No, leaving a car running unattended is prohibited under Dutch traffic law due to heightened anti-theft and environmental measures. The Reglement Verkeersregels en Verkeerstekens 1990 (RVV 1990) explicitly bans this practice, with enforcement tightening under the 2024 Wet Voertuigregistratie amendments. Local municipalities, particularly in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, may impose additional fines up to €140 under municipal ordinances, while the Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer (RDW) monitors repeat offenders via the Kentekenregister.
Key Regulations for Leaving Your Car Running Unattended in Netherlands
- RVV 1990, Article 5.18: Explicitly prohibits leaving a motor vehicle unattended while the engine is running, citing public safety and theft prevention. Violations are classified as verkeersovertredingen (traffic offenses).
- Municipal Enforcement (2024–2026): Cities like Utrecht and The Hague have introduced milieuzones (low-emission zones) with supplementary bans, where unattended idling triggers fines under local Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening (APV) regulations.
- RDW Monitoring & Penalties: The RDW’s Voertuigregistratiesysteem flags repeat offenders, enabling cumulative fines. Since 2025, third violations may result in temporary vehicle registration suspension under the Wegenverkeerswet 1994.