Driving In The Netherlands - Driving in Holland

Key rules, regulations and things to know

Driving: Drive on the right and overtake on the left.

Road Traffic Signs & Regulations in the Netherlands

Speed limits: Built-up areas: 50km/h (31mph) Open Roads: 180/100km/h (50/62mph) Motorways: 120km/h (74mph).

You will find that there are large number of vehicles that run on LPG in addition to to diesel / peetrol in the Netherlands. This reduces the amount of luggage space in the boot. It is worthwhile checking with the car rental company about the type of fuel a vehicle should have with warning on the key fob and fuel cap

Driving Age:18 years is the legal minimum age to drive a car (or motorbike over 125cc)16 is the legal minimum age to drive a moped Motorcycle and trike drivers and passengers must wear crash helmets. Minimum Driving Ages European Countries - Here Check with car hire companiy regarding minimum and maximum age to hire a car in the Netherlands

It is compulsory to carry a driving licence, car registration papers and insurance documents in the car (Dutch, EU and International Driving Licences are accepted)

Drink and Driving: Blood alcohol limit is 0.05 More information Here This is very low, so it is much safer not to drink and drive in The Netherlands or risk a fine +

Mobile Phones: It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone whilst driving.Even holding a mobile in a moving vehicle is considered an offence in The Netherlands.Police can issue on the spot fines for this offence. Don't risk using one as you can receive a heavy fine in most countries and more important cause a serious accident.

'Blue zone' parking systems operate and discs can be obtained free from police stations. However, parking meters also operate in certain areas.

At road intersections, cyclists proceeding straight ahead have priority over all traffic. There are a large number of cyclists and skaters in the Netherlands and most main roads have cycle lanes. Cyclists should always be in the designated lane where available. Bikes always have priority over cars and there are thousands of these in the country.

Buses have right of way when leaving bus stops in built-up areas and trams have right of way except when crossing a priority road.

Tolls: There are no tolls on the Dutch motorway network.

Speed cameras like the example on the left are on the motorways, intersections and other roads and in towns. They are similar in appearance as to those found in Belgium, Ireland and the UK. and there is not always advance warning.

Seatbelts: Seatbelts are compulsory in the front and rear of the vehicle. Children younger than 12 and shorter than 1.35m must sit in an approved car seat or raised booster child's seat.

Headlights should be dipped in built-up areas but it is prohibited to use side-lights only. Drivers should pay particular attention to cyclists who may ride two abreast.

Warning / Emergency Equipment: It is compulsory to use a warning triangle or hazard warning lights in the event of an accident or breakdown.

Trams: Unless otherwise signposted, vehicles coming from the right have priority Buses have priority when pulling out Trams have priority except where signposted at major junctions

Crash Hemets: Motorcycle and trike drivers and passengers must wear crash helmets.

Horns: The use of horns at night is prohibited and should only be used in moderation during the day.

Disabled Parking: The Blue Badge is recognised in all European countries - More information Here

Koninklijke Nederlandsche Autombiel Club - (KNAC)- To enter the site, click on the image above left

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Information from holiday autos about the Netherlands

The Netherlands, bordering Belgium and Germany are well known for flat and level landscapes, the bulb fields in the west, the lakes of the central and northern area, the coastal dunes, and of course the dikes, canals and windmills. The best time to go is from mid-may to early October as the Winters are long, damp and cold. The tulip season runs from April to mid-May. Of course the Netherlands are also famous for painters such as Rembrandt, Jan Vermeer, Frans Hals and Van Gogh.

Us Brits pop over to the Netherlands all the time. We can’t get enough. Windmills, tulips and tall people – brilliant. Even though it’s below sea level you won’t need to hire a boat to get around, hire a car instead. Book car hire in Holland today - we've great rates throughout the year.

car hire in Amsterdam - Amsterdam. It's Holland's chill out city. There's heaps to do, whether it's van Gogh or Anne Frank that floats your boat. hire a car and see what else is on offer. You won't believe De Simonehoeve Cheese Factory. You'll see how Gouda is produced and afterwards they'll even show you how to make clogs. Cheese and clogs done, now all you need to do is the tulips. Drive to Keukenhof to visit the biggest tulip farm in the world.

top driving tip - Watch out for those trams - they can't change direction, you can.

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