Driving in Netherlands

Netherlands: Motorways 100 km/h (6am-7pm) and 130 km/h (night), 80 km/h outside urban areas, 50 km/h in cities, 30 km/h zones common. Daytime motorway limit reduced from 130 to 100 km/h in 2020.

Netherlands: 0.5 promille (0.05%) for experienced drivers. 0.2 promille for drivers with less than 5 years experience. Severe penalties including license confiscation.

Netherlands: 18 years for car license, 17 with "2toDrive" accompanied driving program. Moped at 16. Theory exam from 16.5 years, practical from 17 years.

Netherlands: Right of way to traffic from right at equal intersections. ALWAYS yield to cyclists on bike paths when turning. Turning traffic yields to straight-going traffic.

Netherlands: Yield to traffic in roundabout. CRITICAL: On most roundabouts, cyclists on the bike path around the roundabout have priority when you exit. Always check for cyclists!

In the Netherlands, parking costs €2-7/hour in city centers. Most cities use license plate-based payment - enter your plate number at the machine or app. Fines start at €66.50 for expired parking. Amsterdam is one of the most expensive cities for parking in Europe.

In the Netherlands, seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Fine is €160. Children under 135cm must use appropriate child restraints. Children under 18kg should preferably face rearward.

Using a handheld phone while driving in the Netherlands costs €380. This applies to all road users including cyclists (€160). Only hands-free systems are permitted.

Dutch motorways have a 100 km/h limit during daytime (06:00-19:00) and 120/130 km/h at night. This environmental measure reduces emissions. Electronic signs show current limits.

In the Netherlands, call 112 for all emergencies. At accidents: secure scene, help injured, exchange details. Fill in European Accident Statement (schadeformulier). Warning triangle required.