Truck restrictions and bans in the Netherlands

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Bans and restrictions on truck traffic in the Netherlands

The truck driving ban applies to:

• Oversize vehicles
• Vehicles carrying hazardous materials
• Low emission zones - trucks which do not meet emission standards
• Specific locations - e.g. truck travelling through Amsterdam or Rotterdam

All bans are discussed below.

Ban on the transport of goods for oversize vehicles in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, there are special restrictions for oversize transport (the carriage of goods such as industrial equipment, machinery, tanks, structural elements or lifting gear by truck).

Dutch traffic regulations specify that a truck carrying this type of goods must have special permits and meet conditions:

• Vehicles with an actual weight of more than 30 tonnes require a Routeontheffing permit and may only drive on pre-approved routes.
• Vehicles may be a maximum of 10 metres in length. Exceptions may be made for the carriage of indivisible loads, non-standard vehicles or transport to destinations on wide roads.
• For activities with a significant impact on the environment, an additional notification or permit may be necessary in accordance with the Dutch Decree on Activities.

Permit applications are submitted via the Omgevingsloket Online portal https://omgevingswet.overheid.nl/aanvragen. 

Banning lorries from entering low emission zones in the Netherlands

Cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht have low emission zones (LEZs).

Entry to these zones is restricted for older trucks and vans whose engine does not meet the Euro 4 standard.

Ban on trucks carrying hazardous materials in the Netherlands

Dutch regulations prohibit the transport of hazardous materials during bad weather conditions. This means that you may not transport dangerous goods under certain conditions such as icy roads or vision restrictions. Please consult the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Magement’s website for the exact exclusions: https://www.ilent.nl/onderwerpen/gevaarlijke-stoffen-weg/regels-tijdens-vervoer-gevaarlijke-stoffen-over-de-weg 

Local restrictions for heavy goods vehicles

Additional restrictions for heavy goods vehicles may apply on certain roads, especially in cities and residential areas in the Netherlands.

Which cities have road restrictions for trucks in the Netherlands?

Truck restrictions Amsterdam

There are strict road restrictions for heavy goods vehicles in the capital. They have been created to protect the city’s bridges and canal walls. 

What do you need to know before you travel?

• It’s not allowed to load, unload or park in pedestrian areas on bridges.
• Keep a distance of at least 3 metres from the canal wall.
• Keep a distance of at least 5 metres from other heavy vehicles or objects. 
• Drive carefully and slowly over speed bumps and other uneven surfaces.
• The maximum weight of a vehicle circulating in Amsterdam is 30 tonnes.
• The maximum length of a vehicle circulating in Amsterdam is 10 metres. 

Ban on driving a truck in Rotterdam

What do you need to know before you travel?

Exclusions for trucks apply in the western part of Rotterdam - ‘s-Gravendijkwal. This area has been completely closed to trucks since 2015.

Rotterdam has a zero-emission zone for trucks and vans in ‘S-Gravendijkwal. The street is closed to all freight traffic. Exceptions are made for emergency services and electric trucks. 

Exceptions to prohibitions

Examples of situations where exceptions to prohibitions may apply are:

• Transport of cargo necessary for the operation of emergency, medical or energy services.
• Transport in connection with major infrastructure investments.
• Transport of goods of strategic importance to the national economy. 

Obtaining an authorisation for an exceptional journey does not exempt the truck driver from complying with other traffic regulations and taking care of the safety of other road users. Furthermore, in the event of a roadside check, the driver should carry a document confirming the granting of the permit.

Freight ban - fine for breaking the rules

Truckers who ignore the driving ban risk legal consequences.

If a truck is found to be in breach of the driving ban, the traffic control services are entitled to impose a fine on the driver, the amount of which depends on the type of infringement and any previous offences. 

• Exceeding the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle: if the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle is exceeded, the driver may be fined between €200 and €1.000. 
• Failure to comply with a driving ban within a certain period of time: if a truck driver breaks a driving ban within a certain period of time, he or she can be fined between €100 and €500. 
• Driving on prohibited terrain: if a truck drives on prohibited terrain, the driver may be fined between €200 and €1.000 for breaking the rule.

It’s worth being careful, if you violate the ban several times, the services may seize your vehicle. 

Who is not affected by the bans?

Groups of vehicles that are exceptionally exempt from the bans:

• Emergency and law enforcement vehicles: fire, police, ambulance and other law enforcement vehicles are excluded from the bans so that they can respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies.
• Military vehicles
• Municipal vehicles: vehicles used for cleaning, such as refuse collection or snow clearing vehicles.
• Road works vehicles: vehicles involved in road works, such as construction machinery or vehicles transporting construction materials. 

Preparing for a trip in the Netherlands?

Read our other articles:

Traffic for trucks in the Netherlands - regulations, tolls and bans: https://www.247drive.com/blog/57/regulations-fees-and-prohibitions-for-trucks-in-the-netherlands 

Current speed limits for trucks in the Netherlands https://www.247drive.com/blog/56/current-speed-limits-for-trucks-in-the-netherlands 

How do you quickly find a job as a truck driver? https://www.247drive.com/blog/43/how-to-quickly-find-a-job-as-a-truck-driver 

Are you looking for a job in the Netherlands with high pay, accommodation and guaranteed employment?

View our job offers: https://www.247drive.com/vacancies, or contact us: https://www.247drive.com/contact. Our recruitment experts will offer you a job matching your interests and needs.  

Are you looking for professional drivers?

We have a database of employees ready for the road. Contact us and find candidates that excel in their job: https://www.247drive.com/contact.