Truck Restrictions and Bans in the Netherlands 2026: Emissions, Dimensions, and Time Limits

The Netherlands holds a key position in European logistics, with the ports of Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Zeeland connecting the EU to global trade routes. But the country’s unique geography, made up of lowlands, coastal areas, and dense urban development, comes with specific transportation rules. As a result, truck restrictions and bans in the Netherlands differ significantly from those in neighboring countries.

Unlike many EU states, the Netherlands places less emphasis on blanket weekend or holiday bans. Instead, the focus is on environmental regulations, weather-related risks, and strict rules on truck weight and dimensions. To help drivers navigate these rules, MT onroad has compiled a practical overview based on official sources and legal guidelines.

Where to Find Official Information About Truck Restrictions in the Netherlands

All regulations related to vehicle movement, size limits, emission zones, and driver work hours are controlled at the national level. The data is public and regularly updated on the following platforms:

• Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (Government.nl)
  This portal contains key regulations for freight transport: tachograph requirements, licensing, and rules on working and rest hours.
• RDW Oversized Transport Service
  This site is used to apply for permits for heavy or oversized loads. It outlines all legal limits on weight and size, the application process, and contact information.
• ESC Restriction Calendar
  The European Shippers’ Council publishes up-to-date information on Netherlands traffic bans and driving restrictions across the EU for weekends and public holidays.

Weight and driving ban in the Netherlands 

To drive on Dutch roads, trucks must comply with a set of technical standards. Any deviation from these norms qualifies as oversized transport and requires special authorization.

Maximum dimensions:

• Height: up to 4 meters
• Standard width: up to 2.55 meters (up to 2.60 meters for refrigerated trucks)
• Maximum length:
• Single trucks: up to 12 meters;
  Tractor-semitrailer combinations: up to 16.5 meters;
• Road trains: up to 18.75 meters.

Weight limits for trucks in the Netherlands 2026

In the Netherlands, permissible truck weight is regulated at the national level and is not based on a single fixed “axle table”, but on a set of parameters specific to each vehicle. The key reference is the data registered with RDW and shown in the vehicle’s registration documents.

According to official RDW rules, the maximum permitted gross weight of a truck or vehicle combination (GVW / GTW) can be up to 50,000 kg, provided that axle load limits on the steering axle, design requirements, and technical inspection standards are met.

The exact weight limits depend on:

• the vehicle configuration (single truck, truck with semi-trailer, vehicle combination);
• the number and type of axles;
• how the load is distributed across the axles;
• the parameters listed in the RDW registration documents.

Exceeding the registered gross weight or axle loads without a permit is automatically classified as oversize or heavy transport and requires a separate authorization issued via RDW.

In many EU countries, the standard maximum gross weight for a vehicle combination is around 40–44 tonnes, while in the Netherlands, higher limits are allowed only if all construction requirements, axle load limits, and verified technical safety standards are met.

Temporary Driving ban for Trucks in the Netherlands 2026

Unlike most EU countries, the Netherlands does not impose a general ban on truck traffic during weekends and public holidays, as ports operate around the clock. However, heavy traffic in cities, around ports, and on major highways often leads to congestion, especially during holiday periods. 

Keep an eye on the official public holiday calendar. In 2026, dates such as Easter (5–6 April), King’s Day (27 April), Liberation Day (5 May), Pentecost (Pinksteren, 24–25 May), Christmas (25–26 December), and other holidays may lead to unpredictable traffic conditions. It should also be considered that, for example, Good Friday is not an official public holiday, but many government offices operate on reduced hours. 

When driving is not allowed: rules for oversized transport

Separate time restrictions apply in the Netherlands for heavy and oversized vehicle combinations. There is no single timetable that applies to all transports. Permitted driving hours depend on the vehicle configuration (primarily width and length), escort requirements, and the specific route conditions. RDW publishes indicative time windows for transport on N-roads managed by Rijkswaterstaat, provinces, and municipalities. For certain dimensional ranges, permitted driving windows typically include 10:00–15:00 and 20:00–06:00.

These rules are vehicle-specific and are always stated in the permit and route conditions. In addition, weather-related restrictions must be considered. Movement is fully prohibited in cases of visibility below 200 m or on slippery road surfaces, including ice, freezing rain, wet snow, or icing. Violations may lead to cancellation of the route permit.

Diesel truck restrictions in the Netherlands: Milieuzone

In many Dutch cities, environmental restrictions apply to diesel-powered trucks. These traffic restrictions for trucks Netherlands are enforced within designated Milieuzone areas, where only vehicles that meet modern emission standards are allowed to enter (most commonly Euro VI or higher). Drivers must be able to provide proof of the vehicle’s emission class, and foreign transport operators are required to register their vehicles in the relevant municipal system.

Among the cities with such restrictions are Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Rotterdam, and others. In Rotterdam, several restriction regimes apply to freight transport. In addition to the zero-emission zone, a separate entry ban for trucks (vrachtwagens) is in force on ’s-Gravendijkwal. This ban is not related to environmental zones and applies regardless of the vehicle’s emission class or engine type. Access to this section requires a separate permit (ontheffing) issued by the municipal authorities of Rotterdam.

As of 1 January 2025, a zero-emission zone (ZE zone) is in force in Rotterdam, covering the central part of the city within the ring road. Entry is permitted only for zero-emission commercial vehicles (electric or hydrogen-powered). For trucks, violating ZE-zone rules may result in a fine of around €310. As penalty amounts may be indexed, it is recommended to verify the current fine levels before departure. Prior registration is mandatory and must be completed in advance via the Gemeente Rotterdam portal.

Driving Ban for Trucks in the Netherlands: Weather Restrictions on Hazardous Goods

The transport of dangerous goods in the Netherlands is governed by the ADR Convention. In addition to standard requirements (marking, documentation, packaging), automatic driving bans apply if weather-related risks are identified.

If visibility is below 200 m, or in cases of ice, heavy snowfall, or icing, the movement of trucks carrying dangerous goods is prohibited, regardless of permits or delivery schedules. Enforcement includes checks of all ADR documentation, including driver instructions and the list of substances being transported.

Before departure, carriers must consider not only ADR zones but also weather conditions, especially on routes leading to ports, where weather-related restrictions are introduced most frequently.

Driving Ban Netherlands: No Overtaking Zones for Trucks

On certain roads in the Netherlands, trucks over 7.5 tons are prohibited from overtaking. These no-overtaking zones are marked with specific road signs and are typically located in areas with a higher risk of accidents, such as stretches with limited visibility, narrow lanes, or heavy traffic. Enforcement is carried out via cameras and sensors. If a truck violates the rule, the system automatically records the infraction and issues a fine, no prior warning required.

Speed Limits and Work Regulations: What Truck Drivers Must Follow

The Netherlands enforces strict speed limits for heavy vehicles, and any violation is treated seriously:

• Residential zones – up to 30 km/h.
• Urban areas – up to 50 km/h.
• Highways and motorways – a maximum of 80 km/h, with 70 km/h applying on certain sections as indicated by road signs or electronic displays.

These rules apply to all heavy trucks, regardless of their cargo or emissions class. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h may result in immediate license suspension on the spot. In addition to Netherlands traffic bans, all trucks must be equipped with a functional tachograph that records driving and rest times. Missing data or falsified records can lead to substantial fines, especially during international transport checks.

Toll Roads for Trucks in 2026: Where Trucks Must Pay in the Netherlands

Most roads in the Netherlands are toll-free for trucks, but there are exceptions. One such exception is the Westerschelde Tunnel, located on route N62. This tunnel connects the Zeeland region to southern routes toward Belgium, including Antwerp and Ghent, and is frequently used for international freight transport.

Tolls apply as set by the tunnel operator N.V. Westerscheldetunnel and published in its official tariff table:

• Rigid-body vans and solo trucks (Category 3) — €18.20.
• Truck-trailer combinations (Category 4) — €25.00.

Payments can be made using fuel cards, bank terminals, or the T-tag system, which offers discounts for frequent users. For carriers with regular routes through this corridor, the electronic option is the most efficient. Before the trip, it is recommended to check the current tariffs on the operator’s official website in the Tarieven section.

Fines for violations of truck transport restrictions in the Netherlands

Violation	Fine (indicative, 2026)
Exceeding vehicle dimensions without a permit	up to €1 350
Overloading without a permit (>50 t)	from €85, up to a court decision
Entry into a low-emission zone without authorization (Euro VI / ZE)	€310
Violation of the truck access ban on ’s-Gravendijkwa	€120 + €9 administrative fee
Violation of entry rules for the Rotterdam ZE zone	€310
Violation of temporary restrictions for oversized transport	from €150 to €1 349
Transport of dangerous goods during adverse weather conditions	from €150 to €1 349
Violation of truck overtaking bans (on designated sections)	from €240
Speeding	from €46 to €316; license suspension for excess over 50 km/h
Missing or falsified tachograph data	up to €4,400

* We recommend checking the current fine amounts in the official Boetebase OM database and on municipal websites of environmental zones (Milieuzone / ZE-zone).

The information above is based on official regulations valid at the time of publication. However, truck restrictions and bans in the Netherlands may change depending on the season, region, or municipal decisions. For safe and compliant transport, we recommend checking local requirements at least two days before your trip, especially if your route includes emission zones or involves oversized cargo. Use official platforms and don’t forget to register in advance to stay fully informed.