Driving Differences: Netherlands vs. Poland Explained
When exploring the roads of the Netherlands and Poland, drivers should be aware of significant variations in regulations and practices. From speed limits to lane usage, each country has unique traffic rules that promote safety. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for a secure and smooth journey abroad.
RIGHT
Driving Side
The driving side in netherlands is the Right Side of the road
90
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in netherlands is 90
2.05 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for netherlands is 2.05 US Dollars
While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.
Lanes
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| Netherlands | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Not commonly used in the Netherlands, replaced by solid white lines on the road edges. | Used for temporary markings, such as during road works. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Not typically used; centerlines are usually white. | Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe. | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads. | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS', 'LIJNBUS' or 'TAXI'; often with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS' on the road. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and often distinct red coloring. | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
netherlands:
Not commonly used in the Netherlands, replaced by solid white lines on the road edges.
poland:
Used for temporary markings, such as during road works.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
netherlands:
Not typically used; centerlines are usually white.
poland:
Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
netherlands:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
poland:
Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads.
Bus Lanes: Usage
netherlands:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
poland:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified.
Bus Lanes: Markings
netherlands:
Labeled 'BUS', 'LIJNBUS' or 'TAXI'; often with road signs.
poland:
Labeled 'BUS' on the road.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
netherlands:
Bicycle symbols and often distinct red coloring.
poland:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
Speeds Limits
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| Netherlands | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 20 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 90 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 70 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100-130 km/h | 140 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | 80 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits | Electronic signs display current limits. | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, but fines are often mailed after citation | Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation. |
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
netherlands:
30 km/h
poland:
20 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
netherlands:
80 km/h
poland:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
netherlands:
80 km/h
poland:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
netherlands:
100-130 km/h
poland:
140 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
netherlands:
80-100 km/h
poland:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
netherlands:
80-100 km/h
poland:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
netherlands:
Electronic signs display current limits
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
netherlands:
Yes, but fines are often mailed after citation
poland:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation.
Signals
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| Netherlands | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. | |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Netherlands | Signals a change to green is imminent. | |
| Use Of Indicators: Mandatory | Yes, for all turns and lane changes | Yes, for all turns and lane changes. | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. | |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Only in cases to avoid accidents | Only in cases to avoid accidents. | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply. | |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Fines may apply for misuse | Fines may apply for misuse. | |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking. | |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not to be used to signal other messages | Not to be used to signal other messages. | |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning. | |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Dutch; symbols are standard | Polish; symbols are standard. | |
| Traffic Signs: Priority | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed. | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Diamond-shaped with yellow background | Triangular with red border. |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
netherlands:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
poland:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
netherlands:
Not used in Netherlands
poland:
Signals a change to green is imminent.
Use Of Indicators: Mandatory
netherlands:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes
poland:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
netherlands:
Signal when exiting
poland:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Allowed
netherlands:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
poland:
Only in cases to avoid accidents.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
netherlands:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
poland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply.
Horn Usage: Penalties
netherlands:
Fines may apply for misuse
poland:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
netherlands:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
poland:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
netherlands:
Not to be used to signal other messages
poland:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
netherlands:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
poland:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
netherlands:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
poland:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
netherlands:
Dutch; symbols are standard
poland:
Polish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
netherlands:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
poland:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
netherlands:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
poland:
Triangular with red border.
Turns
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| Netherlands | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed unless a green arrow is present | Allowed only if a green arrow is present. | |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Permitted unless prohibited by signs. | |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Usually prohibited unless explicitly allowed by signs | Varies by location; check for signs. | |
| Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows | Yes, marked with arrows. | |
| Overtaking While Turning | Prohibited | Prohibited. |
Right Turn On Red
netherlands:
Not allowed unless a green arrow is present
poland:
Allowed only if a green arrow is present.
Left Turn: General
netherlands:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
poland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
netherlands:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
poland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
netherlands:
Usually prohibited unless explicitly allowed by signs
poland:
Varies by location; check for signs.
Special Turn Lanes
netherlands:
Yes, marked with arrows
poland:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
netherlands:
Prohibited
poland:
Prohibited.
Documentation
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| Netherlands | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required | Valid driver's license required. | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted; International Driving Permit not necessary | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended. | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for up to 185 days if accompanied by an International Driving Permit | Accepted with International Driving Permit. | |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Periodic technical inspection required | Mandatory every year. | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | No sticker used; information in vehicle registration | Displayed on windshield. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Mandatory. |
Driver's License: Requirement
netherlands:
Valid driver's license required
poland:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
netherlands:
Accepted; International Driving Permit not necessary
poland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
netherlands:
Accepted for up to 185 days if accompanied by an International Driving Permit
poland:
Accepted with International Driving Permit.
Insurance
netherlands:
Liability insurance mandatory
poland:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
netherlands:
Periodic technical inspection required
poland:
Mandatory every year.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
netherlands:
No sticker used; information in vehicle registration
poland:
Displayed on windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
netherlands:
Mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
netherlands:
Recommended
poland:
Mandatory.
Road Etiquette
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| Netherlands | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake. | |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Discouraged, fines may apply | Discouraged, fines may apply. | |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic. | |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged and may be penalized | Discouraged and may be penalized. | |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Only in emergency situations | Only in emergency situations. | |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Less frequent use compared to some countries. | |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary. | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights. |
Flashing Lights: Usage
netherlands:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
poland:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
netherlands:
Discouraged, fines may apply
poland:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
netherlands:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
poland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
netherlands:
Discouraged and may be penalized
poland:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
netherlands:
Only in emergency situations
poland:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
netherlands:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
poland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries.
Pedestrians Priority
netherlands:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
poland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
netherlands:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
poland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
netherlands:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
poland:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
When exploring the roads of the Netherlands and Poland, drivers should be aware of significant variations in regulations and practices. From speed limits to lane usage, each country has unique traffic rules that promote safety. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for a secure and smooth journey abroad.
Alcohol
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| Netherlands | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.02% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.02% | 0.00% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.02% | 0.00% | |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs. | |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check if medication affects driving ability | Check if medication affects driving ability. | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; checkpoints used | Common; checkpoints used frequently. | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Can be substantial, and may lead to license suspension | Varies; can be substantial. | |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe offenses | Possible for severe offenses. | |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
netherlands:
0.05%
poland:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
netherlands:
0.02%
poland:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
netherlands:
0.02%
poland:
0.00%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
netherlands:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
poland:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
netherlands:
Check if medication affects driving ability
poland:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
netherlands:
Common; checkpoints used
poland:
Common; checkpoints used frequently.
Enforcement: Fines
netherlands:
Can be substantial, and may lead to license suspension
poland:
Varies; can be substantial.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
netherlands:
Possible for severe offenses
poland:
Possible for severe offenses.
Test Refusal
netherlands:
Can result in license suspension
poland:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
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| Netherlands | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. | |
| Priority: Inside | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly. | |
| Signaling: Entering | No signal required unless exiting immediately | Signal if turning immediately upon entry. | |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal right when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit. | |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit or straight. | |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. |
Priority: Entering
netherlands:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
poland:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
netherlands:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
poland:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
netherlands:
No signal required unless exiting immediately
poland:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
Signaling: Exiting
netherlands:
Signal right when preparing to exit
poland:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
netherlands:
Use for first exit or straight
poland:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
netherlands:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
poland:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
Emergency Services
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| Netherlands | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | Call 112 for police assistance | 997 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or ANWB | 981 or through your insurance provider. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Mandatory. |
Contact: Traffic Police
netherlands:
Call 112 for police assistance
poland:
997
Contact: Roadside Assistance
netherlands:
Check with your insurance provider or ANWB
poland:
981 or through your insurance provider.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
netherlands:
Mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
netherlands:
Recommended
poland:
Mandatory.
Penalties And Fines
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| Netherlands | Poland | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; can be significant, points on license | Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles. | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines apply, points on license | Mandatory, fines apply. | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines apply, points on license | Fines apply for use without hands-free device. | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines apply, points on license | Fines and license points apply. | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; fines also typically paid online or by mail | Rare; usually paid online or by mail. | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; payment within specified period required | Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay. | |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Same as residents; must be paid | Same as residents; must be paid. | |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible if fines are not paid | Possible if fines are not paid. |
Common Fines: Speeding
netherlands:
Varies; can be significant, points on license
poland:
Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles.
Common Fines: Alcohol
netherlands:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
poland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
netherlands:
Fines apply, points on license
poland:
Mandatory, fines apply.
Common Fines: Phone Use
netherlands:
Fines apply, points on license
poland:
Fines apply for use without hands-free device.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
netherlands:
Fines apply, points on license
poland:
Fines and license points apply.
Payment: On The Spot
netherlands:
Possible; fines also typically paid online or by mail
poland:
Rare; usually paid online or by mail.
Payment: Deadline
netherlands:
Varies; payment within specified period required
poland:
Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
netherlands:
Same as residents; must be paid
poland:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
netherlands:
Possible if fines are not paid
poland:
Possible if fines are not paid.