Speed Limits, Road Signs and Traffic Conditions
Make sure you understand the road signs you see in the Netherlands...
The road network in the Netherlands is dense and busy but in good condition. Rules and road signs are similar to those of other mainland European countries.
There are a large number of cyclists and skaters on the roads, and most main roads have cycle lanes; cyclists should always be in the designated lane where available. Bicycles always have priority over cars.
There are no toll motorways in the Netherlands.
Road and traffic conditions
The ANWB (an organisation much like the AA and AAA in anglophone countries) provides up-to-the-minute information on road and traffic conditions.
- Current road traffic conditions (in Dutch). Refer also to menu of town/area names on the right side
- Roadworks in the Netherlands (in Dutch) gives information on roadways affected by works
- Tel: 0800 8002
Speed limits
Speed limits are implemented rigorously and radar traps are frequent. Driving over the speed limit and other law infringements are severely punished (fines, licence withheld, vehicle seized). Speed cameras, speed traps and unmarked vehicles are used by the traffic police.
Speed limits for motor vehicles are as follows unless otherwise marked by signs:
- Autosnelweg (motorway/expressway/freeway): 120 Km/h dropping to 100 Km/h (where marked)
- Autoweg (main, national roads): 100 Km/h
- Built-up areas: 50 Km/h
- All other roads: 80 km/h
Note that speed limits are reduced for passenger cars and vans with trailers attached, and for camper vans and trucks.
The ANWB publishes the locations of speed controls each week.
Rules and road signs
See the English-language PDF Road Traffic Signs and Regulations in the Netherlands for information on driving in the Netherlands.
- Road Traffic Signs and Regulations (PDF)
- Explanation and images of traffic signs (select page 57)
Breakdown Recovery
Yellow emergency telephones on the motorway roadside connect to the ANWB for roadside assistance. The ANWB is a membership breakdown service but is open to all road users who are able to subscribe for help from the scene of a breakdown or accident.