Car Rental in Netherlands

Tourist information - Netherlands

Netherlands, also known as Holland, is a constitutional monarchy of north-western Europe, with borders on the north and west of the North Sea, on the east by Germany, and on the south by Belgium. With Belgium and Luxembourg, the Netherlands forms the Low, or Benelux Countries.

Climate

The Netherlands shares the temperate maritime climate common to much of northern and western Europe.

Amsterdam is the country's largest city and constitutional capital. It is divided by more than 80 km of canals into some 90 islands and joined by about 400 bridges. Amsterdam is one of the most important commercial centers in Europe.

Rotterdam, is a port on the Maas River, near The Hague and the second largest city.

Hague, the city is the seat of government of the Netherlands and is the nation's third largest city after Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Drive on the right, overtake on the left.
Driving licence and vehicle documents must be carried at all times.
Cyclists on cycle paths have the right of way.
If a roundabout has cycle tracks around the edge, in general cyclists who want to cycle further around have the right of way over cars leaving the roundabout.
Trams have right of way.
Use dipped headlights in reduced visibility.

Road Signs

Centrum - Town center
Doorgaand Verkeer - Through traffic
Doorgaand verkeer gestremd - No throughway
Eenrichtingsverkeer - One-way street
Langzaam rijden - Slow
Opspattend Grind - Loose surface
Parkeerplaats - Parking lot
Politiebureau - Police station
Pas op: filevorming - Attention: frequent traffic jams
Rechtsaf toegestaan - Right turn allowed
Stadscentrum - Town center
Tegenliggers - Traffic from the opposite direction
Wegomlegging - Detour
Werk in uitvoering - Construction zone

SEAT BELTS

Front seat = Compulsory
Rear seat = Compulsory if fitted
Children:
Front seat = under 12 years not allowed in front unless in correct child safety seat/harness.
Rear seat = 0 - 3 years must use correct child safety seat/harness if available.
4 - 12 years must use correct child safety seat/harness or seat belt if available.

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS

Warning Triangle is recommended.
First Aid Kit is recommended.
Spare Bulb Kit is recommended.
Fire Extinguisher is recommended.

SPEED LIMITS

Cars only
Built-up areas = 50 kph
Major roads outside towns = 80 kph
Motorways = 100 kph
Motorways = 120 kph
Motorways minimum = 60 kph

MOTORWAYS

Two and three lane toll-free motorways connect all parts of the Netherlands with neighbouring countries.
Customs or border formalities are rarely visible.
Small tolls are charged at some bridges and major road tunnels.

DRIVING LICENCE

National driving licence is accepted, minimum driving age 18.

FINES

Motoring offences attract an on-the-spot fine. An official receipt will be issued.

DRINKING and DRIVING

Blood / Alcohol limit 0.05%.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Police 112
Fire Service 112
Ambulance 112

PARKING

Blue Zone parking systems operate in most built up areas "Parkeer Zone" and discs can be obtained from police stations and tobacconists. Parking meters also operate. Vehicles parked more than 30 metres from a street light require parking lights at night. You must park in the same direction as the flow of traffic. Wheel clamps will be used on illegally parked cars.

FUEL

Unleaded Super 95/98 Loodvrije benzine
Diesel is available

MasterCarsDirect offer car hire in the following locations in Holland

Amsterdam Airport (AMS), Amsterdam, Arnhem, Baarn, Bergen Op Zoom, Delft, Den Haag, Eindhoven Airport (EIN), Eindhoven, Groningen, Hoofddorp,  Maastricht/Aachen Airport (MST), Maastricht,  Rotterdam Airport (RTM), Rotterdam,  Utrecht and other locations.