Traffic rules in the Netherlands

Driving in a completely unknown country can be a real adventure, especially if you do not know the speed limit, country-specific traffic signs, or other rules that are only found in that country. Most of the time, you don't even think about how different some basic aspects are. To avoid huge fines and other problems, we have prepared an entire article with the most important traffic rules in The Netherlands.

Before setting off on the beautiful Dutch land, it is important to know the most important traffic rules. In addition to the fact that the Dutch drive on the right, as in most European countries, there are a few other basic rules:

• Bicycles and mopeds have priority over cars, so be very careful near bike lanes.
• The use of the horn in urban areas is only allowed in extremely dangerous situations. In the event of a minor hazard, you can use flashes to draw the attention of a traffic participant.
• It is mandatory to use the headlights after dark or in foggy conditions.
• Speed cameras and other pitfalls are everywhere in the Netherlands. For example, the police also use unregistered vehicles when they want to catch drivers who drive illegally.
• Pay special attention to signs around roundabouts, as there is no universal rule for who has priority.
• Children under 1.35 m tall must carry a child seat and sit in the back of the car.
• Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt.
• Motorcyclists must always wear safety helmets.

Speed limits in The Netherlands

In most cases, when you enter a small city or on the highway, you will see the signs with the speed limit for that part. If there are no signs indicating a certain speed limit, the values set out in the traffic rules in The Netherlands are usually:

• In the city, 50 km/h
• Roads outside cities or towns, 80 km/h
• On highways, the maximum speed varies between 100 and 130 km/h.
• Regional access roads-60 km/h
• Municipal roads / Built areas - 50 km / h
• Local access roads-30 km/h
• Housing complexes (‘Woonerf’)-15 km/h

Driving under the influence of alcohol in The Netherlands

Compared to the rules in Romania regarding drunk driving, those in the Netherlands are slightly different. For example, drivers in The Netherlands who have been licensed for at least 5 years can legally drive with a blood alcohol level below 50 mg (per 100 ml of blood).

In the case of young people under the age of 24, persons with a license of fewer than 5 years, and drivers of mopeds or scooters, the permitted alcohol limit is 20 mg per 100 ml of blood.

Important! In The Netherlands, it is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs. If you drive under the influence of drugs, you risk a fine or imprisonment. Your license may also be suspended for up to 5 years.

Parking in The Netherlands

When it comes to parking in The Netherlands, there are some features to keep in mind, such as:

• You are not allowed to park on the broken yellow lines.
• You are not allowed to park 5 meters from intersections;
• You are not allowed to park in areas where you obstruct traffic signs, entrances/exits;
• You are not allowed to park outside the built-up areas.
• It is illegal to stop or park on the yellow lines.

Also, in areas where there is a "Do not park" sign, you should see an additional rectangular sign indicating the hours when parking is restricted.

For paid parking, there is usually a street parking meter from which you can get a parking ticket. At the same time, there is the possibility to pay by text message or to buy a parking ticket from any gas station or store.

If you want to know more about traffic rules in The Netherlands or how to get there, you can go here.

 

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