Delivery vehicleNetherlands

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


78. Delivery vehicle

A delivery vehicle is a vehicle used to transport and deliver goods, parcels, supplies or other items to homes, businesses or other destinations. Delivery vehicles can include vans, trucks, cars, motorcycles, cargo bicycles and other vehicles depending on the type and quantity of goods being transported.

Delivery vehicles must follow the ordinary traffic rules applying to their vehicle category as well as any specific rules concerning loading and unloading, restricted-access areas, parking, vehicle dimensions and low-emission zones. Permission to make a delivery does not automatically allow a vehicle to stop or park anywhere.

Delivery vehicle
A UPS delivery vehicle.
Wikimedia.org • 28704869 • CC BY
What is a delivery vehicle?

A delivery vehicle is a vehicle used to transport goods, parcels, supplies or other items to a particular destination.

Is a delivery vehicle always a van or truck?

No. Deliveries can be made using vans, trucks, cars, motorcycles, cargo bicycles or other suitable vehicles.

Can a delivery vehicle stop to load or unload goods?

Yes, where stopping is legally permitted. Many traffic systems distinguish genuine loading or unloading from ordinary parking when the vehicle remains only for the time necessary to perform the activity.

Can a delivery driver wait in a loading area?

A loading area is intended for active loading or unloading. Remaining there after the delivery activity has finished may constitute parking and may therefore violate the applicable restrictions.

Can delivery vehicles use restricted streets?

Sometimes. Traffic signs may provide an exception for deliveries, loading and unloading or local access. The driver must comply with any times, vehicle restrictions or other conditions shown.

Can delivery vehicles enter pedestrian zones?

Only where local rules or signs specifically allow delivery access. Access may be limited to certain hours, and vehicles may be required to travel at very low speed and give priority to pedestrians.

Can a delivery vehicle park on a pavement or cycle path while unloading?

Not automatically. Loading or unloading does not override general stopping restrictions or rules protecting pavements, cycle paths and other road users.

Can a delivery vehicle use hazard warning lights while illegally stopped?

No. Hazard warning lights warn other road users but do not make an otherwise prohibited stopping or parking position legal.

Can delivery vehicles be restricted by low-emission zones?

Yes. Vans and trucks may be subject to low-emission-zone requirements based on factors such as fuel type, vehicle category and emission standard.

Should drivers take extra care around delivery vehicles?

Yes. Delivery vehicles may stop frequently, reverse, open doors or move between the roadway and loading areas. Other road users should allow sufficient space and anticipate pedestrians or workers moving around the vehicle.

1 Netherlands 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Cycling street 10 Pedestrian zone 11 Slope 12 Bus stop 13 Dead end 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Priority road 18 Railway crossing 19 School area 20 Overtaking 21 Crossing animals 22 Roadworks 23 Weight limit 24 Radar speed sign 25 Selective barriers 26 Low-emission zone 27 Priority at the next junction 28 Traffic lights 29 Traffic lights warning 30 Road markings 31 Speed feedback 32 Traffic mirror 33 Emergency telephone 34 Cycling route 35 Parking 36 No parking 37 No stopping 38 Park and ride 39 Kiss and ride 40 Parking disc 41 Disabled parking 42 Traffic management 43 Merging 44 Reversing 45 Uncontrolled crossroad 46 Advisory cycle lane 47 Rush-hour lane 48 Emergency exit 49 Oversize load 50 City limit 51 Parking zone 52 Axle weight limit 53 Licence plate 54 Charging station 55 Dangers 56 Equestrian trail 57 Cyclist 58 Truck 59 Bus 60 Police 61 Ambulance 62 Bicycle parking station 63 Tram lights 64 European emission standard 65 Pothole 66 Path 67 Particulates 68 Air pollution 69 Rush hour 70 Road code 71 Street gutter 72 Cargo bike 73 Forestry vehicle 74 Construction vehicle 75 Semi-trailer truck 76 Trolleybus 77 Speed pedelec 78 Delivery vehicle 79 Idling 80 Tow truck 81 Four-wheel drive 82 No vehicles 83 Bicycle 84 Motorcycle equipment 85 Rail track 86 Caravan 87 Trailer 88 Tow hitch 89 Fire truck 90 Siren 91 Convoy 92 Emergency vehicle lighting 93 Agricultural machinery 94 Electric bicycle 95 Electric vehicle 96 Pedelec 97 Quadricycle 98 Microcar 99 All-terrain vehicle 100 Van ...