Breakdown or accident in the Netherlands: what to do

Broken down: step by step

• Get the car out of the way of traffic if you can: onto the hard shoulder, an emergency bay or the side of the road.
• Switch on your hazard lights.
• On the motorway, get everyone out on the side away from traffic and wait behind the crash barrier.
• Call for roadside assistance; call 112 if there is danger.

The warning triangle

A stationary car or trailer must be marked with a warning triangle if it forms an obstacle that approaching drivers cannot see in time (article 58). Place it clearly visible on the road, about 30 metres from the car, towards the traffic it endangers. It is not required when your hazard lights are on. On a motorway, walking along the carriageway to place a triangle is dangerous; the hazard lights are usually the safer choice.

Lights when you are stopped

Outside built-up areas, a car standing still on the carriageway or on a lay-by, hard shoulder or emergency bay along a motorway or autoweg shows parking lights and rear lights at night and when visibility is seriously reduced (article 38). The hard shoulder itself is for emergencies only (article 43).

After an accident

If you are involved in an accident, you stop and stay. Make the place safe, help injured people where you can and call 112. Driving on after an accident in which you were involved is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act (Wegenverkeerswet, article 7). For damage only, exchange details, for example with the European accident report form.

Frequently asked questions