The Netherlands and Luxembourg are close neighbours for many riders in Western Europe. One country is flat but full of dikes and small roads by the water, the other is small but packed with bends through forests and river valleys. Riding a motorcycle in the Netherlands and Luxembourg comes with a few rules you should know so the tour doesn't get expensive. Here are both countries at a glance.
The Netherlands and Luxembourg compared
| Rule | Netherlands | Luxembourg |
|---|---|---|
| Built-up areas | 50 km/h, 30 in many cities | 50 km/h |
| Outside built-up areas | 80 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Expressway | 100 km/h | see signs |
| Motorway | 100 km/h from 6 am to 7 pm, up to 130 (partly 120) at night | 130 km/h, 110 when wet |
| Alcohol limit | 0.5 (0.2 in the first 5 years) | 0.5 (0.2 in the first 2 years) |
| Hi-vis vest | not required | carry it and wear it after a motorway breakdown |
| Tolls | only Kil tunnel | none |
Riding in the Netherlands
Speed limits: only 100 on the motorway by day
This surprises many: on Dutch motorways the limit during the day, between 6 am and 7 pm, is only 100 km/h. Only in the evening and at night are 130 km/h allowed according to the German automobile club ADAC, or 120 km/h on some sections where signs show it. Outside built-up areas the limit is 80 km/h, in built-up areas 50 km/h. Many cities, Amsterdam for example, have introduced 30 km/h across large areas. So watch the signs at the town entrance.
Fines: the Netherlands are expensive. According to the ADAC, 11 to 30 km/h over the limit in town costs between €125 and €435, and 31 to 39 km/h over on the motorway between €398 and €510. Even up to 10 km/h over outside built-up areas costs €32 to €87. There are many speed cameras and average speed checks, and police can collect fines from foreigners on the spot.
Alcohol, phone and radar detectors
- Alcohol: 0.5 per mille, 0.2 for novices in their first 5 years.
- Phone: hands-free only.
- Radar detectors: banned. According to the ADAC, the device is confiscated and a heavy fine follows.
Equipment: only the helmet is mandatory
According to the ADAC you don't have to carry a hi-vis vest, warning triangle or first aid kit. A vest still belongs in your luggage so you're easy to see after a breakdown.
Filtering: tolerated but not regulated
There's no law on filtering in the Netherlands. According to the ADAC it is tolerated on motorways in stationary traffic if you're no more than 10 km/h faster than the traffic. So only do it slowly and carefully.
Cyclists everywhere
No country has as many cyclists. Cycle paths (fietspad) are often paved in red and frequently have priority. The white triangles on the road, the "shark's teeth" (haaientanden), mean you must give way. Always look over your shoulder when turning, as cyclists approach quickly from behind.
Tolls: only one tunnel left
Motorways are toll-free for motorcycles. According to the province of Zeeland, the Westerschelde tunnel has been toll-free for cars and motorcycles since 30 December 2024. The Kil tunnel near Dordrecht still charges a toll.
The best roads
- South Limburg: the "hill country" around Vaals, Gulpen and Valkenburg, with the three-country point, the highest point of the Dutch mainland.
- Dike roads: for example along the IJsselmeer or in Zeeland, with views of the water. Few bends, but plenty of wind.
- Veluwe: forest and heathland between Arnhem and Apeldoorn.
Riding in Luxembourg
Speed limits and fines
In Luxembourg the limit is 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside them and 130 km/h on motorways. When the road is wet, the motorway limit drops to 110 km/h. Speeding is expensive: according to the ADAC, 15 km/h or more over the limit in town costs at least €145, and for extreme offences the range goes up to €10,000 and even prison. Here too, police collect fines from foreigners on the spot.
Alcohol, phone and radar detectors
- Alcohol: 0.5 per mille, 0.2 for riders who have held their licence for less than 2 years.
- Phone: hands-free only.
- Radar detectors: banned.
Hi-vis vest is mandatory
According to the ADAC you must carry a hi-vis vest in Luxembourg and wear it when you get off after a breakdown or accident on the motorway or expressway. A first aid kit is recommended but not required.
Passengers and children
According to the ADAC, no more than one other person may ride with you. Strict rules apply to children regarding minimum age, child seats and footrests. Check them before you ride if you want to take your child.
No tolls, cheaper fuel
Luxembourg has no tolls. Fuel is usually cheaper than in neighbouring countries, which is why the filling stations near the border are often busy. Fill up away from the big border stations.
The best roads
- Éislek (Oesling): the hilly north with Vianden and its castle and the valleys of the Our and Sûre.
- Upper Sûre lake: twisty roads around the reservoir near Esch-sur-Sûre.
- Müllerthal: "Luxembourg's Little Switzerland" with rocks and narrow valleys.
More routes for the region are in Motorcycle tours in the Eifel and Ardennes.
Frequently asked questions
How fast may I ride on Dutch motorways?
100 km/h during the day from 6 am to 7 pm, 130 km/h or 120 km/h in the evening and at night, depending on the signs.
Do I need a hi-vis vest in the Netherlands?
No, it isn't required. It still belongs in your luggage.
Is protective gear mandatory in the Netherlands or Luxembourg?
In both countries the helmet is required. Unlike Belgium, there's no requirement for a jacket, gloves and boots, but never ride without them anyway.
Does the Westerschelde tunnel still charge a toll?
No, it has been toll-free for cars and motorcycles since 30 December 2024. The Kil tunnel near Dordrecht still charges a toll.
How fast may I ride on Luxembourg's motorways in the rain?
When it's wet, the limit is 110 km/h instead of 130 km/h.
Do I need a vignette in Luxembourg?
No, Luxembourg has no tolls.
What is the emergency number?
112 in both countries.
Summary
The Netherlands and Luxembourg are relaxed places to ride, but not cheap if you speed. Above all, remember 100 km/h by day on Dutch motorways, 110 km/h in the wet in Luxembourg and the hi-vis vest for Luxembourg. A comparison with more countries is in Motorcycle rules in Europe: 19 countries compared, and neighbouring Belgium in Riding a motorcycle in Belgium.
Sources
- Motorcycle rules in the Netherlands (ADAC, German)
- Driving to the Netherlands: traffic rules (ADAC, German)
- Motorcycle rules in Luxembourg (ADAC, German)
- Driving to Luxembourg: traffic rules (ADAC, German)
- Westerschelde tunnel toll-free for cars and motorcycles (Province of Zeeland, Dutch)
Last checked: September 2026. Rules and fines can change.