Car lights in the Netherlands: which light, when
Use dipped beam at night and by day when visibility is seriously reduced. Full beam may replace dipped beam at night, except when you meet other road users or follow someone closely. Front fog lights may be used in fog, snow or rain that seriously restricts visibility; the rear fog light only in fog or snow with less than 50 metres of visibility, never just for rain.
| Light | When | RVV 1990 |
|---|---|---|
| Dipped beam | Required at night, and by day when visibility is seriously reduced | Article 32 |
| Full beam | Allowed instead of dipped beam, except by day, when meeting other road users and when following another vehicle closely | Article 32 |
| Front fog lights | Allowed in fog, snow or rain that seriously restricts visibility; then dipped beam is not required | Article 34 |
| Rear fog light | Only in fog or snow that limits visibility to less than 50 metres | Article 34 |
| Daytime running lights | Allowed by day, not together with other front lights | Article 41 |
| Rear lights and number plate light | Always on together with full beam, dipped beam, parking lights or fog lights | Article 32 |
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 (side lights) and rear lights at night and by day when visibility is seriously reduced (article 38).
The exam trap: rear fog light in heavy rain. It is only allowed in fog or snow with less than 50 metres of visibility, because in rain it dazzles the driver behind you.
Driving at night on the motorway: motorway rules.
Frequently asked questions
When do I need dipped headlights in the Netherlands?
At night, and by day when visibility is seriously reduced, for example by fog, heavy rain or snow.
When may I use full beam?
At night instead of dipped beam, but not by day, not when you meet other road users and not when you follow another vehicle closely.
When may I use my rear fog light?
Only in fog or snow that limits visibility to less than 50 metres. Not in rain.
Are daytime running lights enough?
By day in good visibility, yes. At night or when visibility is seriously reduced you need dipped beam, which also switches on your rear lights.
Sources, checked on 3 November 2026:
Written by Nawfal Serraji, traffic law specialist and founder of HaalTheorie.