Japan vs Netherlands: JPY 18,000 vs EUR 440 Phone Fine

A handheld phone costs JPY 18,000 in Japan and EUR 440 in the Netherlands. Japan drives on the left, requires a 1949-convention IDP and sets an alcohol limit of 0.03%. Japan’s motorway limit is 100 km/h, or 120 km/h on designated sections. The Netherlands’ motorway limit is 100 km/h from 06:00 to 19:00, with 120 or 130 km/h where signed at other times.

Dutch day and night limits against Japan’s single figure

The Netherlands is unusual: 100 km/h on motorways from 06:00 to 19:00, 120 or 130 where signed at night, and 130 all day on the A7 Afsluitdijk, the A7 Winschoten to the German border and the A6 sections near Lelystad since 14 April 2025. Japan posts 60 km/h on ordinary roads (30 where there is no centre line) and 100 km/h on expressways. Dutch rural roads are 80 km/h, towns 50.

Alcohol limit, age and penalties

Japan’s 0.03% is lower than the Dutch 0.05%. A phone costs EUR 440 in the Netherlands against JPY 18,000 (about EUR 115) and 3 points in Japan; a seatbelt EUR 190 against a first-offence warning and a point; a red light EUR 320 against JPY 9,000 and 2 points. Dutch penalties add EUR 9 in administration costs. The Netherlands allows driving at 17 with supervision.

International driving permit: Japan insists, the Netherlands advises

Japan lists a permit as required and accepts the 1949 Geneva Convention type only; foreign licences are valid for 12 months. The Netherlands recommends one where licence categories carry names other than A to E (RDW), and its 185-day limit runs from taking up residence. EU and EEA licences are valid there.

Getting caught speeding: the amounts

Dutch fines are EUR 28 at 4 km/h over and EUR 87 at 10 over on a motorway, EUR 165-187 at 20 over and EUR 329-368 at 30 over, where a court summons is possible; measurements are corrected by only 3 km/h, so little margin remains. Fines are mailed and CJIB sends them abroad. Japan’s bands run JPY 9,000 to JPY 18,000 up to 30 over, then JPY 25,000 and JPY 35,000 or more on expressways only. Japanese cameras tolerate about 10 km/h.

Paying a phone or speeding fine after a stop in Japan or the Netherlands

A phone or speeding fine issued in the Netherlands is mailed and CJIB can send it to a foreign address, while Japan’s fines are typically paid on the spot or at convenience stores. Check how each fine is delivered before you travel, and read the guide to driving fines abroad to see who pays and how.

Winter tyres and equipment

Neither country has a winter-tyre duty. Japan’s prefectures set anti-skid rules for snow-covered roads and limit studs to designated areas; Dutch law prohibits studs. Japan lists only a warning triangle as compulsory; the Netherlands recommends triangle, vest, first-aid kit and extinguisher without requiring any.

If something goes wrong: contacts and tolls

The Netherlands has no motorway tolls; the Kiltunnel costs EUR 2 in cash or EUR 1.45 with a Telecard, and the Westerscheldetunnel has been free for cars since 30 December 2024. Dial 112 in the Netherlands for every service; in Japan 110 is police and 119 fire and ambulance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which permit does Japan accept for a Dutch driver?

Only the 1949 Geneva Convention type.

What is the Dutch motorway limit at night?

120 or 130 km/h where signed; by day (06:00-19:00) it is 100 km/h.

Where is 130 km/h allowed all day in the Netherlands?

On the A7 Afsluitdijk, the A7 Winschoten to the German border and the A6 Lelystad to Ketelbrug sections, since 14 April 2025.

Is the Dutch phone fine really EUR 440?

Yes, plus EUR 9 in administration costs.

Which country has the lower alcohol limit?

Japan, at 0.03% against 0.05%.