Motorcycle equipmentNetherlands

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Traffic rules

Netherlands

84. Motorcycle equipment

Motorcycle equipment includes the protective equipment used by the rider and passenger and the safety equipment fitted to the motorcycle. Rider equipment commonly includes a helmet, protective clothing, gloves, boots and eye protection, while the motorcycle itself requires equipment such as lights, brakes, mirrors, tyres and signalling devices according to local law.

The equipment that is legally required varies between countries and motorcycle categories. Riders should ensure that both their protective equipment and motorcycle are suitable, correctly used and in safe condition before travelling.

Barry Sheene's racing helmet, leathers and Suzuki motorcycle on display at the Silverstone Experience Centre. (United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • 35mmMan • CC BY

What equipment should a motorcyclist use?

Motorcyclists should use appropriate protective equipment, commonly including a helmet, gloves, protective jacket and trousers, and footwear that protects the feet and ankles.

Is a motorcycle helmet compulsory?

Helmet requirements depend on local law, although approved motorcycle helmets are compulsory in many countries. The helmet should fit correctly and be used in a way that preserves its protective function.

Why is protective motorcycle clothing important?

Protective clothing can reduce injuries caused by impact, abrasion and contact with the road surface. Purpose-designed motorcycle clothing may also include impact protectors for vulnerable parts of the body.

Why should motorcyclists wear gloves?

Gloves help protect the hands and wrists against abrasion, weather and impact and can also improve grip on the motorcycle controls.

Why are motorcycle boots important?

Suitable boots provide protection for the feet and ankles and can reduce injuries caused by impact, abrasion or the motorcycle falling onto the rider.

Does a motorcycle passenger need protective equipment?

Yes. Passengers are exposed to many of the same risks as riders and should use appropriate protective equipment. Local law may require the passenger to wear the same helmet and clothing as the rider.

What safety equipment must a motorcycle have?

A road-legal motorcycle normally requires functioning brakes, tyres, lights, reflectors, mirrors, a horn and other prescribed equipment. Exact technical requirements vary between countries and motorcycle categories.

Should motorcycle lights be checked before riding?

Yes. Check that the headlight, rear light, brake light and direction indicators work correctly where fitted or required. Motorcycle visibility is especially important because motorcycles can be difficult for other road users to detect.

Should motorcycle tyres be checked regularly?

Yes. Check tyre condition, tread and pressure regularly. Because motorcycles rely on two relatively small tyre contact areas, damaged or incorrectly inflated tyres can significantly affect stability, steering and braking.

Should motorcycle equipment be checked before every journey?

A brief check of the tyres, brakes, lights, controls, mirrors and general condition of the motorcycle can help identify problems before riding. Protective equipment should also be correctly fitted and in usable condition.

Bicycle

Rail track

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 ...