Speed limits

Speed limits are usually indicated on road signs. However, there are a number of scenarios where driving at the speed limit is not possible.

For example, drivers are expected to keep in mind the following factors:

• the nature and condition of the road (speed bumps, potholes, etc.);
• weather conditions such as rain and fog;
• the condition of the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres in winter);
• how busy the roads are.

Drivers are expected to determine the appropriate speed in any given situation, based on the previously mentioned factors.

Trailer

Vehicle pulled by another vehicle or intended for that purpose. Includes semitrailers.

Passenger car

Vehicle with four or more wheels used to transport persons. Passenger cars have no more than eight passenger seats, not including the driver’s seat. Passenger cars do not fall under motor carriages with limited speed or disability vehicles.

Commercial car

Vehicle with four or more wheels used to transport goods or carry out work. Not a motor carriage with limited speed or a disability vehicle.

Van

Motor vehicle with a maximum authorised mass up to 3,500 kg, used to transport goods. Not a lorry.

Lorry

Motor vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of more than 3,500 kg, not equipped to transport persons. Used to transport goods.

T100 bus

Bus with a note on its registration certificate or in the vehicle registration register indicating that the vehicle is eligible for an increased maximum speed of 100 km/h. While this is not always immediately clear from the vehicle’s exterior, most have a circular sticker with the number 100 and a red border (e.g. coaches).

Bus

Motor vehicle used to transport more than eight people, not including the driver.

Public bus

Motor vehicle used for public transport.

Agricultural vehicle

Motor vehicle normally used for the cultivation of land or transport of agricultural goods. For instance a tractor or combine. The legal speed limit of these vehicles is 40 km/h, but also depends on the presence of a number plate, the construction speed and the layout of the road.

Erf

An area indicated by the G-5 sign. Residential area where children play, with a maximum allowed speed of 15 km/h. Pedestrians may use the full width of the road inside an erf.

Inside built-up areas

Area within the border of a village or city, indicated by the H-1 sign stating the village or city’s name. Maximum allowed speed of 50 km/h unless otherwise indicated.

Outside built-up areas

Area outside the border of a village or city, indicated by the H-2 sign stating the village or city’s name. Maximum allowed speed of 80 km/h unless otherwise indicated.

Autoweg

Road indicated by the G-3 sign, with a speed limit of 100 km/h unless otherwise indicated. Parking spaces, petrol stations and bus stops along autowegen are not part of the autoweg. Autowegen with one carriageway are indicated by a green axis line.

Motorway

Road indicated by sign G-1 with a speed limit of 130 km/h unless otherwise indicated. Parking spaces, petrol stations and bus stops along motorways are not part of the motorway. Motorways are normally equipped with hard shoulders, which are usually not present on autowegen.

Along the autoweg or motorway may be signs indicating that the speed limit has been lowered. This may be between certain times, such as between 6 AM and 7 PM. But it can also be a fixed reduced speed limit that applies day and night.

Extra information speed limits

Speed limits inside built-up areas

The following speed limits apply in built-up areas:

• for motor vehicles: 50 km/h (also on autowegen within built-up areas!);
• for motor vehicles with limited speed such as agricultural tractors: 40 km/h¹;
• for mopeds, speed pedelecs and disability vehicles equipped with an engine:
  • on the road: 45 km/h;
  • on the cycle/moped path: 30 km/h;
    this also applies to disability vehicles using the cycle path;
• for snorfietsen: 25 km/h;
• for brommobielen: 45 km/h;
• for disability vehicles on the pavement or footpath: 6 km/h.

Speed limits outside built-up areas

Outside built-up areas, the following speed limits apply:

• for motor vehicles on motorways: 130 km/h;
• for motor vehicles on autowegen: 100 km/h;
• for motor vehicles on other roads: 80 km/h;
• for lorries and buses, excluding T-100 buses: 80 km/h, with or without a trailer (also on autowegen and motorways);
• for T-100 buses: 100 km/h (only on autowegen and motorways);
• for motor vehicles with a trailer (both with a maximum authorised mass of 3,500 kg): 90 km/h (only on autowegen and motorways);
• for motor vehicles with limited speed such as agricultural tractors: 40 km/h;
• for mopeds, speed pedelecs and disability vehicles equipped with an engine:
  • on the road: 45 km/h;
  • on the cycle/moped path: 40 km/h;
    this also applies to disability vehicles using the cycle path;
• for snorfietsen: 25 km/h;
• for brommobielen: 45 km/h;
• for disability vehicles on the pavement or footpath: 6 km/h.

¹ The speed limit of agricultural vehicles depends on the layout of the road and may therefore be lower in certain situations. No questions about this will be asked in the exam.