ExpresswayNetherlands

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Netherlands. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


3. Expressway

An expressway is a road intended to carry through traffic efficiently, usually at higher speeds than ordinary roads. Expressways often have limited access, multiple lanes, separated carriageways or grade-separated junctions, but their design and legal status vary between countries.

An expressway is not always a motorway. It may have intersections, traffic lights or direct access, and the permitted road users, speed limits and special rules depend on local signs and regulations.

Expressway
Autoweg sign on road N366. (Ter Apel, Groningen, Netherlands)
Wikimedia.org • Donald Trung • CC BY-SA
How do people refer to an expressway in the Netherlands?

The Dutch term is autoweg. It is identified by the road-for-motor-vehicles sign with a car symbol and is distinct from a motorway.

🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 20–22, 42–43; Annex 1 G3/G4

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990 — official Dutch legislative reference

🔗 rijkswaterstaat.nl • Rijkswaterstaat — current motorway limits, time panels and electronic limits

Start of an expressway. Start of an expressway.

English • Traffic sign G3 • Expressway.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord G3 • Autoweg.

Sources

🔗 Github.com • NDW (MIT)
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990, bijlage 1

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
SVG version by Bouwe Brouwer • Public domain • Source revision 2024-05-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

End of the expressway. End of the expressway.

English • Traffic sign G4 • End of expressway.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord G4 • Einde autoweg.

Sources

🔗 Github.com • NDW (MIT)
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990, bijlage 1

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
SVG version by Bouwe Brouwer • Public domain • Source revision 2024-05-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

What speed limit applies to cars on an expressway in the Netherlands?

Outside built-up areas, the general car maximum on a road for motor vehicles is 100 km/h. Within built-up areas, the ordinary 50 km/h default applies unless otherwise signed. Follow lower signs and vehicle-specific limits.

🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 20–22, 42–43; Annex 1 G3/G4

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990 — official Dutch legislative reference

🔗 rijkswaterstaat.nl • Rijkswaterstaat — current motorway limits, time panels and electronic limits

Who may use an expressway in the Netherlands?

Only motor vehicles that can and may legally travel at least 50 km/h may use a road for motor vehicles. The motorway threshold is different. Traffic and safety conditions can still require slower driving.

🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 20–22, 42–43; Annex 1 G3/G4

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990 — official Dutch legislative reference

🔗 rijkswaterstaat.nl • Rijkswaterstaat — current motorway limits, time panels and electronic limits

What should I do if I miss an expressway exit in the Netherlands?

Continue to the next exit and choose a safe onward route. Do not reverse, make a U-turn or cross the central reservation to reach a missed exit.

🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 20–22, 42–43; Annex 1 G3/G4

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990 — official Dutch legislative reference

🔗 rijkswaterstaat.nl • Rijkswaterstaat — current motorway limits, time panels and electronic limits

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 ...