Driving in the Netherlands

want to import your car. To drive legally, you’ll need to register your car, pay the necessary taxes, and obtain a Dutch licence plate.

Leasing a Car in the Netherlands If importing your car isn’t an option, consider leasing a car. There are specific requirements you’ll need to meet to lease a car in the Netherlands. Find out more about car leasing options.

Buying a Car in the Netherlands Interested in buying a car instead of importing or leasing? There are certain requirements expats need to be aware of when buying a car, whether new or second-hand. Discover all you need to know about purchasing a car in the Netherlands.

Car Insurance: WA (Motor Vehicle) Insurance / Third-Party Insurance WA or motor vehicle insurance is mandatory for all drivers, at least for third-party liability. Learn more about car insurance in the Netherlands.

Car Insurance Providers in the Netherlands

• De Goudse Verzekeringen (customer service in English)
• Pricewise (car insurance comparison)
• Centraal Beheer
• Univé

Registering Your Car in the Netherlands When you buy a new car, it must be registered in your name. You can transfer ownership at a vehicle registration office, an RDW testing centre, or a vehicle registration service desk. If you buy from a dealership, they may handle the registration if they have RDW approval.

To register, you must be a resident of the Netherlands and registered in the Personal Records Database of your municipality. You’ll need the registration report, transfer document, and valid ID, or the vehicle registration card, registration code, and valid ID. Registration via the RDW costs around €10.

Road Tax in the Netherlands (Motorrijtuigenbelasting) After registering your car, you’ll receive a road tax bill from the Belastingdienst. The amount depends on several factors, including:

• Vehicle weight
• Fuel type
• CO2 emissions
• Province of residence

Private Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Tax (BPM) When a vehicle is registered in the Netherlands for the first time, BPM must be paid. However, you may be exempt from this one-off tax in certain cases:

• Employee Exemption: Your car is registered abroad and provided by your foreign employer.
• Employer Exemption: Your car is registered abroad, and you have a business outside the Netherlands.
• CO2 Levels: Your car emits zero CO2.

Dutch Driving Rules Dutch driving rules may differ from those in your home country. For instance, the maximum speed limit might be lower. Familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules to ensure safe driving.

Traffic Fines in the Netherlands Violating Dutch traffic rules can result in fines, the amount of which depends on the severity of the offence. Serious violations incur higher fines and may require a court appearance. Learn more about traffic fines in the Netherlands.

Refuelling Your Car in the Netherlands Before hitting the road, know where and how to refuel. Understand fuel costs, types of fuel available, fuel station opening times, and locations for recharging electric cars. Find out all about refuelling your car in the Netherlands.

Periodic Vehicle Inspection (APK) If you own a car, you are responsible for ensuring it undergoes periodic vehicle inspection (APK) by an RDW-approved garage or testing station. This inspection, required annually or biennially, ensures your vehicle is roadworthy, environmentally safe, and correctly registered.

Car Trouble in the Netherlands If your car breaks down, move it as far to the right as possible, turn on hazard lights, and have all occupants exit on the right side. Wait behind the guardrail for roadside assistance. In life-threatening situations, call emergency number 112.

Roadside Assistance (Pechhulp) Roadside assistance can be accessed through your car dealer, lease company, car insurance, ANWB Wegenwacht, or Route Mobiel. They can fix your car or tow it if necessary.

Safety Measures When Driving in the Netherlands While not mandatory, it’s advisable to carry the following safety items in your car:

• Warning triangle
• Safety vests
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Spare light bulbs

Note: Using a warning triangle is mandatory in certain situations, such as when your hazard lights are not working.

Traffic Information in the Netherlands For up-to-date traffic information, including traffic jams and accidents, check the Rijkswaterstaat website.