Netherlands 2026 Driving Rule Changes
Official Source: Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer (RDW)
Last Updated: 15 January 2026
Summary
The Netherlands updates zero-emission zone rules in 2026 with nationwide exemptions, new traffic signs, and extended relief periods. The country continues its sustainable transport leadership while maintaining its unique speed limit structure.
Key Changes
Zero-Emission Zone Exemptions Now Nationwide
Effective 1 January 2026
Per-city exemptions
Exemptions from zero-emission zones valid only in the issuing municipality
Nationwide validity
ZEZ exemptions automatically valid across all Dutch municipalities; apply once, valid everywhere
Official Source: Business.gov.nl ZEZ
Instructor's Tip
“Good news for businesses: if you get an exemption for your delivery van in Amsterdam, it now works in Rotterdam, Utrecht, and all other Dutch ZEZ cities. You only need to apply once under the new rules.”
Extended ZEZ Exemption Periods
Effective 1 January 2026
Short exemption periods
Limited time exemptions for vehicles without zero-emission alternatives
Up to 13 years exemption
Extended exemptions of 7, 10, or 13 years depending on vehicle category, plus new exemption for areas with grid capacity issues
Official Source: RVO Zero Emission Transport
Instructor's Tip
“If there's no zero-emission version of your vehicle type available, you can get exemptions lasting up to 13 years depending on the category. There's also a new exemption if you can't charge due to electricity grid problems in your area.”
Zero-Emission Zones Expanding to 29 Municipalities
Effective 1 January 2026
Initial ZEZ cities
Zero-emission zones in early-adopter cities only
29 municipalities including Schiphol
Zero-emission zones in 29 municipalities by 2030: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Den Haag, Eindhoven, Groningen, and 23 others including Schiphol Airport
Official Source: Opwegnaarzes.nl
Instructor's Tip
“The Netherlands is rolling out zero-emission zones in 29 municipalities by 2030. Schiphol Airport became a ZEZ on January 1, 2026. These zones primarily affect commercial vehicles (trucks, vans, buses) - personal cars aren't yet restricted in most zones.”
Changes by Category
🚗Speed Limits(1)
Daytime Motorway Speed Limit Remains 100 km/h
Effective 1 January 2026
100 km/h daytime (since 2020)
Temporary daytime speed reduction introduced in 2020
100 km/h permanent daytime
Daytime (6am-7pm) motorway limit of 100 km/h confirmed as permanent; 130 km/h at night on some sections
Official Source: Rijkswaterstaat Speed Limits
🌱Environmental Zones(4)
Zero-Emission Zone Exemptions Now Nationwide
Effective 1 January 2026
Per-city exemptions
Exemptions from zero-emission zones valid only in the issuing municipality
Nationwide validity
ZEZ exemptions automatically valid across all Dutch municipalities; apply once, valid everywhere
Official Source: Business.gov.nl ZEZ
New Zero-Emission Zone Traffic Signs
Effective 1 January 2026
Various local signs
Different municipalities used different signage for ZEZ and environmental zones
Standardized two-part sign
New national sign with upper section showing zone entry and lower section showing excluded vehicle types; all old signs replaced by July 2026
Official Source: Milieuzones.nl
Extended ZEZ Exemption Periods
Effective 1 January 2026
Short exemption periods
Limited time exemptions for vehicles without zero-emission alternatives
Up to 13 years exemption
Extended exemptions of 7, 10, or 13 years depending on vehicle category, plus new exemption for areas with grid capacity issues
Official Source: RVO Zero Emission Transport
Zero-Emission Zones Expanding to 29 Municipalities
Effective 1 January 2026
Initial ZEZ cities
Zero-emission zones in early-adopter cities only
29 municipalities including Schiphol
Zero-emission zones in 29 municipalities by 2030: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Den Haag, Eindhoven, Groningen, and 23 others including Schiphol Airport
Official Source: Opwegnaarzes.nl
Instructor Tips
Re: Zero-Emission Zone Exemptions Now Nationwide
Instructor's Tip
“Good news for businesses: if you get an exemption for your delivery van in Amsterdam, it now works in Rotterdam, Utrecht, and all other Dutch ZEZ cities. You only need to apply once under the new rules.”
Re: New Zero-Emission Zone Traffic Signs
Instructor's Tip
“Look for the new standardized ZEZ signs from 2026. The top part shows you're entering a restricted zone, and the bottom part shows which vehicles aren't allowed. All municipalities must switch to this format by July 2026.”
Re: Extended ZEZ Exemption Periods
Instructor's Tip
“If there's no zero-emission version of your vehicle type available, you can get exemptions lasting up to 13 years depending on the category. There's also a new exemption if you can't charge due to electricity grid problems in your area.”
Re: Daytime Motorway Speed Limit Remains 100 km/h
Instructor's Tip
“The 100 km/h daytime limit that started in 2020 is now permanent Dutch law. At night (7pm-6am), some sections allow 130 km/h. Always check the signs - they're electronic and can change.”
Re: Zero-Emission Zones Expanding to 29 Municipalities
Instructor's Tip
“The Netherlands is rolling out zero-emission zones in 29 municipalities by 2030. Schiphol Airport became a ZEZ on January 1, 2026. These zones primarily affect commercial vehicles (trucks, vans, buses) - personal cars aren't yet restricted in most zones.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need separate ZEZ exemptions for each Dutch city?
What are the new ZEZ traffic signs in the Netherlands?
Is the Netherlands motorway speed limit still 100 km/h during the day?
Which Dutch cities have zero-emission zones?
Sources & Methodology
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: 2026-01-15
Primary Sources:
- Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer (RDW) — Official regulatory body
- Business.gov.nl ZEZ — Zero-Emission Zone Exemptions Now Nationwide
- Milieuzones.nl — New Zero-Emission Zone Traffic Signs
- RVO Zero Emission Transport — Extended ZEZ Exemption Periods
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