Driving abroad
Driving in the Netherlands means driving on the right, with a drink drive limit of 0.05 percent, 0.02 for new drivers and motorway speeds of 100 km/h by day, 130 at night on some roads. Everything below is the practical version, the things that actually cost visitors money or time.
Cyclists have priority in more situations than visitors expect. Assume the bike is right and you will be fine.
Once the paperwork is sorted, this is what you came for. Vaalserberg Road, Zeeland Delta Dyke Road, Veluwezoom Park Road are among the highest scoring roads we hold in the Netherlands, and all of them are open to any road legal car.
Motorway limit
100 km/h by day, 130 at night on some roads
Outside towns
80 km/h
Built up areas
50 km/h, 30 in most towns
Drink drive limit
0.05 percent, 0.02 for new drivers
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. A planning summary, not legal advice. Check the national road authority before you travel. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 7 June 2026
The detail
Two tunnels only. The rest is free.
No tyre law.
Milieuzones in most major cities restrict older diesels.
UK and EU licences are accepted.
Nothing mandatory
112
Now the good part
Limburg, Netherlands
The highest Dutch hills produce genuine curves near the three country border point.
Zeeland, Netherlands
A long flowing dyke top route crosses the storm barrier between islands and open sea.
Veluwe, Netherlands
A quiet heathland road rolling through the Veluwezoom national park's wooded dunes.
Common questions
Motorways 100 km/h by day, 130 at night on some roads, main roads outside towns 80 km/h, and built up areas 50 km/h, 30 in most towns. Lower limits are posted and always take priority.
Two tunnels only. The rest is free.
0.05 percent, 0.02 for new drivers. Roadside testing is routine and the safest approach on a driving tour is nothing at all before you drive.
No tyre law.
Nothing mandatory. Emergency number is 112.
UK and EU licences are accepted.