
Seat belt
- Wearing a seat belt is not mandatory in a disabled vehicle.
Lighting
- For disabled vehicles, low beam is mandatory at night and during poor visibility during the day. This does not apply if you are driving on the sidewalk.
Place on the road
- As a driver of a disabled vehicle with a motor, you are allowed to drive on the sidewalk, the footpath, the bicycle / moped path or the road. If there are several road components next to each other, you can choose where you want to drive.
- As a driver of a disabled vehicle, you must comply with the traffic rules that apply to the road on which you are driving: for example, you are a pedestrian on the sidewalk, a cyclist on the cycle path and a car on the road.
- It is prohibited to drive a disabled vehicle on motorways, motorways and roads that are closed to slow traffic.
Traffic rules bicycle
Traffic rules bicycle in the Netherlands
- Here are some important traffic rules for the bicycle and the standard electric bicycle (which provides pedal assistance up to 25 km / h).
- For a speed pedelec (fast electric bicycle that offers pedal assistance up to 45 km / h) special rules apply that are described separately below.
Bicycle and electric bicycle
- The traffic rules for bicycles also apply without exception to a standard electric bicycle that offers pedal assistance up to 25 km / h.
- An electric bicycle (or e-bike) has the following characteristics:
- You have to pedal to get ahead.
- The bicycle offers pedal assistance up to 25 km / h.
- The bicycle’s electric motor has a maximum power of 250 watts.
- You do not need a driver’s license or license plate for a standard electric bicycle, nor do you need third-party insurance.
- There is no minimum age for riding this bicycle.
Helmet
- Wearing a helmet on the bicycle is not mandatory, not even for a standard electric bicycle with pedal assistance up to 25 km / h. (A helmet is mandatory on a speed pedelec.)
Mobile phone
- Since 1 July 2019, it is prohibited to hold a mobile phone or other electronic device while cycling. You can be fined for calling, texting, reading the screen and navigating while cycling.
- You can use your phone hands-free, for example with earphones or headphones, but then you have to ensure that you can continue to hear the ambient sound, for example by turning the volume low enough or by only putting in one earpiece.
- You may also not hold a device while cycling to navigate. You can place your phone or navigation device in a holder on the handlebars.
- For more information about safe cycling, go to Daarkunjemeethuisromen.nl/rijmono.
Bicycles lighting in the Netherlands
- As a cyclist you have to keep your front and rear lights on at night and also during the day when visibility is poor.
- For the light must be white or yellow; behind the light must have the color red.
- The light should shine straight ahead and should not blink or move too much.
- Instead of fixed lamps on the bicycle, single lamps are also allowed. You can wear these lights on your chest and back. You can then attach the lights to clothing and / or bags. You have to make sure that nothing hangs over the lights and that they are clearly visible.
- The bicycle must also be fitted with a red reflector at the rear, yellow or white reflectors on the wheels and orange or yellow reflectors on the pedals.
Passengers
- It is allowed to take one passenger of 8 years or older on the back of the bicycle’s luggage carrier. Please note that most luggage carriers are not suitable for passenger transport.
Children
- Children under 8 years of age may only be transported on a bicycle or electric bicycle if they are seated in an efficient and safe seat with adequate support for back, hands and feet. In practice, this means that they have to sit in a special child’s bicycle seat.
- It is sensible to provide a good spoke shield to prevent a child’s foot from getting caught in the spokes.
Trailer
- You may tow a trailer that is no wider than 1 m behind your bicycle.
- You must drive with your trailer on the mandatory cycle path, but if the trailer, including load, is wider than 0.75 m, you can also drive on the road if you wish.
Riding side by side
- Cyclists are allowed to ride together in pairs. However, they must not cause nuisance to other traffic.
To overtake / to catch up
- Cyclists have to overtake each other on the left. They are also allowed to overtake other vehicles on the right.
Cycling under the influence
- Cyclists must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- The maximum permitted blood alcohol level is 0.5 per mille (or 220 micrograms per liter of exhaled air in a breathalyzer).
Place on the road
- As a cyclist you must ride on a compulsory cycle path or cycle / moped path if available. You can recognize a compulsory cycle path or bicycle / moped path by a round blue traffic sign with a white bicycle (sign G11) or a white bicycle and moped (sign G12a).
- As a cyclist you are allowed to use an optional cycle path. An optional bicycle path can be recognized by a rectangular blue traffic sign with the word bicycle path (sign G13).
- If there is no cycle path, you must use the roadway.
- It is forbidden to ride the bicycle on the pavement.
- Bicycles with more than two wheels are allowed to ride on the roadway if they are wider than 0.75 meters.
Speedpedelec in the Netherlands
- A speedpedelec is a two-wheeler with electric pedal assistance up to a maximum of 45 km / h. The speed pedelec must have a small yellow license plate. You must have the registration certificate with you.
- To be able to drive a speed pedelec, you must be at least 16 years old and you need a moped driver’s license (AM driver’s license). If you are in possession of a car driving license (driving license B) or motorcycle driving license (driving license A), you do not need a moped driving license.
- Third party insurance is mandatory for a speed pedelec.
- A speed pedelec can go much faster than a standard electric bicycle and therefore largely the same traffic rules apply as for a moped. Further information can be found on rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/fiets/vraag-en- Antwoord/welke-onderdelen-gelden-voor-speed-pedelec
Helmet and speed pedelec in the Netherlands
- As a speed pedelec driver you must wear an approved moped helmet (standard ECE 22.05) or an approved speed pedelec helmet (standard NTA 8776: 2016).
Driving under the influence
- For speed pedelec drivers the maximum permitted blood alcohol level is 0.5 per mille. For novice drivers, this is 0.2 per mille.
Mobile phone
- Also on a speed pedelec it is forbidden to hold a mobile phone or any other electronic device.
Mirror
- A rear-view mirror must be present on a speed pedelec.
Place on the road
- It is forbidden to ride on the cycle path with a speed pedelec.
- You must ride on the mandatory bicycle / moped path if available or on the roadway otherwise.
- Note: When riding a speed pedelec on the moped / cycle path, you must obey the rules for cyclists, but when driving on the road, you must obey the rules for cars and motorcycles and this means, among other things next one:
- You may not overtake on the right (unless you want to pass left-turning traffic).
- You are not allowed to use bicycle lanes on the road (and therefore not pre-sort on a bicycle lane).
Motorized bicycle
- A motorized bicycle (vehicle subcategory L1e-A) is an electric bicycle that offers pedal assistance up to 25 km / h, but has sufficient power, namely a maximum of 1000 watts, to ride without pedal assistance.
- The traffic rules of a light moped apply to a motorized bicycle.
- To ride a motorized bicycle, you must be 16 years old and have at least a moped driving license.
- A helmet is not mandatory for a motorized bicycle.
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