General Legislation & Driver Requirements at a glance
Here you learn the legal rules for you as a driver, your car and your passengers. Each part has its own explanation page.
- Driving licence B: you drive on your own from age 18, in a car up to 3500 kg with at most 8 passengers. You are usually a novice driver for 5 years.
- Blood alcohol limit: at most 0.2 per mille as a novice and 0.5 per mille as an experienced driver. Allow about 1.5 hours per glass; coffee does not help.
- Carrying passengers on a B licence: at most 8 passengers besides you, each with their own seat and seat belt. A 16-person bus is not allowed on B, even with only 7 people.
- Seat belts and child seats: belts are compulsory in the front and the back. From age 12 the passenger gets the fine. A child shorter than 1.35 m uses a child seat.
- Your car's blind spot: it is mainly beside you, diagonally behind the car. Just before you move sideways, look briefly over your shoulder, even with well-adjusted mirrors.
- Third-party insurance and APK: WA insurance is compulsory, even when your car is parked. A new petrol car has its first APK after 4 years, a new diesel after 3 years.
- Mopeds and e-bikes: a light moped (snorfiets) has a blue plate and a top speed of 25 km/h, a moped (bromfiets) a yellow plate. A B licence covers them, but not a motorcycle.
- Phone use while driving: holding your phone while driving costs €430 (2025), even when it is switched off. If the police ask for a breath test, you must always cooperate.
Towing a trailer? Also check the maximum trailer weight. How alcohol slows your reaction is explained under stopping and braking distance.
