MotorwayNetherlands
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.
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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.
English • Traffic sign G1 • Motorway.
Nederlands • Verkeersbord G1 • Autosnelweg.
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

Traffic rules
Netherlands