Speed limits

In the Netherlands the following maximum speeds apply: 15 km/h in a residential zone, 30 km/h in a 30 zone, 50 km/h within built-up areas, 80 km/h outside built-up areas on ordinary roads and 100 km/h on dual carriageways (autoweg). On the motorway a nationwide limit of 100 km/h applies during the day (06:00–19:00); only at night (19:00–06:00) may you drive 130 km/h, and only on sections where a sign indicates this. A blue sign with a number is an advisory speed — not mandatory but recommended. Speed signs with a red circle are mandatory. Example: you are driving at 14:00 on a motorway where no sign indicates a higher or lower limit. Then your maximum is 100 km/h, even if the road feels "fast". If at 22:00 you reach a section with a "130" sign plus a supplementary panel (19–6 h), you may indeed drive 130 km/h there. The value on a red-circle sign is always binding; a blue square sign with a number is only advisory.