Driving in Netherlands

The Netherlands is a beautiful place to visit and each year thousands of Brits take their cars on a road trip around the country of Tulips, Windmillls and Marco Van Basten.

If you have a holiday coming up that entails driving around this scenic and famously flat country, then you are more than likely in the process of making sure you know the rules of the road. 

The Netherlands does have some nuances which make it a different driving experience compared to the UK, so it is important that you are prepared for this before you travel.

Netherlands Driving Laws

At the most basic level, to drive in the Netherlands you need to be over 18 and hold a full valid driving license. If your driving licence is from an EU or EEA country (this includes the UK) then this should be all you need. An International Driving Permit is not required for UK drivers.

Documents For Netherlands Driving

If you take your car over on the ferry, or through the Euro Tunnel, then you will need to ensure that you have the following documentation with you at all times when driving in the Netherlands:

• Full and valid UK driving license
• Passport as proof of ID
• Car insurance certificate (make sure you also have the appropriate cover for driving in the EU)
• Your V5 registration document

Items to pack when driving in Netherlands

On top of the documents mentioned above, it is a good idea to also have the following items in your car when driving abroad:

• A reflective warning triangle – that you can deploy behind your car if you have had to stop in an emergency and want to alert other road users that your car is stationary up ahead.
• Reflective jacket – again, this is something you can wear if you have to get out of the car in an emergency. It will make you easier to spot to other road users
• Headlamp converters – these are special stickers that go over your headlamps and change the angle of the light beam. This is to ensure you do not affect the vision of other drivers.

Avoid taking meat or dairy products into the country. These are not allowed. It is also best to stay clear of bringing in fresh fruit, vegetables and plants.

National Identifier Mark

You will need to make sure that you have the correct mark on your car when driving in the Netherlands. This used to be a GB sticker. However as of the 28th of September 2021, the correct mark is now ‘UK’.

All vehicles that are registered in the UK must have this identification on them. 

Netherland Driving Rules

First, make sure you know that in the Netherlands motorists are required to drive on the right-hand side of the road. If you are overtaking, this happens on the left.

On roundabouts if you are joining, you must give way to vehicles which are already driving on the roundabout.

If you are in a city or town, buses pulling away from bus stops should be given the right of way. 

You are also not allowed to use your horn at night unless it is an emergency. During the day the horn should only be used in moderation. There are struct penalties for someone who has been deemed to be misusing their car horn.

Seat Belts in the Netherlands

The law around seatbelts is very clear. If your car has them installed all passengers must wear them. Failure to wear seatbelts will result in a €180 fine.

Similarly, children must be seated in an appropriate child seat for their age and height. The seat must meet the safety standard ECE 44/03.

Netherlands Speed Limits

There are 3 main speed limits within the Netherlands. These are:

• Cities & towns: 50 km/h
• Dual carriageways & A roads: 80km/h – 100km/h (depending on local guidelines, check signage)
• Motorways: 130 km/h

There is no set fine for being caught speeding. Your fine will depend on the speed at which you were travelling and the road type you were caught on. 

In extreme circumstances you can face a suspension if caught.

It’s also worth noting that speed camera detectors are illegal in the Netherlands. So, make sure that if your phone or GPS system has this function that you switch it off.

Drink-Driving Laws

The limit for most motorists in the Netherlands is 0.05% - which is less than that of England’s and aligned with Scotland's regulations.

If you are caught over the limit, then you face a fine. In extreme cases you can also have your driving license confiscated and face possible imprisonment.

Low Emission Zones

A number of cities in the Netherlands now have Low Emission Zones (called Milieuzone in Dutch). These restrict access to HGVs and in some cases older cars and vans.

The main cities which have Milieuzones are Utrecht, Rotterdam, Arnhem and Maastricht.

Useful Dutch Phrases When Driving in Netherlands

Here are some useful Dutch phrases should you get into any trouble when driving in the Netherlands:

• Can I park here? - Kan ik hier parkeren?
• Where can I park? - Waar kan ik parkeren?
• Where’s the nearest gas station? - Waar is het dichtstbijzijnde tankstation?
• Where is the nearest garage? - Waar is de dichtstbijzijnde garage?
• We’re on the side of the motorway. - We staan langs de snelweg.
• We need a tow truck. - We hebben een takelwagen nodig.
• The car does not start. - De auto start niet.
• The battery is dead. - De accu is leeg.
• We have a flat tyre. - We hebben een lekke band.

Enjoy the Netherlands

With the right knowledge, and the correct documentation, you can be assured of enjoying a lovely trip through the Netherlands in your car. 

So, make sure you pack everything you need, exchange your Sterling for Euros, plan you journey well and then set off and enjoy your time in this wonderful, culturally-rich country.