Speeds at a glance
Speed limits by road type
The maximum speed depends on the type of road and the location:
Residential area (erf): maximum 15 km/h because of pedestrians and playing children.
Built-up area: standard 50 km/h, unless a 30 zone applies.
Outside built-up area: maximum speed of 80 km/h. Sometimes you may drive 60 km/h on narrow roads, but this is always indicated in advance with a 60 km/h sign.
Expressway (autoweg): maximum 100 km/h, but this depends on the road markings. If, in the CBR exam, you see a question with only this sign, then the rule is: the maximum speed is 100 km/h and the minimum speed is 50 km/h.
Motorway (autosnelweg): maximum 130 km/h. In practice, between 06:00 and 19:00 it is often 100 km/h, but in the CBR exam you will always see that restriction with a sign; without a sign, you should assume 100 km/h on a motorway. Minimum 60 km/h.
Traffic signs and matrix signs
Maximum speeds are indicated with fixed signs, temporary signs, or matrix signs that can adjust speeds. Matrix signs are leading when they are active, for example in traffic jams.
Advisory speeds are indicated with blue signs and are not mandatory, but it is wise to follow them.
Safe following distance
A safe following distance is essential so that you can react in time. Always keep enough distance, depending on your speed and the traffic situation.
On motorways, there is a minimum speed, but that does not mean you can merge safely at that speed. Adjust your speed and distance to the situation.
In general, a following distance of at least 2 seconds applies. In bad weather conditions (such as rain, fog, or slippery roads), you must increase your following distance, because you then need more time to react and to stop.
