Driving in the Netherlands

This page gives some tips about driving regulations in the Netherlands for foreign drivers. This page is intended in particular for drivers from outside of Europe, which might be used to used to significantly different regulations.

Right of way

When driving in the Netherlands, you will notice the large amoung of cyclists. It is important to remember that for the purpose of right of way, cyclists are treated exactly the same as cars.

There are two types of intersections in the Netherlands: unequal and equal intersections.

Unequal intersections are intersections between a main road and a side road of lesser importance. Vehicles coming from the side road have to give way to vehicles on the main road (including bicycles). Traffic from the side road will see the sign and 'shark teeth' (triangles) painted on the road. In the illustration above, we are coming from a side road, so we need to give way to cars and bicycles coming from the right and left.

Traffic having the right of way over traffic coming from the left and right has a sign (or if there is only a side road on one side). In the illustration, we are at the same intersection as before, but now we are on the main road. The sign indicates we have right of way over traffic coming out of the side street.

The sign indicates that you are on a priority road: you have right of way over all side streets of this road. For example, in the picture you have right of way over the side street on the right, which has shark teeth and a sign . So note that sign always goes together with a road marked with or .

One thing to notice is that traffic signs and shark teeth on crossings with traffic lights can be ignored if the traffic lights are working: these signs only apply when the lights are out of order. In the picture, the traffic lights are working, so the sign and the shark teeth does not apply, and we don't need to give way.

So far we only discussed unequal intersections. Equal intersections can be recognized by the fact that they have no signs or shark teeth. On equal intersections, you need to give way to all vehicles (including bicycles) coming from the right. Note that this means you may need to give way to traffic coming from minor side streets, even if you are on a main road. Fortunately, unequal intersections are normally only found on smaller roads, such as within residential districts. In the illustration, there are no priority signs, so we need to give way to cars and bicycles coming from the right.

Sometimes side streets enter the main road across a raised pavement, a so called uitritconstructie. If you have to cross the raised pavement, you need to give way to all traffic on the main road (including pedestrians that walk across the pavement).

When turning right on an intersection, cars need to give way to pedestrians on the sidewalk, and bicyclists on the road or bicycle path. Always check your mirrors and do a shoulder check for unexpected cyclists behind you. In the image, the car should give way to the cyclist on the bicycle path.

When turning left, you need to give way to opposite traffic, as well as pedestrians and bicyclists. In this image, when turning left you should give way to the gray car, the cyclist on the bike path, and the pedestrians.

Roundabouts

The most important rule of roundabouts is this: when entering a roundabout, you need to give way to traffic already on the roundabout. So before entering the roundabout, look left for oncoming traffic. On some roundabouts, such as this one, you also need to give way to bicyclists on the roundabout (pay attention to the shark teeth).

When leaving the roundabout, you often (but not always) need to give way to bicyclists and pedestrians. Again, pay attention to the shark teeth and zebra crossing. Don't forget to use your right indicator when approaching the roundabout exit where you want to leave.

Multilane roundabouts (turbo-roundabouts) basically work the same. However, it is important to choose the correct lane in advance (in this case, left lane for turning left, and right lane for going straight or turning right). After that, just keep following your lane and you will end up at the correct place.

Speed limits

This sign indicates a 70km/h speed limit. With exception of shields containing the word 'ZONE', speed limits are valid until the next intersection. Speed limits are enforced strictly, both within towns and on motoreays: there are many speed cameras across the country, and fines are sent for violations of as little as 3 km/h over the limit.

Within built-up areas, the speed limit is 50km/h (unless indicated otherwise). The beginning of built-up area is indicated with a sign showing the name of the town: . It is important to note that the speed limit of 50km/h even holds if there is only a town name shield, and no explicit 50km/h sign.

Outside of built-up area, the speed limit is 80km/h (unless indicated otherwise). The end of town is indicated with a sign .

On 'autowegen' signed with , the speed limit is 100km/h (unless indicated otherwise).

Finally, on 'autosnelwegen' (motorways) signed with , the speed limit is 130km/h, unless indicated otherwise. Especially around the big cities, signs often limit the speed limit to 80, 100 or 120 km/h.