Traffic and swimming

Traffic regulations in the Netherlands 

What traffic regulations apply in the Netherlands?

Here are the most important general rules for cars and bicycles. You should drive on the right and pass on the left. It is prohibited to behave in a way that endangers or hinders (or could hinder) other road users.

• maximum speed in the Netherlands for passenger cars
  The speed limit is 50 km/hour in built-up areas The speed limit is 80 km/hour outside of built-up areas The speed limit is 100 km/hour on primary roads and 100 (130) km/hour on motorways Note: during the day, the speed limit on all motorways is 100 km/h between 6:00 and 19:00 hours. 
  In principle, the abovementioned speed limits generally apply on all roads, but if a different speed limit applies, this is shown on a traffic sign or matrix sign above the road.
  You are obliged to follow the instructions of a police officer or traffic warden. These instructions take precedence over traffic regulations and traffic signs.
• Speed cameras
  The wearing and use of radar detection equipment is prohibited.
  There are special traffic rules for: Mopeds, cargo bikes, electric bikes, scooters, skates, rollerblades, skateboards, mobility scooters, disabled cars, and all other forms of electric or motorised modes of transport.

Traffic regulations for cars 

• Right of way
  At an intersection without priority signs, road markings, or traffic lights you must yield to motorists coming from the right. There are exceptions to this general right-of-way rule: if you are driving on a dirt road, you must yield to drivers on a tarred road. You must always yield to trams, even if they come from the left. Turning drivers must give way to all road users going straight, including pedestrians. In short: traffic going straight through on the same road has right of way. Priority vehicles such as police cars, fire engines, or ambulances with sirens and flashing lights are always given priority. In built-up areas, you must give way to a bus driver who uses his indicator to show he wants to leave the bus stop. You must give right of way to pedestrians who are crossing or about to cross at a zebra crossing. When performing a special manoeuvre, such as pulling away, reversing, or turning, you must give way to all other traffic. You must also give way to other traffic if, for example, you enter a driveway, leave an exit, merge, or change lanes.
• Overtaking
  You must overtake on the left. You may overtake on the right in the following situations: If a driver enters the left lane and indicates that they want to turn left. If you are driving on the right of a block marking. If you want to overtake a tram. In a queue of traffic. Just before a roundabout. Cyclists must pass other cyclists on the left, but may pass the drivers of other vehicles on the right. Overtaking on or close to a pedestrian crossing is prohibited. A solid line between two lanes means overtaking is prohibited.
• Stopping and parking
  You may not stop at the following places: Along a solid yellow line. At an intersection or railway crossing. On or within 5 metres of a pedestrian crossing. In a tunnel. At a bus stop along the checked marking or, if there is no marking, within 12 metres of the sign indicating a bus stop. On the carriageway next to a bus lane. On a cycle path or on the carriageway beside a cycle path. You may not park your vehicle in the following places: Along a broken yellow line. Within 5 metres of an intersection. In front of an entrance or exit. On the carriageway of a priority road outside built-up areas. In a loading or offloading bay. In a parking bay for permit holders without a permit. In a parking bay intended for a category of road user to which you do not belong. You may not double park your vehicle. If a carpark is equipped with parking bays, you may only park in those bays. You may only park in a parking disc zone (recognisable by a sign and parking bays with a blue line) with a parking disc behind the windscreen indicating the time of arrival. You may not use a parking disc with a mechanism that automatically changes the arrival time while parked.
• Traffic lights
  At a three-colour traffic light, a green light means you can continue and a red light means you must stop. Yellow also means you must stop, unless you are so close to the traffic light that it is not reasonably possible to stop. If there is a sign at a three-colour traffic light that says 'Cyclists and moped riders turn right', the yellow and red lights do not apply to cyclists and moped riders, or drivers of a disabled vehicle who want to turn right. These must then give way to other traffic in the right way. If the red pedestrian light at a pedestrian crossing has been replaced by a flashing yellow light (triangle with exclamation mark), pedestrians may cross, but you must give way to other traffic.
• Tyres, lights, windows, mirrors, and light and sound signals
  The minimum legal tread depth of a tyre is 1.6 mm. It is advisable to replace the tyre if the tread depth is less than 2 millimetres. The direction of rotation indicated on the tyre must correspond to the direction of rotation of the wheel. It is not mandatory to use daytime lights in clear weather. You must use dipped headlights if visibility is severely obstructed during the day and at night (after sunset). You may drive with high beams at night if dipped headlights alone do not provide adequate visibility, but using high beams is prohibited in the following cases: When you encounter another road user. If you are driving behind another vehicle at close range. If visibility is severely impaired in fog, snowfall or rain, you may use front fog lights. In that case, you need not use dipped headlights. A rear fog lamp should only be used when visibility is less than 50 m due to fog or snowfall. Note: The rear fog lamp must not be used in rain. It is prohibited to use fog lights unnecessarily as these lights are very bright and can hinder other road users in normal visibility. The windscreen and side windows adjacent to the driver must not be damaged or discoloured and must not contain unnecessary objects that obstruct the driver's view. When glazing or coating windows, the light transmission of the windscreen and side windows should never be less than 55%. However, the rear window may be equipped with a film or coating with no or low light transmission. The vehicle must then have an exterior right-hand mirror. Mirrors: passenger cars put into service after 2010 must have an exterior left-hand mirror, an exterior right-hand mirror, and an interior rearview mirror. However, if the interior mirror does not provide a rear view, it does not need to be present. Passenger cars put into service prior to this date must have an exterior left-hand mirror and an interior rearview mirror as a minimum. However, if the driver cannot see the section of road behind the car through the interior mirror adequately, the car must also be equipped with an exterior right-hand mirror. If the rearview mirror does not provide a rear view, it does not need to be present. The mirror glass of the mandatory mirrors must not show any signs of breakage and must not be severely weathered. You may only use light and sound signals to avert imminent danger. It is therefore prohibited to use light and sound signals to greet other road users, or to draw their attention to speed traps, for example.
• Roundabouts
  Most roundabouts in the Netherlands have priority signs and give right of way to drivers approaching the roundabout. This means drivers who want to enter the roundabout must yield to drivers who are already driving on the roundabout. If a roundabout has no priority signs or other traffic signs, drivers coming from the right have right of way. Drivers who are already on the roundabout must then yield to drivers entering the roundabout. Only when exiting the roundabout must you give way to the right. Pedestrians on a zebra crossing and cyclists on a red cycle path on the roundabout have right of way. Cyclists, moped riders and pedestrians following the carriageway on a roundabout within a built-up area also have priority over cars that are turning off.
• Hard shoulders and Zip-merging
  A hard shoulder may only be used in the event of a breakdown and other emergencies. It is therefore prohibited to stop on the hard shoulder to make a phone call, for example. A rush-hour lane (hard shoulder or left lane) is only open as an extra lane during busy times. If the rush-hour lane is open, you can drive over the solid line. Because you have to drive on the right as much as possible, you should drive in a rush-hour lane (hard shoulder) on the right as much as possible. When merging via a merge lane, you must give way to traffic in the through lane and you are obliged to indicate your direction. You can overtake on the right if necessary in the merging lane. Once you are in the merging lane, you must stay there and may not merge again. A matrix sign above a lane can indicate the following, among others: Green arrow: you may use the lane Speed limit: an amended speed limit temporarily applies in the lane. White arrow: you must exit the lane, because it is closed a little further along. Red cross: it is prohibited to use the lane. BUS or LIJNBUS: only buses may use the lane. White circle with a line through it: end of lane prohibition. Zip-merging refers to the desired driving behaviour when merging lanes: Drivers in the merging lane remain in their own lane until just before it narrows and only merge then. Drivers in the through lane allow a single vehicle to merge in turn. This desired behaviour is indicated by road signs as follows: Merge after 300 metres: at this sign on the exit lane, start by adjusting your speed to that of the traffic in the through lane and start making room for merging drivers in the through lane. Merge from here: only merge into the through lane when you see this sign in the exit lane.
• Lines on the road
  Lines on roads outside built-up areas indicate the speed limit on those roads. Note: if there are road signs or matrix signs indicating a speed limit, these signs always precede the lines. Stripes on both sides and in the middle of a road indicate the speed limit on that road as follows: solid lines on the side and two (solid or broken) central lines with a green infill: 100 km/hour. Solid lines on the side and two (solid or broken) central lines with no infill: 80 km/hour. Solid lines on the side and no middle lines: usually 80 km/hour here, but the sign often says 60 km/hour. The speed limit on a particular road is also shown on hectometre boards along the road.
• Recommended speed and minimum speed
  In some places, a recommended speed is indicated by blue square road signs with white lettering. In principle, you are allowed to drive faster where there is a sign with a recommended speed. However, this is strongly discouraged. At higher speeds, you may lose control on a corner, or may not be able to brake in time for a traffic situation that you cannot see yet, for example. There is no minimum speed on roads in the Netherlands. Note: If you drive very slowly and hinder or put other traffic in danger, you can be fined. There is however a minimum construction speed on motorways and carriageways. You may only drive on carriageways if your vehicle can and is allowed to drive at least 50 km/hour. You may only drive on motorways if your vehicle can and is allowed to drive at least 60 km/h.
• Passengers and children
  You may not transport more people than there are seats in the car. The registration certificate states how many seats the car has. A rule of thumb is that every passenger in a car or camper van is obliged to wear a seatbelt. Whether and where there should be seatbelts depends on the age of a car. A rule of thumb is that children under 1.35 metres should be seated in an approved and appropriate child safety system. Approved means child seats with ECE labels. Appropriate means the child safety system must be adapted to the length and weight of the child. Children taller than 1.35 metres and adults must wear seatbelts.
• Loading and towing
  The load you transport in or on the car or camper van may not obstruct the view of the driver. Secure the load properly and ensure it poses no danger to anyone inside or outside the car or camper van, causes no damage to public or private property, and cannot fall on the road. The load may not obscure the licence plate, lights, reflectors and indicators. Loads may not be transported directly on the roof, but only in or on a designated load carrier such as a roof box or roof rack. The weight of the load may not exceed the load-bearing capacity of the car or camper van. Including the load, a car or camper van should not be wider than 2.55 metres (2.20 metres on dirt roads). A road sign may stipulate a different maximum width. A car or camper van, including load, may be a maximum of 4 metres high. A road sign may stipulate a different maximum height. It is permitted to tow another car. It is prohibited to tow a motorcycle or car with a trailer. Passengers should sit in the vehicle that is towing as far as possible. The distance between the towing vehicle and the vehicle being towed should not exceed 5 metres. The use of a red flag in the middle is not mandatory. Switch on the hazard lights of both cars. Traffic signs that apply to trailers apply to towed vehicles too.
• Funeral procession and military motorcade
  Road users may not cut through a funeral procession or military motorcade. You can recognise a funeral procession or military motorcade by the flags attached to the vehicles: A funeral procession consists of a hearse and a number of support vehicles on which two black flags are attached. For a military column, the lead vehicle has two blue flags, each subsequent vehicle has a blue flag, and the rear vehicle has a green flag.

Buying a car in the Netherlands 

• BRP excerpt 
  You need a paper excerpt from the BRP when you buy a car. You must be registered as a citizen at a legal address in this municipality. You can request this excerpt online via DigiD: (https://winkel.tilburg.nl/formulieren/server/winkel-ui/start.html?sessionId=9ffc0a48-135a-4976-b44e-b924593d2df2). You pay for the excerpt online and it is sent to your address by post. This takes a few working days. Do you need it today? Then call 14 013. 
• Purchase and registration of licence plate 
  After you have bought a car from a garage or private individual, the car needs to be registered in your name. Professional garages do this for you. You need to do it yourself if you buy from a private individual, or a smaller garage. You can find information about where you can do this via the following link. www.rdw.nl/particulier/paginas/kentekenloket.
• Insure your car 
  Once the car is registered in your name and you start driving it, the car must be insured for third party liability as a minimum. You can arrange this in advance. You then get provisional coverage. You can compare motor vehicle insurance at Independer.nl.
• Paying tax
  After registration, you automatically receive notification about paying road tax from the RDW. This is a fixed sum for a fixed period (month or quarter). The first time, you have to pay the sum to the tax administration bank account. Afterwards, you can opt for automatic payment (direct debit). Enjoy your new car and drive safely!

Driving in the Netherlands 

Your vehicle must have a valid licence plate in the Netherlands. Your vehicle must also be insured. If it does not comply with the requirements, the vehicle must be taken off the road. You may not continue driving. 

Third-party insurance is mandatory for cars and motorcycles, scooters and mopeds, amongst others. Only if a motorised vehicle has been approved by the RDW for use on public roads can you take out third-party insurance (Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Act, WAM) for it. The third-party insurance that you take out for your vehicle covers both personal injury and property damage that you cause to another person with your vehicle.

Alcohol, drugs, mobile phones 

The Netherlands has strict rules that govern the use of alcohol and drugs while driving and the fines are high. Besides, you put yourself and others in grave danger. Accidents happen easily and the consequences can be serious.

• Driving under the influence
  It is prohibited to drive a car if you are under the influence of a substance you know, or should know, can impair your ability to drive to the extent you cannot control the vehicle properly. This means that all drivers, including cyclists, are liable if they drive a vehicle under the influence of (excessive) alcohol, drugs, or certain medicines.
• Alcohol, drugs and medicines
  The maximum permissible blood alcohol level is 0.5 per mille (or 220 micrograms per litre of exhaled air in a breathalyser test). The same applies for cyclists. Stricter rules apply for new drivers; the maximum permissible blood alcohol level for them is 0.2 per mille. The lower limit of 0.2 per mille also applies if alcohol consumption is combined with drug use. It is prohibited to drive a vehicle under the influence of hard or soft drugs, such as cocaine, XTC and cannabis. A saliva test can detect the presence of drugs in the body. A police officer can also recognise the use of drugs from external characteristics. A doctor or nurse can draw blood from the driver and have this sample of blood tested. There are strict legal restrictions on the use of drugs while driving. It is prohibited to drive a vehicle under the influence of drugs that impair responsiveness, such as sleeping pills and tranquilisers, some painkillers, medicines for depression, anxiety or mental disorders, medicines for epilepsy and medicines for allergies, itching, or motion sickness. If medicines can affect your ability to drive, this is stated on the label or leaflet that comes with the medicine.
• Mobile telephones
  It is prohibited to hold a mobile electronic device (for example, a mobile phone, tablet, or media player) while driving a vehicle. You may therefore not make a hand-held call, use an app, read your emails, or send text messages while driving. Note: this applies to cyclists too! It is also prohibited to clamp the telephone between your ear and shoulder while driving. Hands-free calling is however permitted. Operation via the dashboard or steering wheel, as well as voice control, is permitted. You may hold your telephone when the vehicle is stationary.

Winter tyres and winter regulations 

• Winter tyres
  Recommended in winter conditions Winter tyres are not mandatory in the Netherlands, but use of these is recommended in winter.
• Snow chains and studded tyres - prohibited
  The use of snow chains and studded tyres is prohibited on public roads in the Netherlands because they can damage the road surface or road markings and thus endanger road safety.

You are required to clear all your car's windows, mirrors, and lights of snow and ice before driving. So keep an ice scraper in the car. You are also required to remove snow from the roof and to ensure the licence plate is legible. You risk a heavy fine if you fail to clear your car of snow and ice.

Cycling regulations

Cyclists must always overtake one another on the left, but they may also overtake other drivers on the right. Cyclists are permitted to ride two abreast. However, they may not hinder other traffic.

• Lights and other requirements
  Cyclists must use their front and rear lights at night as well as during the day when visibility is poor. The front light should be white or yellow, the rear light red. The light should shine straight ahead and may not flicker or move excessively. Loose lights are also permitted instead of fixed lights. You may wear these lights on your chest and back. You can then attach the lights to clothing and/or bags. You must ensure nothing is obscuring the lights and that they are properly visible. The bicycle must also have a red reflector at the back, yellow or white reflectors on the wheels, and orange or yellow reflectors on the pedals. The bicycle must have properly functioning brakes and a bell.
• Passengers
  It is permitted to carry one passenger aged 8 years or older on the bicycle's luggage rack. Bear in mind that most luggage racks are unsuitable for the transport of passengers. Children under the age 8 may only be transported on a bicycle or electric bicycle if they are sitting in a proper, safe seat with sufficient support for the back, hands and feet. In practice, this means they must sit in a special bicycle seat. It is advisable to ensure you have a good spoke protection to prevent a child's foot from getting caught between the spokes.
• PROHIBITED on the bicycle
  It is prohibited to hold a mobile telephone, music player, or other electronic device while cycling. You can get a fine if you use the phone, an app, or read the screen and navigate while cycling. You may use your mobile telephone or music player hands-free with earphones or headphones, for example, but you must ensure you can still hear ambient noise by setting the volume low enough, or only using a single earphone. You may not hold a navigation device while cycling either. You may however place your telephone or navigation system in a holder on the steering frame. You may hold a mobile telephone or another device when you are stationary.
• Cycling under the influence
  Cyclists may not cycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The maximum permissible blood alcohol level is 0.5 per mille (or 220 micrograms per litre of exhaled air in a breathalyser test).

Swimming in the Netherlands

There is a great deal of water in the Netherlands, but you cannot swim everywhere. The water is often cold, there are currents, there is boat traffic, or the water is not clean. So pay close attention to where you do and don't swim. It can be dangerous. Only go swimming alone in open water if you are in possession of a swimming diploma and do not go deeper than 1.5 metres.Drowning occurs more often than you think. About three-quarters of drownings happen in open water and about a quarter in and around the house. Most drownings in open water happen in places where there is no supervision and people go into the water spontaneously. Alcohol and swimming do not go together. You risk death by going into the water after you have consumed alcohol. Alcohol impairs your ability to swim and increases the risk of health problems. When you lie in the sun, your body is warmed up. Your body first needs to cool down before you dive into the water. First your head, armpits and chest. Do this gradually. You can lose consciousness due to a sudden change in temperature in the water.

Tips for swimming in open water  

• Learn to swim and never swim alone.
• Do not drink alcohol and do not go swimming on a full stomach.
• Swim where it is permitted and where there is supervision.
• Do not go further than knee-deep in the water.
• First cool down slowly before you go into the water, for example, by wetting your head and chest.
• If there is a red flag, it means swimming and bathing are prohibited.

You can check whether the water is safe before you go swimming somewhere. You can do this via this website. 

In trouble?  

Do not panic if you fall into the water. Float on your back to calm down, or find something on which to float like a football or a plastic bag, for example. That way, you ensure you remain above the water. Then call or wave for help. Wait calmly until help arrives. See someone in trouble in the water?

• DO NOT DO THIS
  Do not just dive in if you see someone in trouble, because you don't know the cause. It could be due to temperature differences in the water, for example, as a result of which you could also end up in trouble. Besides, someone may hold onto you. While in a state of panic, the victim may therefore put the rescuer in danger too.
• DO THIS
  Always call 112 in an emergency or if there are serious problems. Call for someone else to assist you as soon as possible. Above all, keep a very close eye on the whereabouts of the person in question, along with other bystanders if possible. Maintain contact with the drowning victim, try to talk them to the side. Throw something that floats into the water; a lifebuoy, a football, or a bodyboard. That can keep someone above water. You can also hold something out to them that can be grabbed, like a branch, a piece of wood, or a rope. Keep looking where the person in the water is, or ask someone else to do that until help arrives for them. Call out to them that they should try to swim to the side. Call for help. Throw something that floats, or hold out something they can grab. Talk them to the side. Never go into the water yourself!