Toll roads in the Netherlands? How to buy a vignette in the Netherlands? Fines in the Netherlands? Parking in the Netherlands? Autostrada in the Netherlands? Toll tunnels in the Netherlands? Ferries in the Netherlands? We have collected answers to all these questions for you in this article.
Roads in the Netherlands
The length of the network of public roads in the Netherlands is 139,295 km. All of them have a hard surface. The length of highways is 2,808 km.
Toll Motorways in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, there are no tolls for using highways. Only the passage through some tunnels is subject to payment.
Plots with special payment in the Netherlands
Fares for traveling through the Westerschelde tunnel in the Netherlands
The Westerschelde Tunnel connects Terneuzen (in Zeeland Flanders) and Goes (in South Beveland). The length of the tunnel is 6.6 km. All vehicles with a speed of 80 km/h can use the Westerschelde tunnel. Safety was a top priority during the construction of the tunnel, making the Westerschelde tunnel one of the safest in Europe.
Tariffs for 2024:
| Vehicle | Tariff | |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles | € 5.00 | |
| Vehicles up to 6 m long and up to 3 m high (cars, minibuses without trailer) | € 5.00 | |
| Motor vehicle more than 6 m long and up to 3 m high (cars, minibuses with a trailer) | € 7.45 | |
| vehicles up to 12 m long and more than 3 m high (motorhomes, buses) | € 18.20 |
The payment station is located on the north side of the tunnel. Payment for the tunnel can be made in cash (in euros) or by credit card (American Express, Visa, MasterCard, DKV, Routex and EuroShell).
Fares for traveling through the Kiltunnel in the Netherlands
The tunnel is located in Dordrecht (South Holland). The total length of the tunnel is 901 m. The length of the closed part of the tunnel is 406 m-code.
Tariffs for 2023:
| Vehicle | Tariff | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles up to 2.3 m high | € 2.00 | |
| Vehicles with a height of more than 2.3 m | € 5.00 |
Pedestrians and cyclists can also use the tunnel.
Parking in the Netherlands
Parking is not allowed next to black and white or yellow curbs. Improperly parked vehicles may be towed to a parking fine (fine from €90) or have a wheel blocked. Parking in spaces designated for the disabled is punishable by a fine of €360.
P+R – parking
There is an acute shortage of parking spaces in Amsterdam and other large cities. In order to reduce traffic jams, many cities have introduced a system of over-the-counter parking (“Park+Ride”). The driver parks in a specially organized place, outside or on the outskirts of the city, and then gets to the city center by public transport.
Since February 1, 2014, the following rates have been set for P+R parking:
- parking on weekdays until 10:00 a.m. – €8 for the first 24 hours, then €1 for each subsequent 24 hours;
- parking on weekdays after 10:00 a.m. – €1 per 24 hours;
- on Saturday and Sunday – €1 per 24 hours
The price of the GVB card is added to the parking fee:
- per 1 person: € 5
- for 2 people: €5
- for 3 people: €5.90
- for 4 people: €6.80
- for 5 people: €7.70
Below is a map of P+R parking lots in Amsterdam.
All car parks are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except P+R Bos en Lommer (7am to 10pm). All parking lots are secured, but it is not recommended to leave valuables in the cabin.
P-Zone parking
Almost all parking lots in cities are paid. Parking tickets must be purchased at such parking lots (marked with the appropriate “P-Zone” sign). Tickets are sold in special machines (usually gray or yellow) on the side of the road.
The coupon must be placed on the instrument panel under the windshield. The absence of such a ticket can lead to the fact that the parking police will block the wheel of the car and issue a fine.
Blue Zone parking
To park in such a parking lot, you need a parking disc with a time stamp. These discs can be purchased at car club offices, tobacconists and police stations.
Road map of the Netherlands
The main traffic laws of the Netherlands
Speed limits in the Netherlands
Standard speed limits in the Netherlands (unless otherwise indicated on signs).Cars:
- in the settlement – 50 km/h
- outside the settlement – 80 km/h
- on the road – 100 km/h
- on the highway – 130 km/h
Cars with a trailer:
- in the settlement – 50 km/h
- outside the settlement – 80 km/h
- on the road – 90 km/h
- on the highway – 90 km/h
Cars with a trailer or motorhomes with a total weight of more than 3.5 tons:
- in the settlement – 50 km/h
- outside the settlement – 80 km/h
- on the road – 80 km/h
- on the highway – 80 km/h
The minimum permitted speed on autobahns is 60 km/h. Non-compliance is punishable by a fine of €360.
Speed cameras in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has many fixed speed cameras that take pictures of cars breaking the speed limit.
Also, 12 main highways have long-distance average speed measurement systems. If the average speed is higher than the permissible maximum, the driver will receive a fine for the violation.
An experiment to increase the speed to 130 km/h
From March 1, 2011, the maximum speed on some sections of highways was increased to 130 km/h. During the experiment, the impact on infrastructure, traffic safety and the environment was studied.
Sections where the speed was increased to 130 km/h:
- A7 Wognum – Zurich
- A6 Almere Buiten-Oost – Joure
- A16 Moerdijk – Breda
- A2 Everdingen – Deil
- A17 Moerdijk – Bergen op Zoom
- A58 Bergen op Zoom – Vlissingen
- A32 Steenwijk – Heerenveen
- A37 Hoogeveen – Klazienaveen
Based on the results of the experiment, the government decided to set the upper speed limit on all highways at 130 km/h from September 1, 2012. Exceptions are sections of highways where this cannot be done due to negative impact on the environment or road safety.
The total length of motorways where the new speed limits apply is about 1,400 km (more than 60% of all Dutch motorways).
New restrictions will apply around the clock on 900 km of highways. And in other areas, the speed limit will be adjusted dynamically and applied whenever the road conditions allow.
In addition, since July 1, 2012, the maximum speed on highways near large cities has been increased from 80 km/h to 100 km/h.
The map below shows the motorways of the Netherlands with the speed limit.
Alcohol
Maximum permissible blood alcohol level in the Netherlands 0.5 ‰.
If the blood alcohol level is in the range of 0.51 ‰ to 0.8 ‰, then the fine will be €325.
If the blood alcohol level is between 0.81‰ and 1.0‰, the fine will be €425.
If the blood alcohol level is between 1.01‰ and 1.15‰, the fine will be €550.
If the blood alcohol level is between 1.16 ‰ and 1.30 ‰, the fine will be €650.
If the level of alcohol in the blood exceeds 1.30 ‰, then the case will be heard in court.
For drivers whose driving experience does not exceed 5 years, as well as for moped drivers not older than 24 years, the maximum permissible level of alcohol in the blood 0.2‰.
If the level of alcohol in the blood of such drivers is in the range from 0.21 ‰ to 0.5 ‰, then the fine will be € 325.
Low light
Low beam in the Netherlands is not mandatory when driving during the day. Dipped beam must be turned on in conditions of insufficient visibility. It is forbidden to move only with the dimensions turned on.
Fog lights can be used only if the weather conditions require it. Front fog lights can turn on fog, snow or rain, ie. when visibility is severely limited.
Rear fog lights can only be used in fog or snow when visibility is less than 50 meters. Fog lights should not be used during heavy rain.
Violation of these rules will result in a fine of €120.
Transportation of children in the Netherlands
Children under 18 years of age and less than 135 cm tall can travel only when using appropriate child restraints appropriate for their weight.
Children under 3 years old can only be transported in special child restraints. Child seats must meet the safety requirements of ECE R44/04.
Fine – €130.
Safety belts
The use of seat belts in the Netherlands is mandatory for front and rear passengers.
Fine – €130.
Phoning
In the Netherlands, it is forbidden to use a telephone device that is not equipped with a technical device that allows for hands-free conversations while driving.
Fine – €230.
Tinting
The degree of light transmission of the windshield should be at least 75%, of the front side glass at least 70%.
The degree of light transmission is not regulated for the rear glass, provided that the vehicle is equipped with a rear-view mirror on the opposite side from the driver.
Fine – €230.
Penalties in the Netherlands
Fines can be paid directly to the police officer at the scene of the violation. In case of illegal parking, the police can impose a fine on the spot or tow the car to a fine parking lot.
Fines for traffic violations in the Netherlands:
| Violation | Fines |
|---|---|
| Movement in the left lane when the right lane is free | € 220 |
| Frequent unforced lane changes | € 220 |
| Passing through a traffic light prohibition signal | € 220 |
| Incorrect use of the turn signal | € 90 |
| Using the sound signal without objective reasons | € 90 |
| Unreadable license plates | € 45 |
| Defective windshield wipers | € 120 |
| Overtaking where prohibited by signs or road markings | € 220 |
| Intersection of a solid line | € 220 |
When measuring speed, the following errors apply:
- Up to 100 km/h – 3 km/h from the measured speed
- More than 100 km/h – 3% of the measured speed
This means that the lower limit of fines on most roads starts at 4 km/h over the speed limit. Only on motorways with a speed limit of 130 km/h there is no minimum limit and fines start at 1 km/h over the speed limit.Table of speeding fines in the Netherlands (EUR):
| Speeding | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 3 km/year | —- | —- | —- | € 11 – 19 |
| 4 – 10 km/year | € 43 – 98 | € 26 – 66 | € 23 – 62 | € 23 – 58 |
| 11 – 15 km/year | € 124 – 170 | € 89 – 124 | € 84 – 119 | € 80 – 110 |
| 16 – 20 km/year | € 182 – 236 | € 133 – 176 | € 127 – 168 | € 118 – 158 |
| 21 – 25 km/year | € 251 – 315 | € 188 – 238 | € 178 – 225 | € 169 – 210 |
| 26 – 30 km/year | € 332 – 390 | € 251 – 308 | € 238 – 293 | € 222 – 269 |
| 31 – 35 km/year | € 282 – 337 | |||
| 36 – 40 km/year | € 351 – 390 |
If the speed is exceeded by more than 30 km/h (more than 40 km/h on the highway), the case will be considered in court. Exceeding the speed by more than 50 km/h will automatically result in the driver’s license being revoked.
Attention motorcyclists!!!
Penalties for speeding in the Netherlands are higher for motorcyclists than for motorists.
Useful Information
Fuel prices in the Netherlands
Unleaded petrol (Ongelood 95 and 98) and diesel are available in the Netherlands. Gas stations (LPG) are plentiful.
The National Average Retail Price (GLA) is set daily based on the average national retail prices of the five largest oil companies (Shell, BP, Esso, Texaco and Total).
Average prices for all types of fuel as of 15.12.2023:
- Euro95 — € 2.056
- Super98 — € 2.199
- Diesel — € 1.870
- LPG — € 1.061
On the territory of the country, it is allowed to carry gasoline in a canister in a car.
Emergency numbers in the Netherlands
- The European emergency number is 112
Mandatory equipment
In the Netherlands, there are no requirements for equipment that must be in the car.
Winter equipment
Winter tires
The use of winter tires is optional in the Netherlands.
Studded tires
The use of studded tires in the Netherlands is prohibited.
Anti-slip chains
The use of anti-skid chains in the Netherlands is prohibited.
Recommended equipment and other rules
The emergency stop sign must be used in the event of an accident or stoppage. Therefore, although it is not in the list of mandatory equipment, it is better to have it in the car.
Car first aid kit.
Reflective vest.
The use of radar detectors in the Netherlands is prohibited. For its use, a fine of €420 with confiscation of the device.