Netherlands Driving Information

Auto Europe offers competitive rates and a wide range of choices with reputable suppliers in the Netherlands. Our Suppliers are located throughout major cities of Netherlands.

CAR HIRE DRIVING DISTANCES IN NETHERLANDS

• Rotterdam to Amsterdam – 74kms ( 1hr)
• Amsterdam to Eindhoven – 125 kms (1 hr/ 30 mins)
• Rotterdam to Den Haag – 25 kms (25 mins)

DRIVING LICENCE

A full valid driver's license is required for a minimum of 1 year. An International licence is required for New Zealand drivers licence holders.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

Generally, the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

RULES, LAWS AND REGULATIONS

General driving rules, laws and regulations in the Netherlands;

• Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• Overtake on the left-hand side of the road.
• Priority is given to public transportation.
• All occupants of the vehicle must wear a seatbelt.
• Mobile phones are prohibited while driving, with the exception of a hands-free system.
• Dipped headlights are to be used in poor visibility.
• Drivers are to carry at all times while driving, a valid drivers licence, registration documents and insurance documents.

EQUIPMENT

There are no requirements to carry in your vehicle any additional equipment, but is recommended that a warning triangle and a reflective vest be kept in your vehicle and to be used at the event of an accident, incident or breakdown.

CHILD SAFETY SEATS

It is a requirement that children under the age 3 years old must be seated in an appropriate child restraint seat. Children up to the age of 12 years old must be seated in the back seats of the vehicle and be strapped into a seat belt and children up to 135cm in height must also be seated into a suitable booster seat.

SPEED LIMITS

Speed limits are strictly enforced with speed traps common. Keep aware of your driving speed as radar traps, speed cameras and police radars are used to catch speeding motorists and penalties are severe if caught. Below are the speed limits in the Netherlands for use as a guide only, unless signed otherwise.

• Urban Areas (built-up areas): 50km/h
• Rural Roads (outside towns): 80km/h
• National Roads: 100km/h
• Motorways: 100-120km/h

DRINK DRIVING

It is illegal for a person driving in the Netherlands to be over the limit. Random breath tests are carried out randomly by police if found over the limit drivers can be charged a fine or imprisonment. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) in the Netherlands is 0.05mg/100ml.

TOLLS

No highway tolls exist in The Netherlands.

ROAD SIGNS

Road Signs in the Netherlands adopts the standardization of the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals which many European countries now utilize, but with slight variance. Signs in the Netherlands are commonly found in the countries local language however English is also used on city roads and state highways. The signs are very easy to understand as the vast majority of them are posted with symbols. Warning Signs are generally triangular in shape with a red border, white background or yellow and a symbol in the middle. Prohibitory Signs are signs where motorists must follow the actions they are permitted or forbidden to do. These signs vary in shapes from a circle, octagon and a box. You will find these signs in either blue with a white symbol in the middle and white with a red border. Information Signs are indicated with a blue or green background and white text providing motorists with information such as directions.

PARKING

Parking in most major cities especially Amsterdam is quite limited and can be expensive in some areas. Local governments are now encouraging motorists to make use of the park-n-ride scheme, which helps reduce the congestion within major cities. Drivers can park at a listed park-n-ride located out of town and then catch public transport to finish their journey. In most built-up areas, parking is generally paid. Paid parking is marked with a "P-zone" sign and follows the pay and display procedure. Drivers are to purchase a ticket from a meter machine and display the ticket on the front window. Tickets can be paid by cash, most major credit cards or parking cards. Blue Zone parking must use a parking disc which displays the arrival parking time. Parking discs can be obtained from police stations, petrol stations or tobacco shops.

Do not park in areas marked with black and white or yellow curbs.

*Please note distances and time should only be used as a guide and may vary according to the route taken.