Legislation
Wetgeving · 12 min
These rules are about you as a driver: your licence, alcohol and drugs, insurance, your phone and what to do after an accident.
Driving licence and theory exam
You may drive on your own from age 18. With 2toDrive you may drive from 17, but only with a coach next to you.
When you drive, you must carry your driving licence. A passed theory exam stays valid for 18 months (1.5 years).
Alcohol, drugs and medicines
- Experienced drivers: maximum 0.5 per mille alcohol in the blood.
- Novice drivers (beginnende bestuurders): maximum 0.2 per mille. In practice that means: don't drink if you drive.
- Driving under the influence of drugs is prohibited.
If your medicine has a yellow sticker saying it may affect your driving, first ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you may drive.
WVW 1994 art. 8
Insurance and periodic inspection (APK)
A car on a public road must have at least third-party (WA) insurance. It pays for damage you cause to others.
Cars must pass the APK (periodic vehicle inspection) on time. If the APK has expired, you may no longer drive the car on public roads.
WAM
Phone
While driving you may not hold a mobile phone or any other electronic device in your hand. This also applies when you are stopped at a traffic light or in a queue.
Calling is only allowed hands-free. But even then you are distracted: keep calls short or stop in a safe place.
RVV 1990 art. 61a
After an accident
If you are involved in an accident, you must stay. Driving away is an offence, especially if someone is injured.
If there is only damage, fill in a claim form together and exchange details. If someone is injured, call 112.
WVW 1994 art. 7
Seat belts and children
Everyone in the car wears a seat belt, in the front and in the back, also in town.
Children shorter than 1.35 metres use an approved child seat or booster. If you put a baby rear-facing in the front, the passenger airbag must be switched off.
Trailer with a B licence
With a B licence you may always tow a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of up to 750 kg.
A heavier trailer is also allowed, as long as car and trailer together do not exceed 3,500 kg (maximum authorised mass).
Instructions from the police
A police officer or other authorised person may make you stop and ask for your licence and vehicle registration. You must cooperate, for example with a breath test.
Instructions from an officer take priority over traffic lights and signs.
In the picture the police (A) make you stop at the side of the road.
The main rule: no danger, no obstruction
The most important rule of the Road Traffic Act (Wegenverkeerswet): you may not behave in a way that causes danger or obstructs others. Even where there is no specific ban, you can break this rule.
WVW 1994 art. 5
What does a B licence allow?
With a B licence you may drive a car up to 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass, with at most 8 passengers besides the driver. A B licence also lets you ride a moped (AM).
With 2toDrive you may drive from age 17 accompanied by a coach. From 18 you may drive on your own.
Novice driver
In the first years after getting your licence you are a novice driver (beginnend bestuurder). A lower alcohol limit applies: 0.2 per mille. In practice: drink no alcohol if you have to drive.
How long your licence is valid
A driving licence is usually valid for 10 years. You must carry it when you drive and show it when the police ask. Driving with an expired licence is not allowed.
A passed theory exam stays valid for 1.5 years.
Words from the law
Questions often use these words:
- Road user (weggebruiker): anyone taking part in traffic, including pedestrians.
- Driver (bestuurder): someone controlling a vehicle, including a cyclist.
- Motor vehicle (motorvoertuig): a vehicle with an engine, such as a car or moped (not a bicycle).
- Built-up area (bebouwde kom): the area between the place-name signs (H1 and H2).