The first part of the Dutch highway network was built in 1936 and is now the the highest density highway network of Europe. It's marked with the letter A and is locally named as Snelweg or Autosnelweg. Mostly it contains two lanes, but near major cities there are often three, four or sometimes five lanes. If you unnecessary drive left a while you risk a € 100 fine at the time of writing (November 2011). When there is a traffic jam you may drive left all the time.
Dutch people speak Dutch, but usually they understand English since they learn it at school. Near the German border they often understand or speak German. If you need to speak Dutch we have some practical translations for you.
Like to most European countries the currency in The Netherlands is the Euro (€ or EUR).
In The Netherlands you don't have to pay for toll, vignettes or other fees.
The minimum speed is 60 km/h with a maximum of 120 km/h. Since 2011 in some areas the speed limit is 130 km/h if given. Near major cities the speed limit is often 80 or 100 km/h. At expressways (semi-highway) the normal speed limit is 100 km/h.
A warning triangle is mandatory and a safety vest and a first aid kit are recommended.
In The Netherlands the ANWB is the largest roadside assistance company and can be reached on the number + 31 88 2692 888.
As the rest of Europe 112 is the general emergency number.
Petrol stations offer Diesel, unleaded petrol (95 and 98 octane), E10 (90% fossil fuel and 10% ethanol) and LPG (liquid petroleum gas). Since E10 is not suitable for use in all cars you should check compatibility before using it. The local name for unleaded 95 is Euro 95 and for unleaded 98 it is Superplus 98.
A navigation device is allowed, but you may not use radar detectors. The Dutch police uses so called radar detector-detectors to detect if you use a radar detector. Do you get it?
While driving using of your mobile phone is forbidden. You only may use your mobile when mounted in the car.
At many areas of the Dutch highway they have so called "Trajectcontroles" (will be noticed with a traffic sign) which measures your average speed on a long section. You will risk a fine when your average speed is too high.
