Special rules

The Dutch Government introduced compulsory identification on 1 January 2005.  Everybody from the age of 14 is required to be able to show a valid identity document to police officers and other law enforcement authorities on their request.   The documents you can use to prove your identity depend on your nationality:

• If you are living in or visiting the Netherlands and are a national of the European Union (or the European Economic Area) you can use your passport or EU/Eer-vreemdelingendocument.
• If you are a dual national you can identify yourself with a valid Dutch driver’s licence, passport or Dutch/European identity card.
• Photocopies are accepted as a temporary measure but police may insist on seeing the original document as well.

If you wish to drive in the Netherlands you must have a valid full UK driving licence, insurance, vehicle documents and identification.  If you are driving a vehicle that does not belong to you then written permission from the registered owner may also be requested. You are not allowed to drive on a provisional licence.

Traffic regulations in the Netherlands are very similar to those of other countries in continental Europe.  Roads are good and well sign posted, but are overcrowded.  Long traffic jams can be expected on motorways, particularly near the major cities.  Traffic offences can carry heavy, often on-the-spot fines.  Using a mobile phone whilst driving is illegal and carries a heavy fine, and drivers are encouraged to use "hands free" equipment.  If you are fined, you should always ask for a receipt.

The Dutch drive on the right and give priority to the right, unless otherwise indicated.  They drive "assertively" and do not practice road courtesy.  Be particularly careful when using roundabouts: on some you have the right of way when on them but on others right of way must be given to vehicles entering.

Be extra vigilant for trams; they have priority over other traffic and are well known to exercise that right.  If a tram or a bus stops in the middle of the road to allow passengers on and off, you must stop.

Speed cameras, speed traps and unmarked vehicles are widely used to monitor speeding; exceeding the maximum speed limit can incur heavy penalties including substantial fines.  Be vigilant on motorways where the maximum speed can vary.  Overhead illuminated lane indicators - when in use - are mandatory.  Never exceed the indicated speed limit.

Most cities have a policy of reducing non-essential traffic flows within their boundaries.  Narrowing roads, obstacles, traffic lights and speed cameras are often in place to achieve this.  Paid parking is the norm.  It is expensive and there are insufficient parking spaces to meet demand.  Clamping and towing vehicles away are commonplace and the fines are high.

Motorists must use dipped lights after dark and in misty conditions.  If safety belts are fitted, they must be used.  A warning triangle must be carried and, in the event of a breakdown, placed 30 metres behind the vehicles.  To comply with EU legislation, children under 1.35m in height must now be carried in a proper child seat in the rear of the car.

Pedestrians should be extremely careful when crossing roads, especially on zebra crossings.  Look out for cycles and mopeds, which enjoy right of way over motor vehicles and often ignore road traffic rules as well as red lights.  In Amsterdam in particular, be aware that many cyclists do not use lights at night and are therefore very difficult to see.  Dedicated cycle tracks are common but can also be used by invalid vehicles and mopeds, which often reach high speeds.

Insurance

All UK car insurance policies automatically provide, at no extra cost, the minimum cover required by law in all European Union (EU) countries. The minimum required is cover for your liability to third parties. If you have an accident, you may not be covered for medical or hospital expenses. Consult your insurance company or a motoring organisation before leaving the UK to make sure that you are fully insured.

Taking your own car

Certain elements of the cover you have in the UK may be restricted to the UK only. So while you might have cover for accidental damage to your own vehicle in the UK, this cover might be removed when you drive abroad. Most people want the same protection they enjoy in the UK when travelling abroad and so you will need to ask your insurer or broker to extend the scope of your cover before you travel if it is not already included. An additional premium may be charged for this extension.

The Green Card

This is an internationally recognised document that serves solely as evidence that the holder has the minimum insurance cover required by law in the country visited. A Green Card provides no insurance cover in itself. Insurers do not charge for a Green Card, though a broker may levy an administration fee for arranging it.

It is not necessary to have a Green Card when travelling to the EU and certain other European countries (see the Association of British Insurers for details), though if you do not take one you should instead carry your Certificate of Insurance. However, a Green Card can serve as easily recognisable proof of third party insurance, for example in the case of an accident, when travelling abroad.

There are other countries party to the Green Card arrangements where you will either need to have a Green Card or purchase insurance at the border. Details of these countries can be found on the Association of British Insurers website.

Accidents.

If you are involved in an accident, immediately tell your insurer or your insurer's representative in the country concerned.

Many insurers issue a European Accident Statement. This enables drivers to exchange facts while events are still fresh in their minds and without admitting liability.

Many insurers offer 24-hour UK-based telephone helplines in case you need help in an emergency. Make sure you have these details with you when you travel abroad.

Breaking Down.

Even if you have extended your policy for driving abroad, this will not cover your car against breaking down. Vehicle breakdown policies can be bought with your holiday insurance or separately. Check to see if your motor insurer can provide this cover.

A policy will cover the cost of hiring a car while your own is being repaired, road-side assistance and emergency repairs, the cost of returning your car to the UK or sending out spare parts, together with emergency accommodation if you are unable to use your vehicle. A monetary limit will apply to each section of the policy.

Hiring a car

When you hire a car abroad, insurance cover is sometimes limited to the legal minimum in the country or state where you hire. You could be held personally responsible for any claim for injury or damage over this limit. Ask your tour operator or insurer if they can provide top-up insurance to increase your cover. This may be cheaper than buying it abroad.

Country specific tips

Driving in Austria | Driving in Belgium | Driving in Bulgaria | Driving in Cyprus | Driving in the Czech Republic | Driving in Denmark | Driving in Estonia | Driving in Finland | Driving in France | Driving in Germany | Driving in Greece | Driving in Hungary | Driving in Ireland | Driving in Italy | Driving in Latvia | Driving in Lithuania | Driving in Luxembourg | Driving in Malta | Driving in the Netherlands | Driving in Poland | Driving in Portugal | Driving in Romania | Driving in Slovakia | Driving in Slovenia | Driving in Spain | Driving in Sweden | Driving in the UK

Don't set off unprepared.

Make sure your vehicle is serviced before you leave and that you know about and comply with the vehicle requirements in the countries you are visiting. Don't go without taking:

• a spare set of keys.
• a GB sticker and a set of headlamp converters.
• a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tool kit, spare bulbs and warning triangle.
• registration document, driving licence and passport. Check whether you need to take an International Driving Permit with you.
• your UK motor insurance certificate, Green Card (if issued), and details of any breakdown and travel insurance, together with any emergency helpline numbers.

Protect against car thieves.

Foreign registered vehicles attract thieves, so do not make your car an easy target:

Lock all doors and the boot when leaving the vehicle as well as closing windows and the sunroof.

Park in a well-lit place.

Avoid leaving possessions in an unattended vehicle. If you have to leave property, make sure it is in a locked boot. In a hatchback, the rear shelf should be in position. In an estate car, cover up property with a sheet or blanket.

Don't leave car ownership and insurance documents in your car when parked.

Use an anti-theft device.

Take your keys with you at the petrol station when you go to pay.