Mopeds and scooters in Dutch traffic: what drivers need to know
A moped (bromfiets, yellow plate) rides on the cycle and moped path where there is one, otherwise on the carriageway, at 30 or 40 km/h on the path and 45 km/h on the carriageway. A light moped (snorfiets, blue plate) may go 25 km/h. Riders and passengers of both wear a helmet. As a car driver, expect mopeds next to you, also on your right.
Where mopeds ride
Moped riders use the cycle and moped path (sign G12a); where there is none, they use the carriageway (article 6). Mopeds with more than two wheels, or with a trailer, that are wider than 0.75 metres always use the carriageway. Mopeds and light mopeds may not use a motorway or an autoweg (article 42).
How fast
| Vehicle | Inside built-up areas | Outside built-up areas |
|---|---|---|
| Moped, on the cycle and moped path | 30 km/h | 40 km/h |
| Moped, on the carriageway | 45 km/h | 45 km/h |
| Light moped (snorfiets) | 25 km/h | 25 km/h |
| Microcar (brommobiel) | 45 km/h | 45 km/h |
Source: articles 20, 21 and 22 of the RVV 1990.
Snorfiets: the 25 km/h moped
A snorfiets (blue plate) may go 25 km/h. Where it rides depends on the signs: several cities, including Amsterdam, have moved light mopeds from cycle paths to the road in many streets. 'Snorfiets' is one of the terms that stays Dutch on the English CBR exam: Dutch terms on the English exam.
Helmets
Riders and passengers of mopeds and light mopeds must wear a well-fitting, approved helmet that is fastened properly (article 60).
What it means for you as a driver
- Expect mopeds on the carriageway at 45 km/h, also where there is a cycle path.
- When you turn right, check your mirror and blind spot for mopeds on the cycle and moped path; turning drivers give way to traffic going straight on (article 18).
- A moped from the right at an equal junction has priority, like any other driver (article 15).
The exam trap: a moped on the cycle path next to you when you turn right. It is going straight on, so it goes first.
Frequently asked questions
Where do mopeds ride in the Netherlands?
On a cycle and moped path (sign G12a) where there is one, otherwise on the carriageway. Wide mopeds, such as three-wheelers wider than 0.75 metres, always use the carriageway.
How fast may a moped go?
Inside built-up areas 30 km/h on the cycle and moped path and 45 km/h on the carriageway; outside built-up areas 40 km/h on the cycle and moped path and 45 km/h on the carriageway. A light moped (snorfiets) 25 km/h.
Do moped riders need a helmet?
Yes. Riders and passengers of mopeds and light mopeds (snorfietsen) must wear an approved helmet.
Where does a snorfiets ride?
That depends on the signs. Several cities, including Amsterdam, have moved light mopeds from cycle paths to the road in many streets, so follow the signs where you are.
Sources, checked on 3 November 2026:
Written by Nawfal Serraji, traffic law specialist and founder of HaalTheorie.