Here is a short guide to the most common bicycle rules in the Netherlands.
Beware of them and cycle safely!
Phones and mobile devices
- Hands-free calling and listening to music is allowed – make sure you can still hear the ambient noise.
- Phone holder on the bike is allowed.
- Holding a phone or any other device in your hand is not allowed: fine €95.
Bike equipment: €35 – €55 fine
- Bell – is required, and its lack may result in a fine.
- Lights – mandatory in the hours of darkness; front one must be yellow or white, back one must be red.
- Reflectors – mandatory on wheels and pedals, on front and back of the bike.
- Helmet is not mandatory but increases your safety!
Traffic rules: €35 – €150 fine
- Stay in your lane – always stick to the right side of the two-way lane.
- Stick to the one-way cycle lane on the right side of the road.
- Always cycle on a mandated cycle path whenever available.
- Roundabouts: make sure you enter in the right direction and indicate with your right hand when exiting.
- Cycling against traffic is not allowed.
- Cycling on footpaths is not allowed.
- Cycling on motorways and highways is not allowed.
- Don’t cross on the red light!
- Overtaking at the right side or the crosswalk is not allowed.
Behaviours: €35 – €100 fine
- Don’t cycle under the influence.
- Always indicate a turn with your hand.
Give priority: €55 – €150 fine
- To a bus or tram at a stop.
- To passengers disembarking a bus or tram.
- To pedestrians at a zebra crossing.
- At a stop sign.
- At a yield line (“shark teeth”).