Dutch Roads on a Chinese Licence in 2026: Translation Needed
China
Netherlands
Yes: RDW lets tourists drive on a foreign licence. China issues no IDP, so carry a translation and get the hire firm's OK. Both keep right; motorways are 100 km/h from 06:00 to 19:00.
The Netherlands is flat, well maintained and clearly signed. For a Chinese visitor there is no side switch, which removes the usual hazard straight away. Two things need preparation: a document to go with the licence, and cyclists.
The licence and the missing permit
RDW, the Dutch vehicle authority, says a tourist may drive on a foreign licence. Where the licence categories carry names other than A to E, it advises carrying an International Driving Permit as well. China does not issue an international permit, so the realistic substitute is a translation of the licence. Hire companies set their own conditions, so ask yours in writing before you fly what it accepts. The 185-day limit you may see quoted belongs to people who move to the Netherlands; it starts on registering as a resident, not on arrival as a visitor. The Driving Permit Checker covers other countries.
Cyclists come first
Both China and the Netherlands drive on the right, so your road position carries over. The cyclist culture does not. Dutch towns are built around bikes, with separate lanes and separate lights. When you turn right across a cycle lane, a cyclist coming up the inside goes first. Open your door with the far hand so you turn and see the lane, and never park in a bike lane.
Speeds and alcohol
Motorways run at 100 km/h from 06:00 to 19:00, lower than China’s 120, with 120 or 130 allowed in the evening and at night where signed. Rural roads are usually 80 and towns 50. The alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille (0.05%), and drivers in their first five years are held to 0.2 per mille; China’s limit is 0.02%. Speed cameras are common, and the Speeding Fine Calculator gives an idea of what a small overshoot costs.
The emergency number is 112. City zones and parking are covered in the Netherlands driving guide.
Sources
- RDW, driving with a foreign licence (tourists; IDP advised where categories are not named A-E): rdw.nl
- Rijksoverheid, foreign licences (holiday use; 185 days after moving to the Netherlands): rijksoverheid.nl
- Rijksoverheid, 100 km/h on motorways from 06:00 to 19:00: rijksoverheid.nl
- Wegenverkeerswet 1994 art. 8 (0.5 and 0.2 per mille): wetten.overheid.nl
- UN Treaty Collection, 1949 Convention on Road Traffic (China not a party): treaties.un.org
- WHO Global status report on road safety 2023, China profile (0.02 g/dl; 120 km/h motorway): who.int
Speed limits, fines, equipment & license requirements
Your home country driving rules for reference
Renting a Car?
Compare prices from all major rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare Car Rental PricesSome links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How our affiliate links work.
More Free Tools
Explore TyreMap
Frequently Asked Questions
A tourist may drive on a foreign licence. Where its categories carry names other than A to E, RDW advises an International Driving Permit alongside, but China does not issue one. Carry a translation of the licence and ask the rental company in writing what it accepts. The 185-day limit applies only to new residents.
Yes, both drive on the right, so there is no side switch. The harder adjustment is the number of cyclists, who have their own lanes and often go first at junctions.
0.5 per mille (0.05%) for experienced drivers and 0.2 per mille for those in their first five years of driving, against China's 0.02%. Checks are frequent, so keep the home habit of not drinking before driving.