Motorway rules in the Netherlands: speed, lanes and the hard shoulder
A Dutch motorway (sign G1) is only for motor vehicles that can and may drive at least 60 km/h. The law sets 130 km/h, but on most motorways signs set 100 km/h between 06:00 and 19:00. Keep right and overtake on the left. You may not stop, turn or reverse, and the hard shoulder is for emergencies only. A rush-hour lane may be used when it is open, never under a red cross.
Who may use the motorway
Only drivers of a motor vehicle that can and may drive at least 60 km/h (article 42 of the RVV 1990). On an autoweg, sign G3, the minimum is 50 km/h. Mopeds, light mopeds and microcars (brommobielen) are not allowed on either.
Speed
Outside built-up areas the law sets 130 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on an autoweg and 80 km/h on other roads (article 21). On most motorways, signs lower the limit to 100 km/h between 06:00 and 19:00. With a trailer the maximum is 90 km/h, for lorries and buses 80 km/h (article 22). Where signs and electronic signs show different limits, the lowest one applies. All limits in one table: speed limits in the Netherlands.
Lanes: keep right
- Keep as far right as possible (article 3) and overtake on the left.
- In queuing traffic you do not have to keep to the right lane, and you may pass a queue on the right (article 13).
- On a carriageway with three or more lanes, lorries and vehicle combinations longer than 7 metres may only use the two right-hand lanes, except to get in lane for an exit (article 43).
Lane signals above the road
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green arrow or a speed limit | You may use this lane, at that speed at most |
| Red cross | Do not use this lane |
| White arrow | Warning: a red cross is coming up, move over |
| The word BUS or LIJNBUS | Only for buses (and for LIJNBUS only scheduled buses) |
A rush-hour lane (spitsstrook) is an extra lane that is only open at busy times. Use it only when the signal shows a speed limit or a green arrow. You may cross a solid line to get onto or off a rush-hour lane, the hard shoulder or an emergency bay (article 76).
What is not allowed
- Turning or reversing (article 43).
- Stopping on the carriageway (article 43).
- Using the hard shoulder, an emergency bay or the verge, except in an emergency (article 43).
- Driving over hatched areas and the chevron point between two lanes (article 77).
The exam trap: a red cross above a lane that looks empty. A red cross means you may not use that lane, also if there is nobody in it, for example because of an accident further ahead.
Joining and leaving the motorway: merging and the zipper rule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the speed limit on Dutch motorways?
The law sets 130 km/h, but on most motorways signs set 100 km/h between 06:00 and 19:00. Always follow the signs and the electronic signs above the lanes; where several limits are shown, the lowest one applies.
Who may use a Dutch motorway?
Only drivers of a motor vehicle that can and may drive at least 60 km/h. On an autoweg (sign G3) the minimum is 50 km/h.
Can I use the hard shoulder?
Only in an emergency. A rush-hour lane is different: you may use it when it is open, shown by a speed limit or green arrow above it, and not when it shows a red cross.
Do I have to keep right on the motorway?
Yes, keep as far right as possible and overtake on the left. In queuing traffic you do not have to keep to the right lane, and you may pass a queue on the right.
What do I do if I break down on the motorway?
Move to the hard shoulder or an emergency bay if you can, switch on your hazard lights, and get everyone out on the side away from traffic and behind the crash barrier. Never stop on the carriageway itself if you can avoid it.
Sources, checked on 3 November 2026:
Written by Nawfal Serraji, traffic law specialist and founder of HaalTheorie.