Driving in Holland is less intimidating if you know some of the rules of the road before getting behind the wheel. SIXT has compiled some of the most useful tips for driving in Holland, although it’s never a bad idea to read up before you plan to travel.
Driving Rules and Regulations in Holland
Here are some rules and tips to take note of when driving in Holland:
- In Holland remember that you have to drive on the right and overtake on the left-hand side of the road.
- Third-party liability coverage is required in Holland.
- Seat belts are mandatory for front and rear seat occupants.
- If you are caught drinking and driving in Holland, be warned that if the level of alcohol in your bloodstream is over 0.05% you will face a penalty. This penalty can vary, from paying a fine, having your license withdrawn, or being imprisoned. In some cases, a blood test will be necessary after a breath test (a breathalyzer).
- You can face on-the-spot fines if you park illegally. The police can impose and collect the fines or tow the vehicle away. Vehicles can also be confiscated in cases of excess speeding and drunk driving.
- Buses have right of way when leaving bus stops within city limits.
- Mobile telephones can only be used with a hands-free system while driving in Holland. Even holding a mobile phone while driving is considered an offense.
Speed Limits
| Within city limits: | 50 km/h (31 mph) |
| Outside city limits: | 80-100 km/h (49-62 mph) |
| Highway/Freeway: | 130 km/h (80 mph) |
What to Bring Along
- Valid driver’s license
- International Driving Permit, if your license is in a language using non-Roman characters (like Russian or Chinese)
- Reflective vest
- Reflective triangle for placing on the roadway in case of a breakdown or accident.
What to See in a SIXT Rent a Car in Holland
SIXT has a number of branches scattered throughout the Netherland, including in the major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. You can count on our professional and friendly customer service when you rent with us, as well as a fleet of new-model vehicles at affordable prices.
On your road trip, you can drive through the capital city of Amsterdam and explore its many museums, bars, and canals. If you go just outside of the city you can visit Zaanse Schans, a small town with six windmills, a wooden shoe workshop, a farm where cheese is made, and much more. Visit Rotterdam and go to the Euromast for a fantastic view of the city. You can also check out the Erasmus bridge or the Laurenskerk church, one of the oldest buildings in the city dating back to medieval times and finished in 1525.
In the Hague, you can visit the Palace Noordeinde, the official work and reception palace for Queen Beatrix that was built in 1533. You can also drive through the picturesque countryside in Holland by driving to the Village of Bemelen.
