Rules and laws in the Netherlands (2026)
Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Every topic we cover for the Netherlands. Each rule links to its official source.
Driving
Car insurance and green cards
The Dutch act applies the duty to insure to vehicles normally based in the Netherlands and exempts vehicles based in listed states where a recognised bureau guarantees compensation. What visiting drivers must carry is not yet verified.
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Car speed limits
Passenger cars may do 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h on ordinary roads outside them. On motorways the limit is 130 km/h, but almost all have 100 km/h between 06:00 and 19:00.
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Distinguishing sign on cars
The Netherlands recognises the country sign on the left of an EU plate as equivalent to a separate sign under Regulation (EC) No 2411/98. The national text on foreign-registered cars was not found.
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Driving after drugs
Driving is prohibited above set blood limits, 3.0 µg/l for THC and lower limits when drugs are combined. The same limits apply to substances found in medicines.
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E-bikes and speed pedelecs
A pedelec (250 W, assistance up to 25 km/h) is a bicycle with no minimum age, helmet, licence, plate or insurance. A speed pedelec is a moped: riders must be 16 with an AM licence, a helmet, a yellow plate and liability insurance, and may not use the cycle path.
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E-scooters
Only RDW-approved e-scooters may use public roads. They need a registration plate and liability insurance, may go no faster than 25 km/h and never on the pavement.
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Foreign driving licences
A valid EU/EEA licence may be used by visitors and, after moving, for 15 years from issue (5 years for classes C and D). A licence from outside the EU/EEA may be used for 185 days after moving.
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Minimum age for a car driving licence
Category B can be obtained from 18, and from 17 with a coach, for driving in the Netherlands only.
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Mopeds
A bromfiets needs an AM licence from age 16, an approved helmet and liability insurance. It carries a yellow registration plate.
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Motorcycles: helmets and licences
Riders and passengers must wear a helmet, and dipped beam by day is required only when visibility is seriously impaired. Minimum exam ages are 18 (A1), 20 (A2) and 24 for category A, or 22 after two years on A2.
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Road tolls and vignettes
Passenger cars pay toll on the A24 Blankenburgverbinding, paid online with no toll booths. The Westerscheldetunnel has been toll-free for passenger traffic since 30 December 2024.
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Seat belts and child seats
Seat belts are compulsory where a seat has one. Passengers under 18 who are shorter than 1.35 m must use an approved child restraint.
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Towing trailers and caravans
A car with a trailer up to 3,500 kg may drive at most 90 km/h. Licence B covers a trailer up to 750 kg, or heavier if the combination stays within 3,500 kg.
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Using a mobile phone while driving
Holding a mobile device while driving is banned. Hands-free use is allowed.
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Travel
Air passenger rights
Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 applies to flights departing from the Netherlands, with compensation of EUR 250, 400 or 600 by distance. The national enforcement body is the Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport (ILT).
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Customs allowances for tobacco and alcohol
From EU countries, Dutch customs lists 800 cigarettes, 10 litres of spirits, 90 litres of wine and 110 litres of beer. From outside the EU the limits are 200 cigarettes, 1 litre of spirits over 22%, 4 litres of still wine and 16 litres of beer.
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Health cover for temporary visitors
The EHIC covers care from doctors working under the Dutch public healthcare scheme. It does not cover private care, repatriation or planned treatment.
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Identity documents
Everyone aged 14 or over must show a listed identity document on the first request of an official. EU citizens may enter with an ID card or passport; British citizens need a passport.
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Meat and dairy imports
Meat and dairy may be carried from other EU states, though customs advises against it. From outside the EU, including Great Britain, meat and dairy may not be brought in.
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Minors travelling: documents
A child of any age needs their own passport or ID card. A child under 18 travelling without both parents needs the consent of the parent(s) with authority, shown with the Marechaussee consent form.
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Rail passenger rights
Regulation (EU) 2021/782 applies, with compensation of 25 % of the ticket price from 60 minutes and 50 % from 120 minutes. The Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport is the national enforcement body.
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Short stays (90/180-day rule)
Visitors from the UK do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Non-EU visitors on a short stay are registered in the Entry/Exit System.
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Tax-free shopping for visitors
Visitors who live outside the EU can reclaim Dutch VAT on goods worth at least EUR 50 that they take out of the EU within 3 months after the month of purchase. Customs validates the claim; the shop or a refund intermediary pays.
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Travelling with personal medicines
Medicines that fall under the Dutch Opiumwet need a declaration when brought into the Netherlands. A Schengen medicines declaration issued by the CAK is valid for at most 30 days.
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Travelling with pets
Dogs, cats and ferrets need a microchip, a rabies vaccination valid 21 days after the first shot, and an EU pet passport within the EU. From outside the EU an animal health certificate is needed, plus a blood test for high-risk countries. More than 5 dogs or cats counts as a commercial trip.
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Living
Deposit return schemes and plastic bags
The Netherlands requires a deposit on plastic bottles and metal drink containers up to 3 litres. Plastic bags may not be given away free of charge.
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Dual nationality
Naturalisation in the Netherlands requires the applicant to try to lose the other nationality, with exceptions. Voluntarily acquiring another nationality causes loss of Dutch nationality, with exceptions.
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Home education
Parents must ensure the child is enrolled at a school. An exemption applies only on the grounds listed in the Compulsory Education Act.
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Maximum working time
The Working Hours Act allows up to 12 hours per shift and 60 hours per week, with an average of 48 hours per week over 16 weeks. Adults need 11 hours of daily rest and 36 hours of weekly rest, or 72 hours per 14 days.
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Naturalisation by residence
Naturalisation needs five years of residence and an integration exam at level A2. Applicants must try to lose their other nationality unless an exception applies.
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Paid holiday
The minimum is four times the hours worked per week, each year. No law makes particular public holidays days off for employees; that depends on the collective agreement or contract.
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Registering residence for longer stays
A person expected to stay at least two-thirds of the time over half a year must register with the municipality in person, no later than the fifth day of the stay. Departure for a year or more must be notified before leaving.
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Smoke alarms in homes
Since 1 July 2022 every floor of a home must have at least one working smoke alarm. Owners must have them fitted; in rented homes the landlord is generally responsible, subject to the tenancy agreement.
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State pension age
The AOW age is 67 years in 2026 and 67 years and 3 months in 2028 to 2031. It is set each year for five years ahead, based on life expectancy figures.
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Statutory minimum wage
The Netherlands has a statutory minimum wage that is set per hour. From 1 July 2026 the adult rate (age 21 and over) is €14.99 gross per hour, with lower rates for ages 15 to 20.
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Restrictions
Cannabis
Cannabis remains prohibited, but possession of up to 5 g and growing up to 5 plants are not prosecuted. Coffeeshops are tolerated and are open only to residents.
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Drinking age and alcohol sales
The minimum age to be sold or served any alcohol is 18, and the law has no exception for young people with an adult. Selling alcohol needs a municipal licence, and strong drink for use off the premises may only be sold in liquor shops. Municipalities set their own rules on drinking in public.
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Drones
The Netherlands applies the EU drone rules. Most drone owners register with the RDW, and pilots need a certificate from age 16.
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Fireworks
Since 1 August 2026 consumers may not buy, possess or set off fireworks above category F1. F1 fireworks, such as sparklers, may be sold to people aged 12 or over.
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Knives and pepper spray
The Netherlands treats folding knives with two edges or over 28 cm when open as prohibited weapons. Pepper spray is a category II weapon and may not be carried.
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Tobacco and nicotine age limits
The age limit for supply of tobacco and e-cigarettes is 18. Tobacco-free oral nicotine products may not be marketed.
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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.