Height limitNetherlands
Traffic rules
Netherlands
1. Height limit
A height limit prohibits vehicles whose total height exceeds the value shown from entering or passing a road section, bridge, tunnel, gateway or other structure. The vehicle’s height includes its load and any equipment attached above it.
Drivers of high vehicles must know their exact height, observe advance warnings and use an alternative route when necessary. They should never rely only on visual judgement or attempt to pass beneath a structure when safe clearance is uncertain.
How should you read a low-bridge height restriction in Netherlands?
Look for the locally prescribed height restriction or clearance warning near older canal bridges, tunnels and village streets. The displayed clearance is normally in metres. A warning may describe a hazard ahead; a prohibitory sign indicates a route you cannot enter if your vehicle exceeds the limit.
🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 62; Annex 1 C17–C21
🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990 — official Dutch legislative reference
Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited.
English • Traffic sign C19 • No vehicles higher than indicated, including their load.
Nederlands • Verkeersbord C19 • Gesloten voor voertuigen die, met inbegrip van de lading, hoger zijn dan op het bord is aangegeven.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990, bijlage 1
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
SVG version by Bouwe Brouwer • Public domain • Source revision 2007-08-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Does a roof load count when checking vehicle height in Netherlands?
Yes for practical clearance: measure the vehicle at its highest point with its load and fitted accessories, such as a roof box, bicycle or roof rack. Check the local legal measurement rules as well; an empty vehicle’s registered height is not enough when equipment has been added.
🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 62; Annex 1 C17–C21
🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990 — official Dutch legislative reference
What should you do if your vehicle is too high for a bridge or tunnel in Netherlands?
Do not try to squeeze under the structure. Use the signed alternative route and, if you are already close to the obstruction, stop where safe and seek traffic-control assistance rather than reversing unpredictably into moving traffic.
🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 62; Annex 1 C17–C21
🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • RVV 1990 — official Dutch legislative reference
