Annex I - FAQs on Traffic Rules - NL Host Nation
Annex I - FAQs on Traffic Rules
(see section 10.6)
No rights can be derived from this document. This list is by no means complete; it contains only a few of the most important rules and regulations.
General rules
It is an offence for any road user to act in such manner as to cause a hazard (or a potential hazard) on the public highway or to obstruct other road users in any way. (section 5, Road Traffic Act)
Anyone who is involved in a traffic accident is prohibited from leaving the scene of the accident before their identity and that of their vehicle have been ascertained. It is also an offence to leave a person behind in a helpless state following an accident. (Adapted from section 7, Road Traffic Act)
What rules apply to the consumption of drugs or alcohol while driving?
It is against the law to operate a vehicle (including a moped or bicycle) under the influence of certain substances. Specifically:
Two alcoholic drinks is often enough to reach this limit. Obviously, it is best to avoid alcohol entirely if you plan on getting behind the wheel. For drivers who have had their licence for less than five years, lower limits apply: 88µg/l or 0.2‰, respectively. It is an offence to drive under the influence of narcotics, if the legal limit of the substance in the blood is exceeded.
The government publishes a list that shows the maximum allowable values for a variety of narcotic substances.
How do you know who has right-of-way?
Generally speaking, at an intersection, all road users (including cyclists) coming from the right have right-of-way. There are a number of exceptions to this rule, however. The most important of these are as follows:
What is the speed limit in built-up areas?
The speed limit never exceeds what is indicated on conventional road signs or matrix signs (electronic signs that hang over the road). The main rules governing speed limits are as follows:
* from 06.00 – 19.00 Hr: 100km/h (or 80 km/h in environmental zones, as indicated by signs)
from 19.00 – 06.00 Hr: 100, 120 or 130 km/h, as indicated by signs (or 80 km/h in environmental zones)
** There are also 30 km/h zones in built-up area. These are clearly indicated by road signs. In certain low- traffic roads in residential areas, the speed limit is 15 km/h.
# When on a cycle path.
Which rules apply to a vehicle’s place on the road / overtaking / roundabouts?
Generally speaking, you should keep right as much as possible. You overtake on the left, except when the vehicle in front of you is turning left, has its indicator on and is on the left side of the road; in that case you are permitted to overtake on the right. When approaching or driving on a roundabout, you may also drive on the left and overtake on the right. For almost every roundabout, right-of-way will be indicated by traffic lights or signs. In those rare instances where there are no lights or signs present, the following rules apply:
Are there special rules for buses and trams?
Bus and tram stops may be located in the middle of the road. When passing a stopped bus or tram, you must allow passengers to board or exit. Within built-up areas, a bus with its indicator on, pulling away from a stop, has right-of-way.
Can I use my mobile phone while driving?
It is prohibited to hold a mobile electronic device for communication or data processing while driving, e.g. a mobile telephone, tablet or media player. This rule applies to all vehicles (including mopeds and bicycles), but only when moving. It does not apply when you are stationary, for instance at a red light.
For more information, please go to:
The complete 1990 Traffic Rules and Signs Regulations (RVV 1990) in the Dutch language can be viewed at: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0004825/
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No rights can be derived from this document. This list is by no means complete; it contains only a few of the most important rules and regulations.
General rules
It is an offence for any road user to act in such manner as to cause a hazard (or a potential hazard) on the public highway or to obstruct other road users in any way. (section 5, Road Traffic Act)
Anyone who is involved in a traffic accident is prohibited from leaving the scene of the accident before their identity and that of their vehicle have been ascertained. It is also an offence to leave a person behind in a helpless state following an accident. (Adapted from section 7, Road Traffic Act)
What rules apply to the consumption of drugs or alcohol while driving?
It is against the law to operate a vehicle (including a moped or bicycle) under the influence of certain substances. Specifically:
- a substance, such as medication, which you can be expected to know could have a negative effect on your ability to drive;
- over 220 micrograms of alcohol per litre of exhaled air (220µg/l); or
- over 0.5% of alcohol per millilitre of blood (0.5‰).
Two alcoholic drinks is often enough to reach this limit. Obviously, it is best to avoid alcohol entirely if you plan on getting behind the wheel. For drivers who have had their licence for less than five years, lower limits apply: 88µg/l or 0.2‰, respectively. It is an offence to drive under the influence of narcotics, if the legal limit of the substance in the blood is exceeded.
The government publishes a list that shows the maximum allowable values for a variety of narcotic substances.
How do you know who has right-of-way?
Generally speaking, at an intersection, all road users (including cyclists) coming from the right have right-of-way. There are a number of exceptions to this rule, however. The most important of these are as follows:
- when road signs indicate otherwise;
- when pulling out of a driveway, you must give way to all other traffic (including pedestrians);
- drivers on unpaved roads must give way to drivers on paved roads;
- all drivers must give way to trams.
What is the speed limit in built-up areas?
The speed limit never exceeds what is indicated on conventional road signs or matrix signs (electronic signs that hang over the road). The main rules governing speed limits are as follows:
* from 06.00 – 19.00 Hr: 100km/h (or 80 km/h in environmental zones, as indicated by signs)
from 19.00 – 06.00 Hr: 100, 120 or 130 km/h, as indicated by signs (or 80 km/h in environmental zones)
** There are also 30 km/h zones in built-up area. These are clearly indicated by road signs. In certain low- traffic roads in residential areas, the speed limit is 15 km/h.
# When on a cycle path.
Which rules apply to a vehicle’s place on the road / overtaking / roundabouts?
Generally speaking, you should keep right as much as possible. You overtake on the left, except when the vehicle in front of you is turning left, has its indicator on and is on the left side of the road; in that case you are permitted to overtake on the right. When approaching or driving on a roundabout, you may also drive on the left and overtake on the right. For almost every roundabout, right-of-way will be indicated by traffic lights or signs. In those rare instances where there are no lights or signs present, the following rules apply:
- vehicles entering the roundabout from the right have right-of-way;
- when exiting a roundabout, you must give way to traffic staying on the roundabout (motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians).
Are there special rules for buses and trams?
Bus and tram stops may be located in the middle of the road. When passing a stopped bus or tram, you must allow passengers to board or exit. Within built-up areas, a bus with its indicator on, pulling away from a stop, has right-of-way.
Can I use my mobile phone while driving?
It is prohibited to hold a mobile electronic device for communication or data processing while driving, e.g. a mobile telephone, tablet or media player. This rule applies to all vehicles (including mopeds and bicycles), but only when moving. It does not apply when you are stationary, for instance at a red light.
For more information, please go to:
The complete 1990 Traffic Rules and Signs Regulations (RVV 1990) in the Dutch language can be viewed at: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0004825/
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