wegenverkeerswet

Wegenverkeerswet is the core Dutch statute governing road use by motorized traffic. It provides the legal framework for operating vehicles on public roads and for establishing the rights and duties of drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The act covers licensing (driving licences), vehicle registration and inspection, minimum vehicle standards, insurance requirements, and general rules of the road.

Detailed rules and signage are laid down in the Reglement verkeersregels en verkeerstekens (RVV), which sets traffic rules, speed limits, right-of-way, overtaking, traffic signals, and the use of lanes. The Wegenverkeerswet also addresses offences and penalties, including fines, license suspensions or revocation, and criminal sanctions for serious violations.

Enforcement is carried out by the police and the judiciary, under policy guidance from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. The act is regularly amended to reflect safety policy changes and European Union directives. It interacts with vehicle- and insurance-related legislation, notably the Wet aansprakelijkheidsverzekering motorrijtuigen (WAM) regarding motor vehicle liability and with the RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer) for registration and type approval.

Administration: The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is responsible for policy and legislation, with implementation carried out by agencies such as the RDW for vehicle registration, inspection, and type approval, in cooperation with law enforcement and other authorities.