HGV Driving advice in the Netherlands
Much of the Netherlands is categorised as ‘lowland’, with 20% of its land below sea level, and 50% being less than one metre above sea level. The Netherlands is easily accessible by sea, and has four major seaports, the port of Amsterdam, port of Rotterdam, Zeeland Seaports and Groningen. Rotterdam is one of the world’s busiest ports to this day.
Abnormal Road Movements
Abnormal loads normally have to be moved outside of rush hour periods, restrictions usually apply at weekends and under certain weather conditions.
Vehicles that exceed the maximum weight and dimensions below will require special authorisation, which can be obtained from:
RDW Centrum Voor Voertuigtechniek en Informatie
Europaweg 205
2711 ER Zoetermeer
Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)79 3458100.
There are driving restrictions imposed upon abnormal load vehicles where they cannot be moved as follows:
They also cannot drive on slippery roads (ice/snow) and if visibility is restricted to less than 200 metres
Abnormal Loads Driving Bans
Similar to Belgium, the Netherlands have regular bans that apply to the transport of oversize (abnormal) loads. Restrictions apply on national and local roads between 06:00 and 10:00 and between 15:00 and 20:00
All abnormal load operators will require a keeper’s certificate to prove ownership of the trailer, which must be carried as part of the vehicle documents at all times.
EU Directive – Within the European Union (EC), the Council Directive 96/53/EC gives information about the permissible dimensions and weights for road vehicles in international traffic. Vehicle combinations (trucks with ordinary trailers or semi-trailers) which comply with the criteria specified here may travel on roads within the EU without a special permit. The size and weight limits set by the Council Directive are summarised in the tables at the link here
Carriage of Dangerous Goods
In cases of bad weather conditions, transport of these goods is prohibited. In conditions where visibility is less than 200 metres, it is prohibited to transport of:
If you are shipping dangerous goods, you must also complete a dangerous goods declaration. See guidance on moving dangerous goods
Heavy Goods Vehicles Road Tolls
The Netherlands charges a road use toll for heavy goods traffic 12 t and over gross vehicle weight. The Kingdom has joined with Luxembourg, Denmark and Sweden to organise toll collection and process it via AGES.
Once you have registered with a toll operator’s system – for which a fee is charged – you will receive an electronic vignette. Once registered, your drivers can travel through all the Eurovignette countries within the booking period.
The electronic vignette charge is based upon the number of axles, the Euro engine of the HGV, and the kilometres travelled.
Tunnels
There are two tunnels in Holland, both are privately owned and subsequently charge a toll passage. The first is the Westerschelde Tunnel (ADR Class C) the second is the Kiltunnel
Weekend and public holiday Driving Bans
There are no weekend or public holiday driving bans as such in the Netherlands.
Speed limits and road offences
The Netherlands has some of the highest traffic fines in Europe. Speed limits vary across the country, so always keep a check on signs. However, it is standard that Lorries are restricted to 30km/h in residential areas, 50km/h in built up areas and 80km/h on open roads and motorways, although in some areas this can be as low as 70km/h
Fines in the Netherlands are levied on the spot, and must be paid in cash. Some examples of fines include:
If you are caught breaking the speed limit by more than 50km/h, you will have your licence confiscated on the spot.
Driver & Vehicle Documentation
Check what other vehicle documents and driver documents the driver needs to carry on international journeys.
Permits
Check which international road haulage permits you need.
Check which international road haulage permits you need – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Find out how to apply for bilateral international road haulage permits and the rules you have to follow at the link below.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/international-road-haulage-permits-for-some-non-eu-countries
To find out more about ECMT Permits, please visit the link below.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ecmt-international-road-haulage-permits
To find out more about ECMT International Removal Permits, please visit the link below.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/international-road-haulage-removal-permits
Speed Limits for HGV’s over 3.5t
The following speed limits are applicable to HGVs:
Drink Driving
The Netherlands has strict drink driving laws, allowing only 0.5 grams of alcohol per litre of blood. Penalties for driving under the influence are strict and can result in imprisonment.
Other Items Required
Lorry drivers should carry their full passport, their national driving licence, along with a written consent from the owner of the HGV that they can drive the vehicle. EU rules obviously apply, and although it is not mandatory, green card insurance is recommended.
In addition to the required documents, motorists are also required by law to carry the following items when driving to avoid hefty on-the-spot fines:
Items you should not take into the Netherlands
Be aware that you cannot take the following with you:
You cannot take the following unless you pay to have them inspected before you leave and get a ‘Phytosanitary certificate’:
Vehicle Restrictions in the Netherlands
Vehicles in the Netherlands are restricted to a maximum height of 4 metres, and a width of 2.55 metres (or 2.6 metres for refrigerated units). Rigid Lorries are restricted to 12 metres in length, and articulated Lorries, 16.5 metres, although road trains can be 18.75 metres.
Weight restrictions are as follows:
Lorries:
Trailers:
Articulated vehicles:
(***The same limit applies to road trains for 4 and 5/6 axles.)
Holland is the only EU country where the 50t limit is permissible – anything outside of this requires permission from:
Rijksdienst Wegverkeer
Dept. TET
Europaweg 205
Postbus 777
2700 AT Zoetermeer
Netherlands
Tel: 0031 79 345 8309/8314
Seat belts
Seat belts are compulsory in the Netherlands.
In an emergency
112 – You can dial 112 from anywhere in Europe and an operator will connect you to an emergency service in the country you are visiting. Operators can answer your call in their native language, English or French.
Low Emission Zones
A number of regions have low emission zones for Lorries. These LEZs also affect the cities within those regions. For further information on LEZ’s
Transport Organisation
Dutch Hauliers Association
Transport en Logistiek Nederland
Postbus 3008
2700 KS Zoetermeer
Netherlands.
Tel: +31 (0)79 3636111
Email – info@tln.nl
Web - http://www.tln.nl/
The following may be useful for further advice:
Dutch Transport Authority https://www.rijkswaterstaat.nl/
British Embassy
Lange Voorhout 10
2514 ED The Hague
Netherlands Telephone: +31 (0) 70 427 0427
