Current speed limits for trucks in the Netherlands

28 May 2024

Are speed limits in the Netherlands and Poland the same?

It is not advisable to take into account the limits that apply in Poland. Although you might think that the regulations are similar, they could in fact differ for each country. If you are interested in the limits in individual European countries, we recommend reading another article:Current speed limits for trucks on the road | 24/7 drive (247drive.com). 

What speed limits apply on Dutch roads?

The Dutch Traffic Code sets out the following speed limits for heavy goods vehicles:

1. Motorways (snelweg): For trucks over 3,5 tonnes, the maximum speed is 80 km/h.
2. Expressways (autowegen): The maximum speed for trucks is 80 km/h, but restrictions may apply on some sections which are indicated by road signs.
3. Outside built-up areas (buiten de bebouwde kom): An 80 km/h limit applies outside built-up areas. However, on some roads the speed limit is 60 km/h. Always follow road signs for the correct speed. 
4. Built-up areas (binnen de bebouwde kom): Often, the speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h. Nevertheless, as on all roads, always follow matrix or road signs for the correct speed.
5. Residential area: In a residential area, the speed limit is 30 km/h. This limit is set for all vehicles.

Those are all limits on Dutch roads. However, visit the official Dutch Government website to find the latest rules and regulations: Participating in Dutch Traffic | Report | Government.nl. 

Thanks to these road safety measures for trucks, the Netherlands has one of the lowest road accident rates in Europe. 

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Maximum speed for trucks on the motorway

Although the maximum speed for trucks on the motorway is 80 km/h - beware of certain sections. The maximum speed may be changed due to poor road conditions. Remember, speeding in the Netherlands also leads to a fine, penalty points on your driving licence or suspension or withdrawal of your licence. 

Minimum speed for trucks on the motorway

In the Netherlands, the minimum speed of trucks on the motorway is 60 km/h. 

Speeding cameras and fines

Dutch traffic is monitored by speed cameras, just like in Poland. They are usually placed in strategic locations such as motorways, express ways or built-up areas where speeding is common.

Speed cameras are usually marked with appropriate road signs. Be careful, however, as they can also be found on police vehicles or fixed installations. 

If you break the traffic rules, the speed camera will record a photo of your vehicle as well as measurement data on the offence. 

Speeding fines - how much do you have to pay

The cost of speeding fines in the Netherlands depends on the severity of the offence and the type of road on which the offence took place. Their prices are set by the Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat with the aim for driver safety.

Traffic fines

The Netherlands  uses a fine system based on a points tariff. If you are caught disobeying traffic regulations, you will receive a negative number of penalty points or a fine.

In case of a speeding offence of less than 20 km/h, the fine can cost you between tens and hundreds of euros. In the case of a more serious offence, the fine may be higher. However, it is possible to impose additional penalties, such as a suspension of your driving licence or the need to attend training courses.

Watch out for police checks

Due to the increasing number of road accidents caused by mobile phone usage, the Dutch authorities have decided to intensify checks on drivers. In particular, truck drivers have been under a microscope. Police officers with binoculars can often be found monitoring flyovers over motorways. If the officers notice that you are driving while simultaneously operating a phone, they immediately inform the mobile patrol, which will proceed to stop the vehicle.

The Dutch police have declared that such operations will be carried out more and more frequently in the coming years.

Road safety and speed

Road restrictions for truck drivers in the Netherlands, as in every other country, protect the safety of drivers. Remember that road safety does not only depend on correct speed. Weather, technical conditions and the driving culture of other drivers also have a direct impact on traffic.

Let’s take care of our collective driving safety and pay attention to restrictions and conditions.

Read our other blogs for more helpful information about working in the Netherlands: https://www.247drive.com/blogs or find a job in the Netherlands: https://www.247drive.com/vacancies