MotorwayNetherlands

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.


2. Motorway

A motorway is a road specially designed and signposted for motor traffic. Motorways normally have separate carriageways for opposing traffic, controlled access through designated entrances and exits, no direct access to neighbouring properties, and no level crossings with other roads, railways or paths.

Special traffic rules apply on motorways. The permitted road users, speed limits, lane rules, tolls and emergency procedures vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

A1 motorway at Deventer-Oost. (Deventer, Netherlands)
Wikimedia.org • Apdency • CC0
How do people refer to a motorway in the Netherlands?

The Dutch term is autosnelweg. An autoweg is a separate road category for motor vehicles and does not automatically have the same limits.

🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 19–22, 42–43; Annex 1 G1/G2

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

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

Start of a motorway. Start of a motorway.

English • Traffic sign G1 • Motorway.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord G1 • Autosnelweg.

End of the motorway. End of the motorway.

English • Traffic sign G2 • End of motorway.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord G2 • Einde Autosnelweg.

What speed limit applies to cars on a motorway in the Netherlands?

From 06:00 to 19:00, almost all motorways have a 100 km/h maximum, with lower limits on some sections and 130 km/h on selected sections. From 19:00 to 06:00, limits can be 100, 120 or 130 km/h. Follow the applicable posted or electronic limit.

🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 19–22, 42–43; Annex 1 G1/G2

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

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

Who may use a motorway in the Netherlands?

Only motor vehicles that can and may legally travel at least 60 km/h are admitted. This is a vehicle eligibility rule; traffic conditions can require driving more slowly. The corresponding threshold for a road for motor vehicles is different.

🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 19–22, 42–43; Annex 1 G1/G2

🔗 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 a motorway 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 return to a missed exit.

🔗 government.nl • Dutch Government, road rules and signs — RVV articles 19–22, 42–43; Annex 1 G1/G2

🔗 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 ...