Driving Abroad – Holland – Car Insurance

Holland is a pleasure to drive in due to its high quality roads, well marked road signs and quality driving standards. There are no tolls and nearly every road is lit up at night. You may find some traffic during the rush hour when visiting the larger cities such as Rotterdam and Amsterdam so try and visit these places during the day so that you miss the traffic jams.

Driving on the Roads in Holland

The Dutch always give way to the right and cyclists always have the right of way so do take extra care and attention when approaching a junction or roundabout. Cyclists can be extremely frustrating on the roads however stay calm and do not use your horn because this is an offence, unless used in an emergency, and you can be fined and even prosecuted for it.

The Dutch authorities are pretty hot on speeding offenders and have speed cameras and traps set up everywhere and you can expect to receive an on-the-spot fine so keep an eye on speed limits when you are driving. Drink drive limit is set at 50mg which is lower than 80mg which is the UK limit. Be aware that in your first five years of driving the alcohol limit is 20mg which can be exceeded with just a mouthful of alcohol so do be careful.

Site Worth Seeing

If you are passing Amsterdam then head north and you will find yourself in one o the most historic parts of Holland. The traditional Dutch windmills, elevating bridges, dairy farms and dykes can all be found here. Visiting some of the Dutch fishing villages is also a great trip if you want to see an insight into the Dutch culture.

Laws of the Road

All persons in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt at all times.
Children under the age of 3 are not allowed in a car unless it has an approved child seat fitted for them to sit in. Children under the age of 13 may only sit in the front if a child/booster seat is present. Passengers under the age of 18 and less than 1.35m tall are not allowed to travel unless using an approved fitting restraint.
If you spot a row of white triangular signs on the road, then this means you have to give way.
A warning triangle must be carried in the vehicle at all times.
Trams and buses have the right of way.
It’s illegal to cross a solid white line even when turning.
Dial 112 for the emergency services.
Motorcyclists are advised to use dipped headlights during the day. A crash helmet must be worn on all motorbikes capable of over 25 Km/h (15 mph)

Standard Speed Limits

Urban Areas – 50 Km/h (30 mph)
Outside Built Up Areas – 80 Km/h (50 mph)
Motorways – 120 Km/h (75 mph)

Advice from The Locals

It is strongly advised by the Dutch government that dipped headlights are used in daylight hours. It is also illegal to use full-beam headlights if it is likely to dazzle other drivers, cyclists or pedestrians.
Parking in major cities can be very expensive and difficult. To be allowed to park in a designated blue zone you must purchase a disc from a petrol, service or police station.

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