ExpresswayNetherlands
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.
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.
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.
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

Traffic rules
Netherlands