Speed limits in the Netherlands: every road type in one table
For cars the Dutch traffic regulations (RVV 1990) set 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on other roads outside them, 100 km/h on an autoweg and 130 km/h on a motorway. In an erf, a residential zone, the limit is 15 km/h. On most motorways signs lower the limit to 100 km/h between 6:00 and 19:00, and signs always take precedence over these general limits.
The limits for cars
| Where | Limit | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Erf (residential zone, sign G5) | 15 km/h | RVV article 45 |
| Built-up area (from sign H1) | 50 km/h | RVV article 20 |
| Other roads outside built-up areas | 80 km/h | RVV article 21 |
| Autoweg (sign G3) | 100 km/h | RVV article 21 |
| Motorway (autosnelweg, sign G1) | 130 km/h | RVV article 21 |
Many streets in built-up areas are 30 km/h zones, and many roads outside them are 60 km/h zones. Those limits come from signs, not from the general rules, so look for the zone sign at the start.
100 by day on the motorway
Since March 2020 the limit on most Dutch motorways is 100 km/h between 6:00 and 19:00, shown on signs with the times underneath. Outside those hours the signed limit, often 120 or 130, applies. The signs along the road always tell you which limit applies where.
Matrix signs
Electronic signs above the lanes (matrix signs, sign A3) can show a lower limit, for example near roadworks or a traffic jam. If a roadside sign and a matrix sign show different limits, the lowest one applies (RVV article 63b).
Trailers and other vehicles
| Vehicle | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Car with a trailer of up to 3,500 kg maximum mass | 90 km/h |
| Other motor vehicles with a trailer | 80 km/h |
| Lorries and buses (not T100 buses) | 80 km/h |
| Microcar (brommobiel) | 45 km/h |
These are maximums for the vehicle: on a road with a lower limit, the lower limit applies.
Always: be able to stop
Whatever the sign says, you must be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear (RVV article 19). In fog, rain or a busy street that can mean driving well below the limit. There is no minimum speed sign in the Netherlands, but you may only use a motorway with a vehicle that can and may do at least 60 km/h, and an autoweg with one that can do at least 50 km/h (RVV article 42).
The speed signs themselves: Dutch road signs explained.
Frequently asked questions
What is the speed limit on Dutch motorways?
130 km/h by law, but on most motorways signs set 100 km/h between 6:00 and 19:00. The signs along the road always tell you what applies.
What is the speed limit in a built-up area?
50 km/h, from the place-name sign at the start of the built-up area. Many streets are signed as 30 km/h zones.
What is the speed limit outside built-up areas?
80 km/h on ordinary roads, 100 km/h on an autoweg and 130 km/h on a motorway, unless signs say otherwise.
How fast can I drive with a trailer?
90 km/h with a car and a trailer of up to 3,500 kg maximum mass, and never faster than the limit for the road.
What if the matrix sign and the roadside sign show different limits?
The lowest one applies (article 63b of the RVV).
Sources, checked on 8 October 2026:
Written by Nawfal Serraji, traffic law specialist and founder of HaalTheorie.